SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
A company wants to deploy a network IDS that can analyze traffic patterns and detect anomalies. Where should the IDS sensor be placed to monitor all traffic on a network segment without introducing latency?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Connected to a switch SPAN port
A passive tap or SPAN port allows the IDS to monitor traffic without being inline, avoiding latency.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Inline between the router and the switch
Why it's wrong here
Inline placement would introduce latency if the IDS fails open or closed.
- ✗
At the core switch as a transparent bridge
Why it's wrong here
Transparent bridge is inline and may introduce latency.
- ✗
On the same segment as the router
Why it's wrong here
Simply being on the same segment may not see all traffic.
- ✓
Connected to a switch SPAN port
Why this is correct
SPAN port copies traffic for monitoring without affecting flow.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SSCP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SSCP exam.