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SSCP Practice Question: A network has multiple VLANs with an IDS deployed…
A network has multiple VLANs with an IDS deployed on the core switch using SPAN ports. The IDS is missing some packets during high traffic periods. What is the best course of action to improve packet capture reliability?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the misconception that increasing buffers or adding more SPAN sessions can solve packet loss, when the real issue is the inherent unreliability of SPAN port replication under high load, making inline deployment the only guaranteed solution.
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
✓
Deploy the IDS inline
Deploying the IDS inline ensures that all traffic destined for the monitored segment must pass through the device, eliminating packet loss caused by oversubscription of SPAN ports during high traffic periods. SPAN ports rely on switch fabric replication, which can drop packets when the aggregate traffic exceeds the port's bandwidth or the switch's internal buffer capacity. Inline deployment places the IDS directly in the data path, guaranteeing that every packet is inspected without reliance on replication.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Deploy the IDS inline
Why this is correct
An inline IDS passes all traffic directly through the device, eliminating SPAN port drops and ensuring full visibility.
- ✗
Implement NetFlow for monitoring
Why it's wrong here
NetFlow provides flow statistics, not full packet capture, and would not replace the IDS's need for packets.
- ✗
Use multiple SPAN sessions
Why it's wrong here
Multiple SPAN sessions still share switch resources and can overload the switch fabric.
- ✗
Increase the SPAN port buffer
Why it's wrong here
Increasing buffer may reduce drops but does not address the root cause of oversubscription; inline deployment is more reliable.
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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.