- A
Separate VLANs for DMZ and internal networks
VLANs provide logical segmentation at Layer 2.
- B
A firewall that only permits necessary inbound traffic to the DMZ and restricts outbound traffic from the DMZ to internal
Firewall rules between segments enforce traffic control.
- C
Network Access Control (NAC) on all endpoints
Why wrong: NAC controls device access, not segmentation between networks.
- D
A separate IP subnet for the DMZ
Why wrong: A subnet is a logical addressing scheme, not a control itself; segmentation requires VLAN or firewall.
- E
An intrusion detection system (IDS) monitoring traffic between segments
Why wrong: IDS is for detection, not segmentation.
Question 392 of 1,000
SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of network and communications security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A security engineer is designing a network segmentation strategy to isolate a DMZ containing public-facing web servers from the internal corporate network. Which TWO controls should be implemented? (Select two)
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
✓
Separate VLANs for DMZ and internal networks
A firewall with rules restricting traffic between DMZ and internal networks, and separate VLANs for DMZ and internal networks, are key segmentation controls. IDS/IPS are detection, not segmentation. NAC controls access, not segmentation. DMZ subnet is a concept, not a control.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Separate VLANs for DMZ and internal networks
Why this is correct
VLANs provide logical segmentation at Layer 2.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✓
A firewall that only permits necessary inbound traffic to the DMZ and restricts outbound traffic from the DMZ to internal
- ✗
Network Access Control (NAC) on all endpoints
Why it's wrong here
NAC controls device access, not segmentation between networks.
- ✗
A separate IP subnet for the DMZ
- ✗
An intrusion detection system (IDS) monitoring traffic between segments
Why it's wrong here
IDS is for detection, not segmentation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
- Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
- Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
- Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
- Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
- Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related SSCP questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Network and Communications Security — This question tests Network and Communications Security — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Separate VLANs for DMZ and internal networks — A firewall with rules restricting traffic between DMZ and internal networks, and separate VLANs for DMZ and internal networks, are key segmentation controls. IDS/IPS are detection, not segmentation. NAC controls access, not segmentation. DMZ subnet is a concept, not a control.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related SSCP questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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