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Difficulty: MediumNetwork Components Roles and Functions

A network engineer is auditing infrastructure hardware and operational roles across an enterprise campus network. Match each network component on the left with its primary operational function on the right.

  • Core SwitchProvides high-speed, low-latency backbone transport without compute-intensive packet filtering.
  • Access SwitchConnects end-user devices directly to the network and enforces port security policies.
  • Lightweight Access Point (LAP)Handles real-time 802.11 frame processing while delegating management functions to a central controller.
  • Enterprise RouterDetermines optimal paths between distinct IP subnets and terminates Layer 2 broadcast domains.

Answer

Core Switch matches high-speed backbone transport without heavy filtering; Access Switch matches connecting endpoints and enforcing port security; Lightweight Access Point matches real-time 802.11 processing with central controller management; Enterprise Router matches path determination between IP subnets and broadcast domain termination.
Each component is correctly matched to its standard Cisco three-tier hierarchical architecture role or split-MAC wireless model: Core switches provide low-latency backbone transport; Access switches connect endpoints; Lightweight APs process 802.11 frames while managed by a central controller; Routers make Layer 3 forwarding decisions between subnets and isolate broadcast domains.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary role of the Core Switch
Matched to high-speed backbone transport with minimal overhead.
Core devices prioritize raw switching speed and low latency across the network backbone.
2
Identify the primary role of the Access Switch
Matched to end-user device connectivity and edge port security.
Access switches represent the entry point for endpoint devices and enforce boundary policies.
3
Identify the primary role of the Lightweight Access Point (LAP)
Matched to handling real-time 802.11 wireless traffic offloading control to a WLC.
Split-MAC architecture assigns real-time wireless tasks to the LAP and management to the WLC.
4
Identify the primary role of the Enterprise Router
Matched to inter-subnet path determination and broadcast domain isolation.
Routers operate at Layer 3 to connect distinct networks and block Layer 2 broadcast frames.

Key Concept

Hierarchical network layers and specialized device roles (Core, Access, LAP split-MAC, and Layer 3 Routing).
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Network Components Roles and Functions

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