A network architect is designing an enterprise infrastructure integrating physical networking devices, wireless control elements, and virtualized compute resources. Match each network component on the left to its primary operational function on the right.
- Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW)Enforces stateful security policies, deep packet inspection (DPI), and application visibility beyond basic Layer 4 filtering.
- Centralized Wireless LAN Controller (WLC)Handles control-plane duties including CAPWAP tunnel management, RF management, and centralized client authentication.
- Multilayer Switch (Layer 3 Switch)Performs hardware-accelerated wire-speed Layer 2 frame switching and Layer 3 IP routing using Cisco Express Forwarding (CEF).
- Type 1 HypervisorRuns directly on host hardware to abstract physical compute resources for guest virtual machines without an underlying host OS.
Answer
Next-Generation Firewall matches application visibility and DPI inspection; Centralized WLC matches CAPWAP, RF management, and centralized authentication; Multilayer Switch matches ASIC-based Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 CEF routing; Type 1 Hypervisor matches running directly on host hardware to virtualize guest compute resources.
Each component is correctly paired with its defining architectural role: NGFW provides Layer 7 deep packet inspection and threat security; WLC centralizes CAPWAP and wireless control plane logic; Multilayer Switches process L2 switching and L3 IP routing at line rate using hardware ASICs; Type 1 hypervisors virtualize physical compute directly on bare metal.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Operational Roles and Control/Data Plane Functions of Enterprise Network Infrastructure Components