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Difficulty: MediumNetwork Topologies and Types

A network engineer is designing a core infrastructure interconnecting five datacenter switches. The design must provide maximum fault tolerance and link redundancy without relying on an intermediate core hub. Which TWO of the following statements correctly describe the physical requirements and operational characteristics of implementing a full-mesh topology in this scenario?

  1. Connecting all five core switches in this topology requires a total of 1010 dedicated physical point-to-point links.Answer
  2. Every switch maintains a direct physical connection to every other switch, eliminating single points of failure between core nodes.Answer
  3. C
    Establishing physical mesh connections between switches automatically eliminates the need for Layer 3 routing by merging all connected switches into a single broadcast domain.
  4. D
    Adding redundant mesh links automatically doubles interface throughput by forcing all ports into full-duplex mode without administrative configuration.

Answer

Connecting all five core switches requires a total of 10 dedicated physical links, and every switch maintains a direct point-to-point connection to every other switch.
In a full-mesh topology consisting of 5 switches, the link calculation formula n(n−1)2\frac{n(n-1)}{2} specifies exactly 10 dedicated physical links. Additionally, the defining characteristic of a full-mesh topology is that every node has a direct connection to every other node, providing complete path redundancy.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Calculate the required physical link count for a 5-node full-mesh topology
Using n=5n = 5 in n(n−1)2\frac{n(n-1)}{2} yields 5×42=10\frac{5 \times 4}{2} = 10 links.
A full-mesh topology requires a dedicated connection between every unique pair of devices.
2
Evaluate the architectural redundancy of full mesh
Direct connections exist between all nodes.
This guarantees that no individual switch or cable failure will isolate any remaining device.
3
Identify misconceptions regarding Layer 3 boundaries and duplex modes
Physical mesh cabling does not replace Layer 3 routing nor automatically reconfigure port duplex settings.
Physical layout dictates path availability, whereas broadcast domain boundaries and port configurations operate at Layer 2/3 and interface configuration levels.

Key Concept

Full-Mesh Network Topology Link Calculations and Redundancy Characteristics
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Topics

Network Topologies and Types

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