Reducing Hardware in Network Redesign: A Solution for VLAN Routing

A Solution for VLAN Routing

Prev Question Next Question

Question

An administrator is redesigning a company's network and wants to reduce the amount of hardware needed.

Currently, all VLAN routing goes out a single switch interface to a router.

Which of the following would reduce the number of devices in this configuration?

A.

Bridge B.

Multilayer switch C.

Switch D.

Next-generation firewall.

B.

Explanations

An administrator is redesigning a company's network and wants to reduce the amount of hardware needed.

Currently, all VLAN routing goes out a single switch interface to a router.

Which of the following would reduce the number of devices in this configuration?

A.

Bridge

B.

Multilayer switch

C.

Switch

D.

Next-generation firewall.

B.

The correct answer to the question is B. Multilayer switch.

Explanation:

A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a logical grouping of devices on a network, and VLAN routing is the process of forwarding traffic between different VLANs. In the current configuration, all VLAN routing goes out a single switch interface to a router, which means that each VLAN has to communicate with the router to access resources on other VLANs. This configuration requires a lot of hardware, as each VLAN needs its own physical connection to the router.

To reduce the amount of hardware needed, the administrator should consider using a multilayer switch. A multilayer switch is a switch that can perform routing functions in addition to switching functions. With a multilayer switch, VLAN routing can be performed directly on the switch, eliminating the need for a separate router. This configuration reduces the number of devices needed and simplifies the network design.

Option A, a bridge, is a networking device that connects two LANs together and forwards traffic between them. Bridges are typically used to segment a network and reduce congestion, but they do not perform routing functions and cannot be used to reduce the number of devices in this configuration.

Option C, a switch, is a networking device that connects devices together on a LAN and forwards traffic between them. Switches are essential for creating VLANs, but they cannot perform routing functions, so they cannot be used to reduce the number of devices in this configuration.

Option D, a next-generation firewall, is a type of firewall that includes advanced features such as intrusion detection and prevention, malware detection, and application awareness. While a next-generation firewall can be used to secure a network, it cannot be used to reduce the number of devices in this configuration.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is B. Multilayer switch.