ACP ACP Network Infrastructure & Design 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the three layers in the traditional hierarchical network design model?
- Edge, Core, Cloud
- Access, Distribution, Core (Correct answer)
- Ingress, Routing, Egress
- LAN, MAN, WAN
Correct answer: Access, Distribution, Core
The traditional hierarchical model consists of Access (endpoint connectivity), Distribution (policy and inter-VLAN routing), and Core (high-speed backbone) layers.
Question 2: What is the primary advantage of a collapsed core network design?
- It adds an extra layer of redundancy by doubling the core switches
- It reduces cost and complexity by merging the distribution and core layers into one (Correct answer)
- It isolates broadcast domains more effectively than three-tier designs
- It provides higher throughput by separating routing from switching
Correct answer: It reduces cost and complexity by merging the distribution and core layers into one
A collapsed core design merges the distribution and core layers into a single tier, reducing hardware costs and management complexity, typically used in smaller campus networks.
Question 3: What is Aruba VSX (Virtual Switching Extension)?
- A protocol for extending VLANs across WAN links
- An active-active switch virtualization technology providing redundancy without spanning tree (Correct answer)
- A virtual overlay network for connecting remote data centers
- A feature for stacking up to eight Aruba switches into a single logical unit
Correct answer: An active-active switch virtualization technology providing redundancy without spanning tree
Aruba VSX creates an active-active switch pair that appears as a single logical device, providing redundancy and load sharing without relying on spanning tree protocols.
Question 4: What is the primary role of the distribution layer in a hierarchical campus network?
- To provide physical connectivity to end devices like PCs and phones
- To serve as the high-speed packet-forwarding backbone between wiring closets
- To aggregate access layer connections and enforce inter-VLAN routing and policies (Correct answer)
- To connect the campus network to the internet and WAN circuits
Correct answer: To aggregate access layer connections and enforce inter-VLAN routing and policies
The distribution layer aggregates uplinks from access switches, performs inter-VLAN routing, and enforces QoS, security, and traffic policies before forwarding to the core.
Question 5: What is the purpose of an Aruba switch VSF (Virtual Switching Framework) stack?
- To virtually connect switches at different physical locations over IP
- To combine up to eight physical switches into a single logical management and forwarding entity (Correct answer)
- To provide a backup control plane for the primary switch
- To enable VXLAN tunneling between data center switches
Correct answer: To combine up to eight physical switches into a single logical management and forwarding entity
Aruba VSF allows up to eight CX switches to be stacked into one logical switch with a single management interface, IP address, and forwarding plane.
Question 6: Which Aruba switching series is purpose-built for cloud-native, intent-based networking with a modern Linux-based OS?
- Aruba 2930 Series
- Aruba CX Series (AOS-CX) (Correct answer)
- Aruba 5400R Series running ArubaOS-Switch
- Aruba 8400 Series running ProVision
Correct answer: Aruba CX Series (AOS-CX)
The Aruba CX switch series runs AOS-CX, a modern Linux-based, REST API-native operating system designed for automation and intent-based networking.
ACP ACP Network Infrastructure & Design 1
What are the three layers in the traditional hierarchical network design model?