1.2 Network Topology Architectures

1.2.a Two-tier
1.2.b Three-tier
1.2.c Spine-leaf
1.2.d WAN
1.2.e Small office/home office (SOHO)
1.2.f On-premises and cloud

CCNA Exam Preparation v1.1 (200-301) – 1.2 Network Topology Architectures

Quiz

Multiple Choice (20 questions)

1. In a two-tier network, which two layers are present?
   • A) Access and Core
   • B) Access and Distribution
   • C) Distribution and Core
   • D) Core and Edge
2. Which layer is added in a three-tier design that is not present in a two-tier architecture?
   • A) Security layer
   • B) Core layer
   • C) Edge layer
   • D) Cloud layer
3. Which architecture is most often used in modern data centers?
   • A) Two-tier
   • B) Three-tier
   • C) Spine-leaf
   • D) Mesh
4. In spine-leaf, what is the connection pattern between switches?
   • A) Leafs connect only to other leafs
   • B) Spines connect only to other spines
   • C) Every leaf connects to every spine
   • D) Leafs connect directly to endpoints only
5. What is a main benefit of spine-leaf design?
   • A) Minimal cabling required
   • B) Predictable latency and equal hops between any two devices
   • C) Lower cost than SOHO setups
   • D) Eliminates need for routing protocols
6. The purpose of the distribution layer in a two-tier architecture is:
   • A) Provide wireless connectivity
   • B) Aggregate access switches and apply policy
   • C) Perform NAT for internet access
   • D) Replace the core layer
7. In a three-tier design, which layer provides high-speed backbone connectivity?
   • A) Access
   • B) Distribution
   • C) Core
   • D) Edge
8. Which type of traffic is spine-leaf optimized for?
   • A) North-south traffic (client to server)
   • B) East-west traffic (server to server)
   • C) WAN traffic only
   • D) Broadcast traffic
9. Which of these best describes a WAN?
   • A) Network limited to one building
   • B) Connects LANs across geographic distances
   • C) Always wireless
   • D) Consists only of routers
10. Which WAN technology typically uses service provider infrastructure?

• A) VLANs
• B) MPLS
• C) PoE
• D) Spanning Tree

11. SOHO networks are usually based on:

• A) A single all-in-one router
• B) Multiple distribution and core switches
• C) Dedicated firewalls and WLCs
• D) MPLS edge routers

12. A disadvantage of SOHO networks is:

• A) Easy to deploy
• B) Low cost
• C) Limited scalability and security
• D) Simple to manage

13. On-premises networking means:

• A) All devices are virtualized in the cloud
• B) Hardware is owned and managed locally
• C) No routers are required
• D) Internet connection is not needed

14. Cloud networking typically provides:

• A) More manual maintenance
• B) Reduced scalability
• C) Centralized management and flexibility
• D) No dependency on internet access

15. Which is an example of a hybrid model?

• A) A LAN with VLANs
• B) Using both IPv4 and IPv6
• C) Combining on-premises and cloud resources
• D) Having two ISPs

16. The access layer in both two-tier and three-tier designs is responsible for:

• A) Connecting end devices to the network
• B) Providing high-speed backbone connectivity
• C) Running dynamic routing protocols
• D) Managing cloud integration

17. Which design is simpler and less costly but less scalable?

• A) Two-tier
• B) Three-tier
• C) Spine-leaf
• D) WAN

18. Which design is most common in very large enterprise networks?

• A) Two-tier
• B) Three-tier
• C) SOHO
• D) Bus topology

19. Which of these is most likely to be used by remote workers at home?

• A) SOHO
• B) WAN with MPLS
• C) Spine-leaf
• D) Three-tier

20. What is a challenge of WAN design?

• A) Requires no service providers
• B) Unlimited bandwidth available
• C) Must balance cost, redundancy, and latency
• D) Uses only wireless links

Fill in the Blank (5 questions)

21. In a two-tier design, the __________ layer connects end devices.
22. The three-tier architecture includes access, distribution, and __________ layers.
23. In spine-leaf, all leaf switches connect to all __________ switches.
24. A SOHO router often combines routing, switching, __________, and firewall functions.
25. Many organizations use a __________ model that combines on-premises and cloud services.

Answer Key

1. B) Access and Distribution
2. B) Core layer
3. C) Spine-leaf
4. C) Every leaf connects to every spine
5. B) Predictable latency and equal hops between any two devices
6. B) Aggregate access switches and apply policy
7. C) Core
8. B) East-west traffic (server to server)
9. B) Connects LANs across geographic distances
10. B) MPLS
11. A) A single all-in-one router
12. C) Limited scalability and security
13. B) Hardware is owned and managed locally
14. C) Centralized management and flexibility
15. C) Combining on-premises and cloud resources
16. A) Connecting end devices to the network
17. A) Two-tier
18. B) Three-tier
19. A) SOHO
20. C) Must balance cost, redundancy, and latency
21. Access
22. Core
23. Spine
24. Wireless
25. Hybrid