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350-401 · Question #868

Which of the following are the two components of the two-tier modern data center design? (Choose two.)

The correct answer is D. Leaf E. Spine. The modern two-tier data center design, known as Spine-Leaf, utilizes Leaf switches for server connectivity and Spine switches for high-speed inter-Leaf communication.

Submitted by satoshi_tk· Mar 6, 2026Architecture

Question

Which of the following are the two components of the two-tier modern data center design? (Choose two.)

Options

  • ADistribution
  • BCore
  • CAccess
  • DLeaf
  • ESpine

How the community answered

(29 responses)
  • A
    7% (2)
  • C
    3% (1)
  • D
    90% (26)

Why each option

The modern two-tier data center design, known as Spine-Leaf, utilizes Leaf switches for server connectivity and Spine switches for high-speed inter-Leaf communication.

ADistribution

Distribution is a component of the classical three-tier hierarchical network design, not the modern two-tier data center design.

BCore

Core is a component of the classical three-tier hierarchical network design, not the modern two-tier data center design.

CAccess

Access is a component of the classical three-tier hierarchical network design, distinct from the Leaf layer in modern data centers, though serving a similar edge function.

DLeafCorrect

Leaf switches connect directly to servers and to every Spine switch, forming the access layer and providing connectivity for endpoints in a Spine-Leaf topology.

ESpineCorrect

Spine switches form the high-speed backbone of the data center, interconnecting every Leaf switch to ensure low-latency and high-bandwidth communication.

Concept tested: Modern two-tier data center design (Spine-Leaf)

Source: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/solutions/CVD/DC/CVD-Data-Center-Design-Guide.html

Topics

#data center design#leaf-spine#two-tier#spine layer

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