In a network design, there are three distribution layers and one data center. What are the two main reasons for using a core layer in this design? (Choose two.)

Layer 3 routing capabilities are a function of the distribution layer, not the core - the distribution layer is where VLANs are terminated and inter-VLAN routing occurs.

Without a core layer, every distribution layer switch must connect directly to every other distribution layer switch in a full mesh, consuming a large number of uplink ports. The core layer acts as a central aggregation point, so each distribution switch only needs uplinks to the core, dramatically reducing port consumption.

The core layer becomes necessary once there are two or more distribution layer blocks that need to communicate. Connecting them peer-to-peer creates an unscalable full mesh, so the core provides a dedicated, high-speed interconnect layer for inter-distribution traffic.

Deep packet inspection and security policy enforcement are distribution layer or dedicated security appliance functions; the core layer is intentionally kept simple for fast packet forwarding.

Forwarding speed is not an exclusive trait of the core layer - modern distribution layer switches can forward at equivalent line rates, so speed alone does not justify adding a core layer.