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400-007 · Question #161

400-007 Question #161: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

The correct answer is D: at the aggregation layer because it is the Layer 2 to Layer 3 demarcation point. In a three-layer design with a Layer 3-only core, the aggregation layer is the optimal termination point for a Layer 2 interconnection because it serves as the boundary between Layer 2 and Layer 3 domains.

Question

Company XYZ, a global content provider, owns data centers on different continents. Their data center design involves a standard three-layer design with a Layer 3-only core. HSRP is used as the FHRP. They require VLAN extension across access switches in all data centers, and they plan to purchase a Layer 2 interconnection between two of their data centers in Europe. In the absence of other business or technical constraints, which termination point is optimal for the layer 2 interconnection?

Options

  • Aat the access layer because the STP root bridge does not need to align with the HSRP active
  • Bat the core layer, to offer the possibility to isolate STP domains
  • Cat the core layer because all external connections must terminate there for security reasons
  • Dat the aggregation layer because it is the Layer 2 to Layer 3 demarcation point

Explanation

In a three-layer design with a Layer 3-only core, the aggregation layer is the optimal termination point for a Layer 2 interconnection because it serves as the boundary between Layer 2 and Layer 3 domains.

Common mistakes.

  • A. Terminating at the access layer would extend STP domains unnecessarily deep into the network, increasing convergence complexity and failure blast radius rather than reducing it.
  • B. The core in this design is explicitly Layer 3 only, making it technically incapable of terminating a Layer 2 interconnection regardless of STP domain isolation benefits.
  • C. There is no valid design principle requiring all external connections to terminate at the core for security - this is not supported by Cisco data center hierarchical design guidelines.

Concept tested. Layer 2 interconnection termination point in three-tier DC design

Reference. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/solutions/Enterprise/Data_Center/DC_Infra2_5/DCinf_ch3.html

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