Into which category of packet networking does the Cisco NCS 4000 Series fit?

Question

Options

• Aaggregation
• Bedge
• Caccess
• Dcore

• A
  86% (19)
• B
  5% (1)
• C
  9% (2)

Explanation

Cisco NCS 4000 Series routers are purpose-built for the aggregation layer, where they collect and consolidate traffic from multiple access or edge nodes before forwarding it toward the core network. This positions them as a middle tier - acting as a traffic consolidation point optimized for high-density, efficient handoff rather than last-mile or backbone roles.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• B (Edge): Edge routers sit at the boundary between a provider's network and external networks (e.g., internet peering points); the NCS 4000 operates deeper inside the network.
• C (Access): Access devices are closest to end-users (DSLAMs, OLTs, cell towers); the NCS 4000 aggregates from these, not at them.
• D (Core): Core routers (like Cisco's NCS 6000 or CRS) handle the highest-speed backbone transport; the NCS 4000 feeds into the core rather than comprising it.

Memory tip: Think of the network as a river system - access is the small streams (end users), aggregation is where streams combine into a river (NCS 4000), and core is the main channel carrying the full flow. The NCS 4000's name cue is its density of tributary connections, not raw backbone throughput.

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