CompTIA Cloud+ Practice Test

Which network topology should be used to segment traffic effectively?

1. Metropolitan Area Networks

2. Local Area Networks

3. Virtual Local Area Networks

4. Wide Area Networks

The correct answer is: Virtual Local Area Networks

Using Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) is an effective way to segment traffic within a network. VLANs allow network administrators to create logically separate networks within the same physical infrastructure, which can improve both performance and security. VLANs function by grouping devices into different broadcast domains, meaning that devices in different VLANs do not directly communicate with each other unless routed through a Layer 3 device. This segmentation reduces the amount of broadcast traffic on the network, which can lead to enhanced performance. Additionally, VLANs can isolate sensitive data or systems from less secure areas of the network, thereby enhancing security. In contrast, while Local Area Networks can work well for connecting devices in a specific area, they do not inherently provide the same level of traffic segmentation and management as VLANs. Metropolitan Area Networks and Wide Area Networks deal with broader geographic connectivity and do not inherently address segmentation on the same level as VLANs do. Therefore, for effective traffic management and segmentation within a network, VLANs are the optimal choice.