Which statement about network core design is true?
- A collapsed core is a preferred design in big company networks.
- The core layer is not needed unless you have IP telephony.
- A dedicated core layer allows the campus to more easily accommodate growth.
- A collapsed core is preferred to a design where the distribution layer is moved down to the access layer.
Explanation: The core layer serves as the high-speed backbone for campus connectivity and acts as the aggregation point for all other layers and modules. According to the sources, having a dedicated core layer allows the campus to accommodate growth without compromising the design of the distribution blocks, the data center, or the rest of the network. This dedicated layer provides the capacity and scaling capability necessary as the number of distribution blocks, geographical area, or complexity of the campus increases.
In contrast, a collapsed core design—where core and distribution functions are combined into a single physical switch—is typically used in smaller campuses rather than large enterprise networks. Without a separate core layer, distribution switches would need to be fully meshed, a design that is difficult to scale because it requires a significant increase in cabling and routing complexity for each new building or module added to the network. Therefore, while a collapsed core is efficient for smaller sites, a dedicated core is preferred for its ability to provide scalability and minimize risks during network moves, additions, and changes.
Related exam: Modules 1 – 7: Checkpoint Exam: Network Switching Answers (CCNP ENCOR v9)
