Network Segmentation

5 minutes 5 Questions

Network segmentation is the process of splitting a network into different subnetworks (also called segments) to enhance security and performance. By segregating different network areas, it prevents unauthorized traffic or data from moving across the network and accessing sensitive resources. Networ…

Guide: Understanding Network Segmentation in CompTIA Network+

What is Network Segmentation?
Network segmentation is a network design practice where a network is divided into smaller parts, or segments to improve network performance and security. Each segment operates separately from the others.

Why is it Important?
Network segmentation is critical for several reasons: It improves network performance by reducing congestion, enhances security by limiting the spread of malware or a hacker’s access to parts of the network, and helps with network traffic management.

How Does it Work?
Network segmentation works by separating a larger network into several smaller, isolated networks, or segments. This is achieved through tactics such as VLANs, subnets, or firewalls. Devices on one segment are unable to communicate directly with devices on another segment without going through a router or firewall.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Network Segmentation
When answering questions on network segmentation, keep in mind the key reasons for its use: security and performance. Showcase your understanding of key tactics like use of firewalls, VLANs and subnetting. Also, be prepared to respond to scenario-based questions where you may need to recommend appropriate segmentation strategies.

In conclusion, with a strong understanding of network segmentation, you are well-equipped to navigate questions on this topic in the CompTIA Network+ exam.

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CompTIA Network+ - Network Segmentation Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Network Segmentation

Question 1

A company is expanding its network and wants to improve network segmentation to maintain proper security. The network administrator is given the task to segment the network. Which of the following network devices would be most appropriate to use?

Layer 3 switch Layer 2 switch Hub Network tap

Correct Answer: Layer 3 switch

The correct answer is a Layer 3 switch. In contrast to a Layer 2 switch which operates only on the data link layer, a Layer 3 switch includes the functionality of both a switch and a router. It can process and direct traffic based on the specific IP addresses of the network devices. This enables a more sophisticated method of network segmentation, enhancing the security and efficiency of the network, making it the optimal choice for a company expanding its network and wanting to improve network segmentation. On the other hand, a Hub is a basic network device that replicates data packets to all other ports, ignoring specific IP addresses. This lack of segmentation is contrary to the objective of improving network security. Similarly, a Layer 2 switch operates at the data link layer and does not perform routing or segmentation based on IP addresses. Therefore, it is less capable in terms of network segmentation than a Layer 3 switch. Lastly, a Network tap is a hardware device which provides a way to access the data flowing across a network. Its main purpose is not network segmentation, but to monitor or analyze network traffic.

Question 2

An organization has two departments: Accounting and HR. The company's network administrator wants to keep the departments' network traffic isolated from each other while using a single switch. What network segmentation method should be used?

Enable port mirroring Configure VLANs on the switch Change the default gateway Block inter-department traffic with a firewall

Correct Answer: Configure VLANs on the switch

The best network segmentation method to be used in this scenario is to 'Configure VLANs on the switch'. VLANs or Virtual Local Area Networks allow a network administrator to group hosts under the same switch together even if they are not on the same network segment. This will ensure that the Accounting and HR departments' network traffic remains isolated from each other while using a single switch. The other alternatives are not the best methods for this specific requirement. 'Enable port mirroring' is usually used for debugging purposes and does not isolate traffic. 'Block inter-department traffic with a firewall' is not as efficient as using VLANs because it requires manual configuration of each department's IP address. And lastly, 'Change the default gateway' would not help isolating the network traffic.

Question 3

After a security audit, a company decides to implement stricter network segmentation. The IT team decides to use VLANs for this purpose. What would be the primary security advantage of using VLANs?

Control network access through firewall rules Hide devices' IP addresses Isolate network traffic between segments Encrypt data between network devices

Correct Answer: Isolate network traffic between segments

The primary security advantage of using VLANs is to isolate network traffic between segments. This is done by separating the broadcast domains, which increases performance by reducing unnecessary traffic. In turn, this isolation can help enhance network security. Not all traffic is intended for all devices, so segmentation can help contain an attack, limiting the possible damage and making it easier to identify and handle. The other answers are less than optimal. While VLANs can be part of a strategy to control network access through firewall rules, they do not inherently do this. VLANs do not hide devices' IP addresses or encrypt data between network devices. These tasks require other tools or methods.

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