Cisco Certified Network Professional Practice Test 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The distribution layer is characterized by VLAN aggregation and high Layer 3 routing capabilities. This layer acts as a bridge between the access layer, where devices like computers and printers connect, and the core layer, which is responsible for high-speed data transfer across the network.

VLAN aggregation is essential at this layer as it collects and consolidates multiple VLANs from different access switches, facilitating efficient data traffic management and segregation. By aggregating these VLANs, the distribution layer can manage broadcast domains effectively and enhance the overall network organization.

Additionally, high Layer 3 routing capabilities at this layer enable more complex forwarding decisions and inter-VLAN routing. This allows for better communication between different VLANs and enhances the ability to implement policies, control traffic, and ensure redundancy and scalability in the network.

Overall, the distribution layer plays a critical role in ensuring that the network is robust, efficient, and capable of handling large volumes of data traffic, which is why it is defined by these characteristics.