CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What advantage does a collapsed core architecture offer for small businesses?

1. Increased redundancy through separate layers

2. Lower costs by combining layers

3. Improved performance with extra resources

4. Fully optimized data flow management

The correct answer is: Lower costs by combining layers

A collapsed core architecture is designed specifically to streamline network operations by combining the core, distribution, and access layers into one layer. This offers substantial cost savings, which is particularly beneficial for small businesses that may not have extensive budgets for networking equipment and infrastructure. By reducing the number of devices and the complexity of the network architecture, the combination of layers means fewer hardware costs, lower maintenance expenses, and simpler management. In this architecture, small businesses can also achieve sufficient performance without investing in a full-scale separate core and distribution layer, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively. The consolidation reduces the need for multiple devices and can minimize the capital and operational expenditures associated with managing a more traditional multi-layered architecture. This is crucial for smaller organizations that need to be cost-effective while still maintaining reliable network performance.