What is the Designing for Cisco Internetwork Solutions (DESGN) Exam?
The Designing for Cisco Internetwork Solutions (DESGN) exam is a crucial certification test for networking professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in designing scalable, reliable, and secure Cisco networks. This exam evaluates your ability to plan and design Cisco network infrastructures, focusing on advanced routing, security, WAN technologies, and data center solutions. Passing the DESGN exam validates your skills in creating efficient and optimized enterprise network architectures.
What Will You Learn?
By practicing with the DESGN Exam Practice Test from Exam Sage, you will gain:
In-depth understanding of Cisco network design principles and methodologies
Mastery over hierarchical network models including core, distribution, and access layers
Knowledge of advanced routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP for scalable designs
Ability to design secure network infrastructures incorporating VPNs, firewalls, and identity services
Skills in integrating WAN technologies and data center network design concepts
Familiarity with Cisco’s latest technologies like SD-WAN, ACI, and FabricPath
Proficiency in implementing redundancy, load balancing, and fault tolerance in network designs
Topics Covered in This Practice Exam
Cisco Network Design Models and Hierarchies
Advanced IP Routing and Switching Design
Security Architecture and Cisco ISE Implementation
WAN Technologies and Connectivity Options
Data Center Network Design and Virtualization
Network Automation and Programmability Basics
Quality of Service (QoS) and Network Management Strategies
Cisco SDN and Software-Defined Networking Concepts
Why Choose Exam Sage for Your DESGN Exam Preparation?
ExamSage.com offers a comprehensive and up-to-date Designing for Cisco Internetwork Solutions practice exam, meticulously crafted by networking experts. Each question is designed to reflect the real exam’s difficulty and scope, complete with detailed explanations to help you understand concepts thoroughly. With Exam Sage, you can:
Practice with realistic questions that mirror current Cisco exam standards
Improve your exam readiness with clear, concise answer explanations
Track your progress and identify areas needing improvement
Access flexible study materials anytime, anywhere
Build confidence to pass the DESGN exam on your first attempt
Prepare smarter and succeed faster with Exam Sage — your trusted partner in Cisco certification success.
Sample Questions and Answers
1. What is the primary goal of the Cisco hierarchical network design model?
A. Increase the number of routing protocols
B. Simplify network troubleshooting
C. Increase network latency
D. Eliminate the need for switches
Answer: B. Simplify network troubleshooting
Explanation:
The Cisco hierarchical model organizes networks into three layers (core, distribution, access), which helps isolate problems and simplifies design, management, and troubleshooting.
2. In a typical three-tier network design, what is the main function of the core layer?
A. Policy enforcement
B. Data filtering
C. High-speed packet switching
D. Device authentication
Answer: C. High-speed packet switching
Explanation:
The core layer focuses on fast and efficient transport across the network without applying policy or packet filtering.
3. Which two design principles are emphasized by Cisco’s Enterprise Architecture model? (Choose two)
A. Redundancy
B. Bottlenecking
C. Modularity
D. Obfuscation
Answer: A. Redundancy, C. Modularity
Explanation:
Redundancy ensures high availability, while modularity provides design flexibility and scalability in enterprise networks.
4. What does the access layer primarily provide in network design?
A. Core routing
B. VPN tunneling
C. End-user connectivity
D. Cloud integration
Answer: C. End-user connectivity
Explanation:
The access layer connects end devices like PCs and printers to the network.
5. Which Cisco technology helps maintain a consistent and manageable address space in large networks?
A. EIGRP
B. NAT
C. VLSM
D. HSRP
Answer: C. VLSM
Explanation:
Variable Length Subnet Masking (VLSM) allows efficient IP address allocation and helps in hierarchical addressing.
6. Which protocol is used for link-state routing in Cisco networks?
A. EIGRP
B. RIP
C. OSPF
D. BGP
Answer: C. OSPF
Explanation:
OSPF is a link-state routing protocol designed for scalability and fast convergence in complex networks.
7. What is the role of the distribution layer in the Cisco network design model?
A. Provide direct access to the internet
B. Aggregate access layer connections
C. Route data between different VLANs
D. Act as a security endpoint
Answer: B. Aggregate access layer connections
Explanation:
The distribution layer connects and manages policies between the access and core layers.
8. Which of the following best defines “scalability” in a network design context?
A. Number of cables used
B. Ability to manage IP conflicts
C. Ability to expand without performance issues
D. Use of VLANs
Answer: C. Ability to expand without performance issues
Explanation:
Scalability refers to the network’s ability to grow while maintaining performance and manageability.
9. What is the purpose of summarization in routing?
A. Increase bandwidth
B. Decrease latency
C. Reduce routing table size
D. Encrypt traffic
Answer: C. Reduce routing table size
Explanation:
Route summarization consolidates multiple routes into a single advertisement, reducing routing table entries.
10. In a network design, what benefit does redundancy provide?
A. Increased security
B. Improved bandwidth
C. High availability
D. Lower cost
Answer: C. High availability
Explanation:
Redundancy ensures continued operation in case of hardware or link failures.
11. Which of the following technologies would best support a scalable WAN connection?
A. DSL
B. MPLS
C. Dial-up
D. Token Ring
Answer: B. MPLS
Explanation:
MPLS is widely used in enterprise WANs for its scalability, QoS, and flexibility.
12. What does the acronym “HSRP” stand for?
A. Host Secure Routing Protocol
B. High Speed Routing Path
C. Hot Standby Router Protocol
D. Host Service Redundancy Protocol
Answer: C. Hot Standby Router Protocol
Explanation:
HSRP provides router redundancy by allowing a backup router to take over if the primary fails.
13. Which layer of the OSI model is primarily concerned with routing?
A. Data Link
B. Network
C. Transport
D. Session
Answer: B. Network
Explanation:
The network layer handles logical addressing and routing through protocols like IP and OSPF.
14. Which protocol does Cisco recommend for secure remote network management?
A. Telnet
B. SNMPv1
C. SSH
D. FTP
Answer: C. SSH
Explanation:
SSH provides encrypted remote command-line access, making it secure for network management.
15. Which Cisco feature allows multiple VLANs on a single physical link?
A. Trunking
B. NAT
C. ACL
D. PortFast
Answer: A. Trunking
Explanation:
Trunk links carry traffic from multiple VLANs using tagging protocols like IEEE 802.1Q.
16. Which of the following should be considered when designing a voice network?
A. Frame size
B. Latency
C. Broadcast domain size
D. NAT configuration
Answer: B. Latency
Explanation:
Voice traffic is sensitive to delays; low latency is critical for call quality.
17. What is a key benefit of implementing VLANs in a network?
A. Increases cabling complexity
B. Improves physical security
C. Enhances network segmentation
D. Reduces IP address usage
Answer: C. Enhances network segmentation
Explanation:
VLANs logically segment networks, improving performance and security.
18. Which protocol allows routers to advertise IP address reachability between autonomous systems?
A. EIGRP
B. OSPF
C. RIP
D. BGP
Answer: D. BGP
Explanation:
BGP is the protocol used for routing between autonomous systems on the internet.
19. What design consideration is most important for a campus backbone network?
A. Cost optimization
B. High throughput
C. NAT configuration
D. Voice VLANs
Answer: B. High throughput
Explanation:
The backbone must support high-speed data transfer between buildings or segments.
20. Which WAN topology offers the most redundancy?
A. Point-to-point
B. Star
C. Full mesh
D. Ring
Answer: C. Full mesh
Explanation:
Full mesh topology connects all nodes to each other, providing the highest level of redundancy.
21. In IPv6, what type of address is used to send data to multiple devices?
A. Unicast
B. Broadcast
C. Multicast
D. Anycast
Answer: C. Multicast
Explanation:
Multicast addresses are used to send data to a group of receivers in IPv6.
22. Which protocol is responsible for dynamic VLAN assignment?
A. STP
B. 802.1X
C. CDP
D. VTP
Answer: B. 802.1X
Explanation:
802.1X allows VLAN assignments based on user credentials through port-based access control.
23. What is the best way to provide secure wireless access in an enterprise network?
A. WEP encryption
B. MAC filtering
C. WPA3 with RADIUS
D. Open access
Answer: C. WPA3 with RADIUS
Explanation:
WPA3 with RADIUS provides robust encryption and centralized authentication for enterprise Wi-Fi.
24. Which type of routing protocol uses hop count as a metric?
A. RIP
B. EIGRP
C. OSPF
D. BGP
Answer: A. RIP
Explanation:
RIP uses hop count to determine the best route, with a maximum of 15 hops.
25. What is the main purpose of the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)?
A. Improve throughput
B. Eliminate IP duplication
C. Prevent Layer 2 loops
D. Encrypt traffic
Answer: C. Prevent Layer 2 loops
Explanation:
STP prevents broadcast storms and loops in Layer 2 networks by blocking redundant paths.
26. Which Cisco tool is best used for network design simulations?
A. Cisco DNA Center
B. Cisco Packet Tracer
C. Webex
D. Cisco ISE
Answer: B. Cisco Packet Tracer
Explanation:
Packet Tracer is a network simulation tool used for designing and testing network configurations.
27. What is the advantage of using EtherChannel in a network design?
A. Reduces IP addressing
B. Combines multiple links into one logical link
C. Replaces spanning tree
D. Increases MTU size
Answer: B. Combines multiple links into one logical link
Explanation:
EtherChannel aggregates bandwidth and provides redundancy by bundling multiple physical links.
28. What feature allows Cisco devices to share Layer 2 topology information?
A. LLDP
B. OSPF
C. CDP
D. VTP
Answer: C. CDP
Explanation:
Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) shares information about directly connected Cisco devices.
29. Which protocol does VTP use to exchange VLAN information?
A. TCP
B. UDP
C. ICMP
D. None (Layer 2)
Answer: D. None (Layer 2)
Explanation:
VTP operates at Layer 2 to propagate VLAN information without using TCP/IP protocols.
30. Which type of addressing provides scalability and efficient routing in large networks?
A. Flat addressing
B. Private addressing
C. Hierarchical addressing
D. Static addressing
Answer: C. Hierarchical addressing
Explanation:
Hierarchical addressing reduces routing table sizes and improves routing efficiency through summarization.
31. What is the primary function of the core layer in the Cisco hierarchical network model?
A. Enforce access control policies
B. Provide end-user connectivity
C. Offer high-speed packet switching
D. Manage network address translations
Correct Answer: C. Offer high-speed packet switching
Explanation:
The core layer is optimized for high-speed forwarding and minimal latency. It is designed to move large volumes of data quickly and efficiently between distribution layers.
32. What is the main benefit of using the Cisco SAFE architecture in network design?
A. Enables stateless routing
B. Enhances physical cable layout
C. Improves network security and segmentation
D. Reduces IP addressing requirements
Correct Answer: C. Improves network security and segmentation
Explanation:
Cisco SAFE provides a security reference architecture that segments and secures traffic using principles like zone-based design and trust boundaries.
33. Which of the following technologies can be used to provide redundancy for default gateways in a VLAN?
A. STP
B. VRRP
C. CDP
D. DHCP
Correct Answer: B. VRRP
Explanation:
Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) allows multiple routers to form a group that appears as a single default gateway to hosts.
34. Which Cisco device is best suited to connect multiple enterprise sites via MPLS?
A. Access switch
B. Wireless LAN controller
C. WAN edge router
D. Firewall appliance
Correct Answer: C. WAN edge router
Explanation:
The WAN edge router is placed at the boundary of an enterprise network and connects to the service provider MPLS cloud, supporting protocols like BGP.
35. Why is it important to use a modular design in large network architectures?
A. To increase device count
B. To allow Layer 1 segmentation
C. To simplify scaling and fault isolation
D. To implement NAT on all layers
Correct Answer: C. To simplify scaling and fault isolation
Explanation:
A modular design separates the network into functional modules (core, distribution, access), making it easier to scale and troubleshoot.
36. What is a characteristic of an overlay network design?
A. It uses only Layer 2 switches
B. It runs independently of the physical topology
C. It requires MPLS at the core
D. It eliminates the need for IP addressing
Correct Answer: B. It runs independently of the physical topology
Explanation:
Overlay networks, like VXLAN, are built on top of physical networks, allowing virtual topologies that are decoupled from the underlying hardware.
37. In the context of Cisco design principles, what does “failure domain” refer to?
A. The area where IP conflicts occur
B. A network segment where a fault can affect connectivity
C. A set of servers sharing the same VLAN
D. A backup path in case of routing failure
Correct Answer: B. A network segment where a fault can affect connectivity
Explanation:
A failure domain is the portion of the network affected by a failure. Reducing the size of failure domains increases overall network resilience.
38. Which of the following tools is commonly used to discover and document a network’s existing topology?
A. Wireshark
B. NetFlow
C. Cisco Prime Infrastructure
D. TACACS+
Correct Answer: C. Cisco Prime Infrastructure
Explanation:
Cisco Prime Infrastructure is used for network management, monitoring, and topology discovery.
39. What is the role of an access distribution switch in a multilayer campus design?
A. Provide backbone connectivity
B. Enforce policy and route traffic between VLANs
C. Act as a backup DHCP server
D. Generate SNMP traps
Correct Answer: B. Enforce policy and route traffic between VLANs
Explanation:
Distribution switches handle inter-VLAN routing, apply QoS and ACL policies, and aggregate access layer traffic.
40. Which protocol is ideal for fast, loop-free convergence in Layer 3 networks?
A. RIP
B. EIGRP
C. Spanning Tree
D. HSRP
Correct Answer: B. EIGRP
Explanation:
EIGRP is a Cisco proprietary protocol that provides rapid convergence, unequal cost load balancing, and is efficient in large enterprise networks.
41. Which WAN topology provides the best redundancy and reliability?
A. Point-to-point
B. Hub-and-spoke
C. Full mesh
D. Partial mesh
Correct Answer: C. Full mesh
Explanation:
In a full mesh topology, every site is directly connected to every other site, offering the highest level of redundancy.
42. What is the key reason for implementing network segmentation in a design?
A. To increase IP address consumption
B. To enhance device count
C. To improve security and manageability
D. To reduce switch performance
Correct Answer: C. To improve security and manageability
Explanation:
Segmentation limits broadcast domains and isolates traffic, improving performance and security.
43. Which of the following is an important consideration when designing a highly available network?
A. Using the fewest devices possible
B. Avoiding redundant paths
C. Implementing dual power supplies and links
D. Using static routing
Correct Answer: C. Implementing dual power supplies and links
Explanation:
Redundancy in power and connectivity ensures that a single point of failure does not take the network down.
44. What is the benefit of using route redistribution between routing protocols?
A. Prevents IP spoofing
B. Simplifies configuration
C. Allows networks using different routing protocols to exchange routes
D. Reduces memory usage
Correct Answer: C. Allows networks using different routing protocols to exchange routes
Explanation:
Route redistribution enables communication between different routing domains, like OSPF and EIGRP.
45. Which access control method is used to restrict physical port access based on MAC addresses?
A. 802.1X
B. RADIUS
C. Port Security
D. DHCP Snooping
Correct Answer: C. Port Security
Explanation:
Port Security on switches restricts access based on MAC addresses, allowing only known devices to connect.
