In which of the following applications might a WLAN be deployed in a distribution layer role?

• A. As a building-to-building bridge used to link corporate network segments.
• B. As a campus-wide wireless access for students.
• C. As a data center interconnect for servers.
• D. As an indoor single-room access point.

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is where a WLAN fits in a layered network design, specifically the role of the distribution layer as the aggregation point that ties together multiple access points and network segments, often handling inter-VLAN routing, policy, and inter-site connectivity.

The best choice describes using a wireless bridge to connect two corporate network segments across buildings. That setup functions as a backbone/aggregation link between sites, which is exactly what the distribution layer handles: interconnecting segments, carrying traffic between areas, and applying routing and policies as traffic moves between parts of the campus or organization.

Deploying WLAN for campus-wide student access is typically an access-layer role, focusing on providing wireless connectivity to end devices rather than interconnecting network segments. Using WLAN for data center interconnect would usually rely on high-speed wired links or specialized fabrics rather than wireless, since the data center requires very low latency and high throughput. An indoor single-room access point also serves end users directly and sits at the access layer, not at the distribution layer.

So, a WLAN used as a building-to-building bridge best fits the distribution layer role because it serves as the backbone that links separate network segments and enables centralized policy and routing between them.