Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR) — Question 167

What is the difference between CEF and process switching?

Answer options

• A. CEF processes packets that are too complex for process switching to manage.
• B. Process switching is faster than CEF.
• C. CEF uses the FIB and the adjacency table to make forwarding decisions, whereas process switching punts each packet.
• D. CEF is more CPU-intensive than process switching.

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer, C, accurately describes that CEF utilizes both the FIB and adjacency table for efficient packet forwarding, while process switching directs each packet to the CPU, which is less efficient. Option A is incorrect because CEF is designed to handle complex packets more efficiently than process switching, not the other way around. Option B is wrong since process switching is generally slower than CEF, and option D is also incorrect as CEF is designed to be less CPU-intensive compared to process switching.