CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) — Question 329

A company is expanding to another floor in the same building. The network engineer configures a new switch with the same VLANs as the existing stack. When the network engineer connects the new switch to the existing stack, all users lose connectivity. Which of the following is the most likely reason?

Answer options

• A. The new switch has unused ports disabled.
• B. The new switch does not have a default gateway.
• C. The new switch is connected to an access port.
• D. The new switch is in a spanning tree loop.

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is D because a spanning tree loop can create broadcast storms, leading to network instability and loss of connectivity for users. Options A and B are not likely causes of widespread connectivity loss, and C does not apply since access ports are typically used in a VLAN configuration without causing such issues.