In the Cisco model, which layer determines the fastest way to handle user requests?

• A. Access Layer
• B. Distribution Layer
• C. Core Layer
• D. Aggregation Layer

Answer: (B)

In Cisco’s three-layer design, the distribution layer handles routing and policy decisions that determine how traffic is moved toward its destination. It gathers traffic from the access layer, decides the best path to the core or between VLANs, and enforces QoS, ACLs, and load-balancing across uplinks. Because this layer implements the routing and traffic-management rules that shape how quickly user requests are serviced, it determines the fastest way to handle those requests. The access layer focuses on end-user connectivity, while the core provides the high-speed backbone; aggregation can be used synonymously with distribution in some designs, but the function described aligns with the distribution layer.