Which layer deals with users directly connecting to the network in Cisco's model?

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

Answer: (A)

End-user devices connect at the edge, which is the Access Layer. This layer provides the actual ports that users and devices plug into and handles tasks like VLAN assignment, port security, and power delivery for devices such as IP phones. It’s where the direct user connectivity happens. The Distribution Layer sits above it, enforcing policies and inter-VLAN routing, while the Core Layer is the fast backbone that moves traffic between distribution points with minimal processing. The Aggregation Layer isn’t the standard Cisco term for where users connect. So, the layer that deals with users directly connecting to the network is the Access Layer.