*The issue described is a network bottleneck due to increased traffic after a merger.
*A collapsed core architecture consolidates the core and distribution layers into a single layer to improve efficiency and reduce latency.
*Until the 40GB switch is acquired, Link Aggregation (LAG) (IEEE 802.3ad / LACP) can be used to combine multiple physical links into a single logical link, increasing bandwidth and reducing bottlenecks.
*FHRP (First Hop Redundancy Protocol) (A) is used for gateway redundancy, not link aggregation.
*Route selection metric changes (B) help with routing decisions but don't address physical link congestion.
*Load balancers (C) distribute traffic for applications, not network links.
#Reference: CompTIA Network+ N10-009 Official Documentation - Network Architecture and Performance Optimization.

BNC connectors are commonly used for coaxial cables, including those connecting to external antennas in Wi- Fi, radio, and surveillance systems.
Breakdown of Options:
A). BNC - Correct answer. Used for coaxial cables in wireless and antenna connections.
B). ST - Used for fiber optic cables, not antennas.
C). LC - A fiber optic connector, not for antennas.
D). MPO - Used for multi-fiber optic cables, not RF antennas.
Reference:
CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) Official Study Guide - Domain 1.1: Compare and contrast physical network connectors.
IEEE 802.11: Wireless standards and antenna connectors

A toner and probe tool, also known as a tone generator and probe, is used to trace and identify individual cables within a bundle or to locate the termination points of cables in wiring closets and patch panels. It generates a tone that can be picked up by the probe, helping technicians quickly and accurately identify and label wall plates and wiring. This is the best tool for identifying proper wiring in the Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF). Reference: CompTIA Network+ Exam Objectives and official study guides.

The best solution here is band steering. Band steering allows modern wireless access points to automatically direct dual-band capable clients toward the 5 GHz band instead of the crowded 2.4 GHz band. The 5 GHz band has more available non-overlapping channels and can provide faster speeds with less interference, especially in dense environments. Devices that only support 2.4 GHz will remain on that band, while compatible devices enjoy the improved performance of 5 GHz.
A . 802.1X is a port-based network access control method for authentication. While important for security, it does not affect wireless channel utilization or client throughput.
B . MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) is a technology that improves throughput by using multiple antennas to send/receive simultaneously, but it does not actively steer clients between frequency bands.
C . ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier) is just the network name for a set of APs in the same WLAN; it has no role in optimizing performance by band.
By implementing band steering, administrators reduce channel overlap on the 2.4 GHz band, improve spectral efficiency, and provide higher performance to capable devices, directly meeting the requirements described in the scenario.

Definition of SD-WAN:
Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) is a technology that simplifies the management and operation of a WAN by decoupling the networking hardware from its control mechanism. It allows for centralized management and enhanced security.
Benefits of SD-WAN:
Reduced Provisioning Time: SD-WAN enables quick and easy deployment of new sites with centralized control and automation.
Security: Incorporates advanced security features such as encryption, secure tunneling, and integrated firewalls.
Scalability: Easily scales to accommodate additional sites and bandwidth requirements.
Comparison with Other Technologies:
VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN): Primarily used for network virtualization within data centers.
VPN (Virtual Private Network): Provides secure connections but does not offer the centralized management and provisioning efficiency of SD-WAN.
NFV (Network Functions Virtualization): Virtualizes network services but does not specifically address WAN management and provisioning.
Implementation:
SD-WAN solutions are implemented by deploying edge devices at each site and connecting them to a central controller. This allows for dynamic routing, traffic management, and security policy enforcement.
Reference:
CompTIA Network+ course materials and networking solution guides.