Which device analyzes internet attacks without affecting latency?
Short answer
B IDS
Question
Key Takeaways
This question tests the key difference between passive monitoring (IDS) and inline security devices (IPS/firewall), with the common trap being to confuse IPS with IDS because both detect intrusions.
The Network+ N10-008 exam asks which security tool can analyze internet-based attacks without adding latency; the community consensus is an IDS, since it monitors traffic passively via port mirroring, unlike an inline IPS.
Common mistake: Choosing IPS (option A) is the most common mistake, because many recall that IPS detects attacks, but they miss the phrase 'without affecting latency' — an IPS sits inline and can introduce latency, whereas an IDS is passive.
Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is a passive device that analyzes traffic copies, usually via port mirroring or a network tap. Because it doesn't sit in the data path, it cannot affect latency, making it ideal for analyzing internet attacks without impacting performance. The question's wording "without affecting latency" directly points to a passive appliance, and the community voted 100% for B, consistent with IDS behavior.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
An IPS (option A) is an inline device that actively blocks attacks, and every packet must pass through it, which adds processing delay and can affect latency. A load balancer (option C) distributes traffic but is not designed to analyze attacks and is also inline. A firewall (option D) filters traffic inline and can introduce latency, plus it's primarily a prevention tool, not an analysis tool for attack patterns.
Community Comment Notes
Comments simply affirm the answer: "B is the correct answer" and "Intrusion Detection System IDS" confirm the choice. One comment mentions "Port Mirroring I'd imagine," which correctly identifies how an IDS receives traffic without being inline — reinforcing why latency is unaffected. No comments dispute the answer.
Community Votes
100% of anonymous learners picked answer B. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Discussion 3 contributions
Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.
From public community threads 3
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Carlos_Naty 👍 4B is the correct answer. Let's go
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Dadadagreat 👍 3Intrusion Detection System IDS
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bdemps98 👍 1 Answered BB. Port Mirroring I'd imagine.
Reader comments & corrections
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