Which Documentation Do You Need to Set Up New Switches Properly?

N10-008 By islever Editorial Last updated

Short answer

C Baseline configurations

Question

A network administrator is preparing new switches that will be deployed to support a network extension project. The lead network engineer has already provided documentation to ensure the switches are set up properly. Which of the following did the engineer most likely provide?
  1. Physical network diagram
  2. Site survey reports
  3. Baseline configurations Correct Answer
  4. Logical network diagram

Key Takeaways

The exam tests the purpose of a baseline configuration as a documented reference for configuring new devices consistently, and the common trap is to confuse this with a logical network diagram, which describes Layer 3 design rather than actual switch configuration.

For the Network+ N10-008 question about preparing new switches, the community voted for Baseline configurations with 67% support. Baseline configurations are standard reference settings used to provision new devices consistently, while diagrams describe network design rather than device setup.

Common mistake: Many candidates chose D, Logical network diagram, because a logical diagram helps visualize network structure; however, it does not contain the standard settings needed to set up a new switch, whereas a baseline configuration is exactly the reference document used for provisioning.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

When new switches are deployed for a network extension, the engineer needs to ensure each switch is provisioned identically and according to policy. Baseline configurations are reference configurations that contain the expected settings such as VLANs, spanning-tree, security, management, and other operational parameters for network devices. The wording 'to ensure the switches are set up properly' aligns directly with the purpose of a baseline, as comments [2] and [4] explain. This is why C is the strongest choice and why it received 67% of the votes.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A physical network diagram shows cabling, ports, and physical device placement, but it does not contain the software or configuration details needed to set up a switch. Site survey reports are aimed at wireless coverage and are irrelevant when deploying wired switches. D, the logical network diagram, is often chosen because it shows IP addressing, VLANs, and routing, but as comments [3] and [4] note, logical diagrams are Layer 3-focused and do not provide the standard configuration a switch needs to be set up properly. Thus, D is conceptually related but is not the documentation that defines device setup.

Community Comment Notes

The community split between C and D, with C winning 67% to 33%. Comment [2] correctly describes baseline configurations as standard or reference configurations used for consistency, and comment [3] points out that logical network diagrams are a Layer 3 concept while a switch configuration is typically Layer 2 unless it is a Layer 3 switch. Comment [1] makes a point that baseline performance cannot be measured on an inactive switch, but that argument misreads the term baseline configuration: it is not a performance baseline but a configuration baseline. Comments [5] and [6] reinforce the consensus for C, making baseline configurations the clear answer.

Exam Strategy

Focus on what the action 'set up properly' demands. Baseline configurations are the gold standard for consistent device provisioning, while diagrams support architecture, documentation, and troubleshooting but do not provide the actual device settings. In similar questions, distinguish between a configuration baseline and a performance baseline.

Community Votes

C
67%
D
33%

67% of anonymous learners picked answer C. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Discussion 6 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 6

  1. 8c5c521 👍 4 Answered D
    Not A because since the question states 'set up properly' so we need to look at this logically. Not C since the switch is not yet active which means you can't measure the baseline performance
  2. Mamad66 👍 3 Answered C
    Baseline configurations are standard or reference configurations that serve as a starting point for configuring network devices such as switches. These configurations typically include settings for network protocols, security, and other operational parameters. When deploying new switches, it’s common to start with a baseline configuration to ensure consistency across the network.
  3. bdemps98 👍 3 Answered C
    I believe it's not D because Logical Network Diagram is an OSI layer 3 topic and in reference to switches it would be layer 2 unless specified a layer 3 switch. Thus making Baseline Configs the key bit of information needed.
  4. ATrek 👍 2 Answered C
    Baseline configuration is the agreed standard of configuration for a certain organisation. Logical network diagram is L3 anyway and if the switches are L2 switches, the logical network diagram has nothing to do with them.
  5. fartphilosopher89 👍 1 Answered D
    My apologies, it is D (refer to Professor Messer)
Show 1 more comment
  1. fartphilosopher89 👍 2 Answered C
    It is C

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