Which capability prioritizes business-critical applications over preferred WAN transports based on SLA metrics?

• A. STP optimization
• B. VLAN trunking
• C. Application-aware routing
• D. EtherChannel negotiation

Answer: (C)

Application-aware routing uses real-time performance data and SLA metrics to decide which WAN path to use for each application. It looks at factors like latency, jitter, packet loss, and available bandwidth and then steers traffic accordingly. This lets business-critical applications ride the most reliable and responsive transport, while less sensitive traffic can use cheaper or less optimal paths. The path selection isn’t fixed; it adapts as SLA measurements change, ensuring critical apps meet their performance targets.

Other options are about different layers or features not focused on per-application path choice. STP optimization handles loop prevention at Layer 2, VLAN trunking deals with carrying multiple VLANs over links, and EtherChannel bundles links for higher bandwidth, but none of these route traffic based on application SLA requirements.