Match each network device to its primary function.
Drag a concept onto its matching description — or click a concept then click the description.
Filters traffic based on security rules
Detects suspicious activity and alerts
Detects and blocks malicious traffic inline
Forwards packets between networks
Forwards frames within a LAN
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Firewall: Filters network traffic based on security rules
The correct matches are: Firewall filters traffic, IDS alerts on suspicious traffic, IPS blocks malicious traffic, and Router forwards packets between networks. Common confusions involve swapping firewall and IDS/IPS functions.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Firewall: Filters network traffic based on security rules
Why this is correct
A firewall is a security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
IDS: Monitors network traffic and alerts on suspicious activity
Why this is correct
An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) passively monitors traffic and generates alerts when potential threats are detected.
IPS: Monitors and blocks malicious traffic in real-time
Why this is correct
An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) operates inline to actively block malicious traffic based on signatures and anomalies.
Router: Forwards data packets between different networks
Why this is correct
A router directs packet forwarding between networks by examining destination IP addresses and maintaining routing tables.
Firewall: Monitors traffic and provides alerts
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — this describes an IDS, which monitors and alerts, not a firewall, which primarily filters traffic.
IDS: Filters traffic based on security rules
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — this describes a firewall, not an IDS, as filtering is the primary function of a firewall.
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About these practice questions
One of 979 original 200-201 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-201 exam.