The answer is a switch. A switch expands LAN ports by creating a network segment where all connected devices can communicate directly with one another at full bandwidth, making it the ideal device for adding more wired endpoints to an existing router without replacing it. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of basic network hardware roles—specifically that a switch operates at Layer 2 to forward frames within a local network, while a router connects separate networks and a hub merely repeats signals inefficiently. A common trap is confusing a hub with a switch; remember that a hub shares bandwidth across all ports, causing collisions, whereas a switch gives each device its own dedicated path. For a quick memory tip: think "Switch for more ports, Router for more networks."
220-1201 Network Configuration Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network configuration concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A small office uses a single router with four LAN ports. The manager wants to connect 12 wired devices and ensure they can all communicate with each other without purchasing a new router. Which network device should be added to the existing setup?
Why wrong: A hub repeats signals to all ports but does not efficiently manage traffic and can cause collisions, making it a poor choice for 12 devices.
B
Router
Why wrong: Adding another router would create a separate subnet, requiring additional configuration for inter-device communication and is unnecessary for expanding ports.
C
Switch
A switch provides additional Ethernet ports and intelligently forwards frames only to the intended device, making it ideal for expanding a LAN.
D
Repeater
Why wrong: A repeater only amplifies signals to extend range, not increase the number of connectable devices.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Switch
A switch expands the number of available ports on a LAN, allowing more devices to connect and communicate locally. Routers connect different networks, while hubs are less efficient and repeaters only extend signal distance.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Hub
Why it's wrong here
A hub repeats signals to all ports but does not efficiently manage traffic and can cause collisions, making it a poor choice for 12 devices.
✗
Router
Why it's wrong here
Adding another router would create a separate subnet, requiring additional configuration for inter-device communication and is unnecessary for expanding ports.
✓
Switch
Why this is correct
A switch provides additional Ethernet ports and intelligently forwards frames only to the intended device, making it ideal for expanding a LAN.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Repeater
Why it's wrong here
A repeater only amplifies signals to extend range, not increase the number of connectable devices.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Network Configuration Concepts — This question tests Network Configuration Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Switch — A switch expands the number of available ports on a LAN, allowing more devices to connect and communicate locally. Routers connect different networks, while hubs are less efficient and repeaters only extend signal distance.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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