The answer is a managed switch, because VLAN segmentation with a managed switch is the only way to create separate broadcast domains on a single physical network. An unmanaged switch treats all ports as one flat network, while a router with a built-in switch still lacks the VLAN configuration needed to isolate traffic without multiple separate physical interfaces. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding that VLANs are a Layer 2 function requiring a managed switch to assign ports to different virtual networks, thereby splitting broadcast traffic for security. A common trap is assuming a router alone can do this, but routers handle Layer 3 routing between subnets, not the Layer 2 isolation VLANs provide. Remember the memory tip: “Managed means you can manage the VLANs; unmanaged means you can’t.”
220-1201 Common Networking Hardware Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of common networking hardware. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 company's network uses a router with a built-in 4-port switch. The IT manager wants to segment the network into two separate broadcast domains for security. What additional hardware is required?
Why wrong: A second router could create a separate network, but it would be more complex and expensive. A managed switch with VLANs is the standard solution.
B
A managed switch
Correct. A managed switch allows configuration of VLANs, which logically separate broadcast domains on the same physical network, improving security.
C
A hub
Why wrong: A hub extends the same broadcast domain and does not provide segmentation. It would actually increase collisions.
D
A wireless access point
Why wrong: A WAP only provides wireless connectivity and does not create separate broadcast domains. It would connect to the existing network.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A managed switch
This question tests understanding of VLANs and network segmentation. A managed switch is required to create VLANs, which separate broadcast domains. An unmanaged switch cannot do this, and a router alone cannot create multiple broadcast domains without multiple interfaces.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
A second router
Why it's wrong here
A second router could create a separate network, but it would be more complex and expensive. A managed switch with VLANs is the standard solution.
✓
A managed switch
Why this is correct
Correct. A managed switch allows configuration of VLANs, which logically separate broadcast domains on the same physical network, improving security.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
A hub
Why it's wrong here
A hub extends the same broadcast domain and does not provide segmentation. It would actually increase collisions.
✗
A wireless access point
Why it's wrong here
A WAP only provides wireless connectivity and does not create separate broadcast domains. It would connect to the existing network.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
→Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
→Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
→Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 220-1201 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Common Networking Hardware — This question tests Common Networking Hardware — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A managed switch — This question tests understanding of VLANs and network segmentation. A managed switch is required to create VLANs, which separate broadcast domains. An unmanaged switch cannot do this, and a router alone cannot create multiple broadcast domains without multiple interfaces.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 220-1201 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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