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220-1201 Practice Question: A company's network uses a router with a built-in…
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers assume a router is always needed to create separate broadcast domains, but the CompTIA A+ exam tests that a managed switch with VLANs can do this at Layer 2 without additional routing hardware.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
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
A managed switch is required because it can be configured with VLANs (IEEE 802.1Q) to create multiple broadcast domains on a single physical switch. The built-in 4-port switch on the router cannot be segmented into separate broadcast domains without VLAN support, which only a managed switch provides.
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 introduces an additional Layer 3 broadcast domain boundary, but the existing router already provides that function; the requirement is to segment the single built-in switch into two separate broadcast domains at Layer 2, which a second router cannot accomplish because it does not partition the switch’s internal VLAN-capable ports. This option is tempting because adding a router is a common method to connect distinct subnets, and it would be correct if the goal were to create a new IP subnet for a physically separate network segment rather than splitting the existing switch fabric.
- ✓
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.
- ✗
A hub
Why it's wrong here
A hub extends the same broadcast domain and does not provide segmentation. It would actually increase collisions.
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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.
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Laptop Hardware and Components
Key term
VLAN
A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a logical grouping of network devices that behave as if they are on the same physical network segment, regardless of their actual physical location.
Key term
Router
A router is a networking device that connects different networks together and directs data traffic between them by choosing the best path for data to travel.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 220-1201 exam.