hardMultiple Choice
220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is troubleshooting a network where…
A technician is troubleshooting a network where users on one floor cannot communicate with users on another floor. Both floors are connected to the same switch via separate VLANs configured for security. What additional device is needed to allow communication between the VLANs?
⚠ Common exam trap
220-1201 often tests the difference between Layer 2 and Layer 3 devices — candidates pick a Layer 2 switch or bridge thinking it can route between VLANs, confusing VLAN trunking with inter-VLAN routing.
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 router or Layer 3 switch
VLANs segment a Layer 2 network into separate broadcast domains, so hosts in different VLANs cannot communicate at Layer 2. To route traffic between VLANs, you need a Layer 3 device — either a router (with subinterfaces or separate physical interfaces) or a Layer 3 switch (with SVIs). This is the classic 'router-on-a-stick' or inter-VLAN routing scenario.
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 hub
Why it's wrong here
A hub operates at Layer 1 of the OSI model, functioning as a multi-port repeater that simply broadcasts all incoming traffic to every other port. It has no intelligence to understand network segments, MAC addresses, or IP addresses, making it incapable of creating or routing traffic between VLANs. Therefore, a hub cannot facilitate communication between different logical networks.
- ✗
A Layer 2 switch
Why it's wrong here
A Layer 2 switch operates at the data link layer and can segment a network into multiple VLANs based on MAC addresses, providing isolation between broadcast domains. While it efficiently forwards frames within the same VLAN, it lacks the necessary Layer 3 routing capabilities to interpret IP addresses and route packets between distinct IP subnets, which is fundamental for inter-VLAN communication. Without an external router or a Layer 3 routing function, a Layer 2 switch cannot connect different VLANs.
- ✓
A router or Layer 3 switch
Why this is correct
A router or a Layer 3 switch is essential for inter-VLAN routing because both devices operate at Layer 3 (the network layer) of the OSI model, understanding IP addresses and subnet masks. They can maintain routing tables and forward IP packets between different IP subnets, effectively connecting distinct VLANs. This capability allows devices in separate logical network segments to communicate seamlessly, enabling complex network designs and security policies.
- ✗
A bridge
Why it's wrong here
A bridge is a Layer 2 device that connects two separate network segments, forwarding frames based on MAC addresses to extend a single broadcast domain. While it can filter traffic between segments, it does not possess the advanced capabilities of a Layer 2 switch to create multiple VLANs, nor does it have any Layer 3 routing functionality. Consequently, a bridge cannot route traffic between different VLANs or IP subnets.
Visual reference
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
Mobile Device Connectivity
Key term
Switch Virtual Interface
A logical interface on a network switch that allows it to be managed and communicate with other devices using IP addresses.
Key term
Segment
A segment is a division of a larger network, such as a collision domain, broadcast domain, or a portion of a TCP data stream, used to organize traffic and improve performance.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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.