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FC0-U71 Practice Question: A small business wants to set up a local network…

A small business wants to set up a local network with internet access. They have a modem from the ISP and need to share the connection among five computers. Which device should they use to connect all computers to the modem and manage traffic?

⚠ Common exam trap

The trap is that a switch can handle local traffic efficiently, but candidates often overlook that internet sharing requires a router to perform NAT between the private LAN and the public internet. Without a router, the modem alone cannot assign private IP addresses or translate traffic for multiple computers.

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

Router

A router is the correct device because it connects the local network to the internet via the modem and performs Network Address Translation (NAT) to allow multiple computers to share a single public IP address. It also manages traffic between the LAN and WAN and provides basic firewall protection. A switch alone cannot perform these functions; it only forwards frames within the same network segment.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

  • Router

    Why this is correct

    Correct. A router enables internet sharing by performing NAT and routing between the modem's WAN connection and the local computers.

  • Hub

    Why it's wrong here

    Incorrect. A hub is a simple repeater that does not intelligently manage traffic or provide NAT, leading to collisions and security issues.

  • Bridge

    Why it's wrong here

    Incorrect. A bridge connects two network segments but does not provide internet sharing or NAT capabilities.

  • Switch

    Why it's wrong here

    Incorrect. While a switch efficiently connects computers in a LAN, it lacks NAT and routing functions required to share the modem's internet connection with multiple devices.

Visual reference

Inside (Private) PC-A 10.0.0.1 PC-B 10.0.0.2 NAT Router Outside (Public) 203.0.113.1 Inside Global Server PAT: many private IPs share one public IP via unique port numbers

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Same concept, more angles

2 more ways this is tested on FC0-U71

These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.

Variation 1. A user is troubleshooting a slow internet connection and has verified that the modem is working. The user suspects that the router is causing the issue. Which TWO of the following functions are typically performed by a home router? (Select TWO.)

medium
  • A.Translates domain names to IP addresses
  • B.Assigns IP addresses via DHCP
  • C.Amplifies wireless signal
  • D.Performs NAT
  • E.Converts ISP signal to digital

Why B: A home router typically performs NAT (Network Address Translation) to allow multiple devices to share a single public IP, and also provides DHCP to assign IP addresses to devices on the local network.

Variation 2. Which of the following is the primary function of a router in a home network?

easy
  • A.Converts ISP signal to digital
  • B.Assigns IP addresses to devices
  • C.Provides wireless connectivity only
  • D.Connects the home network to the internet

Why D: A router connects the home network to the internet and performs NAT to share the public IP.

JA

Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

This FC0-U71 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 FC0-U71 exam.