FC0-U71 Infrastructure Practice Question
A small design studio needs a central device so five wired workstations and two networked printers can exchange data with each other on the same local network. The studio does not need any routing between separate networks. Which device is the best choice?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming any central network box will work, when a router or access point does not provide the multiple LAN ports a wired-only local segment requires.
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 switch
A switch is the appropriate central device for a single local network with multiple wired endpoints. It forwards frames between connected devices and provides enough ports for the workstations and printers. A router, firewall, or access point does not fulfill the role of aggregating several wired devices on one 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.
- ✗
A wireless access point
Why it's wrong here
A wireless access point bridges wireless clients onto a wired network, but the scenario specifies wired workstations and printers. It typically has a single uplink port rather than multiple LAN ports for wired endpoints. Using only an access point would leave the wired devices without the connectivity they need.
- ✗
A router
Why it's wrong here
A router forwards traffic between different networks and is overkill when all devices belong to one local segment. A typical router offers only a few LAN ports, so connecting five workstations and two printers would require an additional switch. Since no inter-network routing is needed, the router is not the best fit here.
- ✗
A firewall
Why it's wrong here
A firewall filters traffic according to security rules but generally provides few or no LAN ports for connecting multiple endpoints. It does not act as the central aggregation point for wired workstations and printers. Without a switch or similar device, the studio could not physically connect all the devices as described.
- ✓
A switch
Why this is correct
A switch provides multiple wired ports and forwards frames between devices on the same local network, which is exactly what the studio needs for workstations and printers to exchange data. It does not route between separate networks, matching the stated requirement that no routing is necessary.
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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 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.