hardMultiple Choice
FC0-U71 Practice Question: Based on the exhibit, which device is directly…
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. Architecture diagram: Internet -> Firewall -> Router -> Switch -> VLAN10 (Sales) and VLAN20 (Engineering).
Based on the exhibit, which device is directly responsible for separating traffic into VLAN10 and VLAN20?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse the switch's role in VLAN creation with the router's role in inter-VLAN routing, assuming the router separates the VLANs when it only routes between them after the switch has already isolated them.
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
✓
Switch
The switch is directly responsible for separating traffic into VLAN10 and VLAN20 because VLANs are configured at Layer 2 on a switch, using VLAN tagging (IEEE 802.1Q) to isolate broadcast domains. The switch assigns each port to a specific VLAN, ensuring that frames from VLAN10 are not forwarded to VLAN20 ports without a Layer 3 device.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Firewall
Why it's wrong here
A firewall filters routed IP traffic between subnets or zones, but VLAN segmentation is performed by the switch that tags and forwards frames per VLAN ID. Firewalls are tempting because they enforce security boundaries between networks, and would be correct where inter-VLAN traffic must be inspected or blocked.
- ✗
Internet
Why it's wrong here
The internet is a transport medium, not a device, and carries no VLAN tags or switching logic; VLAN separation occurs at Layer 2 on the switch. It is tempting because remote traffic traverses it, but it would only be relevant when discussing WAN connectivity or public routing, not local VLAN assignment.
- ✗
Router
Why it's wrong here
A router forwards packets between IP networks and maintains a routing table; it does not assign switch ports to VLANs. It is the correct device for inter-VLAN routing, whereas a Layer 2 switch performs the VLAN segmentation shown in the exhibit.
- ✓
Switch
Why this is correct
A switch operates at Layer 2 and assigns access ports to VLANs, tagging frames so traffic is segregated into VLAN10 and VLAN20. It is the device that directly performs this separation, unlike routers which move traffic between subnets or VLANs rather than defining membership.
Visual reference
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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.