Quick Answer
The answer is a centralized server that manages resources, along with support for a variety of client devices. This is correct because in a client-server network, the server acts as a dedicated resource manager, handling tasks like file storage, authentication, and database access, while clients—such as desktops, laptops, or smartphones—request those services from it. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this concept tests your understanding of network architecture fundamentals, often appearing in questions that contrast client-server with peer-to-peer models. A common trap is confusing the centralized control of a server with the decentralized nature of peer-to-peer networks, where each device shares resources equally. To remember this, think of a restaurant: the server (waiter) controls and delivers resources to clients (diners), not the other way around.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO of the following are characteristics of a client-server network? (Choose two.)
Clients can be desktop computers, laptops, or smartphones
Clients are often end-user devices.
There is a centralized server that manages resources
Centralized server is key.
All devices are directly connected to each other
Why wrong: That is a mesh, not client-server.
Every device can act as both client and server
Why wrong: That is peer-to-peer.
Each device has equal authority and control
Why wrong: Equal authority is peer-to-peer.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Clients can be desktop computers, laptops, or smartphones
Option A is correct because client-server networks are designed to support a variety of client devices, including desktop computers, laptops, and smartphones, which all connect to a centralized server to request resources or services. Option B is correct because the defining characteristic of a client-server network is the presence of a centralized server that manages resources, such as file storage, authentication, or database access, and controls access to those resources for all clients.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Clients can be desktop computers, laptops, or smartphones
Why this is correct
Clients are often end-user devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
There is a centralized server that manages resources
Why this is correct
Centralized server is key.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
All devices are directly connected to each other
Why it's wrong here
That is a mesh, not client-server.
Every device can act as both client and server
Why it's wrong here
That is peer-to-peer.
Each device has equal authority and control
Why it's wrong here
Equal authority is peer-to-peer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the client-server model with peer-to-peer networks, mistakenly thinking that all devices in a client-server network can act as both client and server or have equal authority, which is a direct characteristic of P2P networks, not client-server.
Detailed technical explanation
In a client-server network, the server typically runs a dedicated operating system like Windows Server or Linux with services such as Active Directory (for authentication) or SMB/CIFS (for file sharing), and clients use protocols like HTTP, FTP, or SMB to request resources. The server maintains a centralized database of users and permissions, ensuring that access control is enforced at a single point, which simplifies management and security auditing. A real-world example is a corporate network where employees' laptops (clients) authenticate against a domain controller (server) to access shared folders, printers, or email, and the server logs all access attempts for compliance.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the FC0-U61 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Infrastructure — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Infrastructure practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All FC0-U61 questions
512 questions across all exam domains
CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
FC0-U61 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to IT Concepts and Terminology.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Infrastructure.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Applications and Software.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Software Development Concepts.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Security.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Database Fundamentals.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to FC0-U61 fundamentals.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to FC0-U61 scenario.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to FC0-U61 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Infrastructure — This question tests Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Clients can be desktop computers, laptops, or smartphones — Option A is correct because client-server networks are designed to support a variety of client devices, including desktop computers, laptops, and smartphones, which all connect to a centralized server to request resources or services. Option B is correct because the defining characteristic of a client-server network is the presence of a centralized server that manages resources, such as file storage, authentication, or database access, and controls access to those resources for all clients.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
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. Which TWO of the following are characteristics of a client-server network?
easyWhy B: In a client-server network, resources such as files, printers, and applications are hosted on dedicated servers and shared with client devices. This centralized resource sharing is a defining characteristic, as servers are designed to provide services to multiple clients, unlike peer-to-peer networks where each device shares its own resources directly.
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This FC0-U61 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-U61 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.