Quick Answer
The answer is a router. A router is the correct device to connect two separate LANs because it operates at Layer 3 of the OSI model, using IP addresses to make forwarding decisions between different subnets or networks. Unlike a switch or bridge, which only forward traffic within the same local network, a router can examine the destination IP address, consult its routing table, and determine the best path to send packets across distinct networks, even if they use different data link layer technologies. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this question tests your understanding of basic network segmentation and the role of Layer 3 devices; a common trap is confusing a router with a switch, which only connects devices within a single LAN. To remember, think of a router as the “post office” that reads the address (IP) and sends mail to a different city (network), while a switch is like a local mail carrier that only delivers within the same neighborhood.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of it concepts and terminology. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
A company needs to connect two separate local area networks (LANs) in different buildings. Which device is required to route traffic between the networks?
Hub
Why wrong: A hub operates at Layer 1 and cannot separate network segments.
Router
A router operates at Layer 3 and can connect different networks.
Switch
Why wrong: A switch operates at Layer 2 and connects devices within the same network.
Bridge
Why wrong: A bridge connects two similar network segments but does not route between different networks.
Answer choices
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 required to connect two separate LANs because it operates at Layer 3 (Network layer) of the OSI model and uses IP addresses to make forwarding decisions. Unlike switches or bridges, routers can examine the destination IP address, consult a routing table, and forward packets between different subnets or networks, even if they use different data link layer technologies.
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.
Hub
Why it's wrong here
A hub operates at Layer 1 and cannot separate network segments.
Router
Why this is correct
A router operates at Layer 3 and can connect different networks.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Switch
Why it's wrong here
A switch operates at Layer 2 and connects devices within the same network.
Bridge
Why it's wrong here
A bridge connects two similar network segments but does not route between different networks.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse a switch's ability to segment collision domains with the router's ability to segment broadcast domains and route between different IP networks, leading them to incorrectly select 'Switch' for inter-network connectivity.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
A bridge connects two similar network segments but does not route between different networks.
Detailed technical explanation
Routers maintain a routing table that can be populated statically or dynamically via protocols like OSPF or BGP. When a packet arrives, the router performs a longest-prefix match on the destination IP address and decrements the TTL field before forwarding. In a real-world scenario, a router connecting two buildings would typically have one interface in each LAN's subnet and might also perform NAT if the networks use private IP addresses.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
IT Concepts and Terminology — This question tests IT Concepts and Terminology — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Router — A router is required to connect two separate LANs because it operates at Layer 3 (Network layer) of the OSI model and uses IP addresses to make forwarding decisions. Unlike switches or bridges, routers can examine the destination IP address, consult a routing table, and forward packets between different subnets or networks, even if they use different data link layer technologies.
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.
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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.
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