Quick Answer
The answer is a switch, because it is the best network device for sharing files and printers among multiple computers in a local area network. A switch operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model, using MAC addresses to forward data frames only to the specific port where the destination device is connected, which creates dedicated, collision-free communication paths. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how a switch differs from a hub and a router; a common trap is choosing a hub because it is cheaper, but a hub broadcasts all traffic to every port, causing collisions and inefficiency. The exam often presents a scenario where a small business needs to connect computers for file and printer sharing, and the switch is the correct choice because it intelligently directs traffic. Remember the mnemonic: “Switch sends selectively, hub hollers to all.”
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.
A small business wants to connect its computers to share files and printers. Which of the following network devices would BEST facilitate this?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Switch
A switch creates a local network and allows file/printer sharing.
Router
Why wrong: Routers connect different networks, not primarily for local file sharing.
Hub
Why wrong: Hubs are less efficient and rarely used today.
Modem
Why wrong: Modems connect to an ISP, not for local networking.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Switch
A switch operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model and uses MAC addresses to forward frames only to the specific port where the destination device is connected. This creates a dedicated, collision-free path between the computers, making it the ideal device for connecting multiple computers within a local area network (LAN) to share files and printers efficiently.
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.
Switch
Why this is correct
A switch creates a local network and allows file/printer sharing.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Router
Why it's wrong here
Routers connect different networks, not primarily for local file sharing.
Hub
Why it's wrong here
Hubs are less efficient and rarely used today.
Modem
Why it's wrong here
Modems connect to an ISP, not for local networking.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse a switch with a hub, assuming both simply 'connect' devices, but the exam tests the understanding that a switch provides intelligent, collision-free forwarding at Layer 2, while a hub is a dumb repeater that degrades performance in a LAN.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, a switch maintains a Content Addressable Memory (CAM) table that maps MAC addresses to specific ports, allowing it to make forwarding decisions based on the destination MAC address in the Ethernet frame. In a real-world scenario, using a switch instead of a hub eliminates collisions and allows full-duplex communication, which is critical when multiple computers simultaneously access a shared printer or file server, as each pair of devices gets the full bandwidth of the link.
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
Infrastructure — This question tests Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Switch — A switch operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model and uses MAC addresses to forward frames only to the specific port where the destination device is connected. This creates a dedicated, collision-free path between the computers, making it the ideal device for connecting multiple computers within a local area network (LAN) to share files and printers efficiently.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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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