- A
Connect the cable modem to the wireless router's WAN port, then connect the switch to one of the router's LAN ports, and connect all devices to the switch
This allows the router to handle internet sharing and local network management.
- B
Connect the cable modem to the switch, and then connect the wireless router to the switch using its WAN port
Why wrong: The router's WAN port should connect to the modem, not to a switch that already has the modem.
- C
Connect the cable modem directly to the switch, then connect all devices to the switch
Why wrong: The modem typically provides only one IP via DHCP; the switch cannot share internet without a router.
- D
Connect the cable modem to one computer, then bridge that computer's network connection to the switch
Why wrong: This is inefficient and requires the computer to be always on; not a standard solution.
Quick Answer
The correct configuration is to connect the cable modem to the wireless router’s WAN port, then connect the switch to one of the router’s LAN ports, and finally connect all 20 computers and 2 printers to the switch. This setup works because the wireless router performs Network Address Translation (NAT) and routing, allowing the entire branch office to share a single public IP address from the ISP. The router’s WAN port obtains that public IP, while its LAN ports distribute private IP addresses via DHCP to the switch and all connected devices, enabling internet access for every device. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this question tests your understanding of basic network topology for a branch office, specifically the role of a router in segmenting public and private networks. A common trap is thinking the switch can connect directly to the modem, but switches lack NAT and routing capabilities, so devices would not get usable IP addresses. Memory tip: think of the router as the “gatekeeper” that stands between the outside internet (modem) and your internal network (switch and devices).
FC0-U61 Infrastructure Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 is setting up a new branch office. The network administrator needs to connect 20 computers and 2 network printers to the local network. The branch also needs a connection to the internet via a cable modem. The administrator has a 24-port switch and a wireless router. The cable modem is already provided by the ISP. Which configuration should the administrator use?
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
Connect the cable modem to the wireless router's WAN port, then connect the switch to one of the router's LAN ports, and connect all devices to the switch
Option A is correct because the wireless router must be placed between the cable modem and the switch to perform Network Address Translation (NAT) and routing. The cable modem connects to the router's WAN port, which obtains a public IP from the ISP. The router then provides private IP addresses via DHCP to the switch and all connected devices, enabling internet access for the 20 computers and 2 printers through a single public IP.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Connect the cable modem to the wireless router's WAN port, then connect the switch to one of the router's LAN ports, and connect all devices to the switch
Why this is correct
This allows the router to handle internet sharing and local network management.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Connect the cable modem to the switch, and then connect the wireless router to the switch using its WAN port
Why it's wrong here
The router's WAN port should connect to the modem, not to a switch that already has the modem.
- ✗
Connect the cable modem directly to the switch, then connect all devices to the switch
Why it's wrong here
The modem typically provides only one IP via DHCP; the switch cannot share internet without a router.
- ✗
Connect the cable modem to one computer, then bridge that computer's network connection to the switch
Why it's wrong here
This is inefficient and requires the computer to be always on; not a standard solution.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the roles of a switch and a router, assuming a switch can provide internet access to multiple devices directly from a modem, when in fact a router is required for NAT and IP address sharing.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The wireless router in this scenario acts as a combined device: a router (Layer 3) that performs NAT, a DHCP server, and often a firewall. The switch (Layer 2) simply forwards frames based on MAC addresses, extending the LAN. In real-world deployments, the router's WAN port typically uses PPPoE or DHCP to obtain a public IPv4 address, while the LAN side uses a private subnet like 192.168.1.0/24. The switch's uplink to the router's LAN port ensures all devices share the same broadcast domain and can communicate locally without traversing the router.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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
Related FC0-U61 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
IT Concepts and Terminology practice questions
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to IT Concepts and Terminology.
Infrastructure practice questions
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Infrastructure.
Applications and Software practice questions
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Applications and Software.
Software Development Concepts practice questions
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Software Development Concepts.
Security practice questions
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Security.
Database Fundamentals practice questions
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Database Fundamentals.
FC0-U61 fundamentals practice questions
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to FC0-U61 fundamentals.
FC0-U61 scenario practice questions
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to FC0-U61 scenario.
FC0-U61 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to FC0-U61 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free FC0-U61 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this FC0-U61 question test?
Infrastructure — This question tests Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Connect the cable modem to the wireless router's WAN port, then connect the switch to one of the router's LAN ports, and connect all devices to the switch — Option A is correct because the wireless router must be placed between the cable modem and the switch to perform Network Address Translation (NAT) and routing. The cable modem connects to the router's WAN port, which obtains a public IP from the ISP. The router then provides private IP addresses via DHCP to the switch and all connected devices, enabling internet access for the 20 computers and 2 printers through a single public IP.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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 →
Keep practising
More FC0-U61 practice questions
- Which TWO of the following are examples of volatile memory?
- A user reports that their laptop cannot connect to the corporate Wi-Fi. Other devices are working fine. Which TWO troubl…
- Which TWO of the following are commonly considered business productivity software? (Select TWO.)
- A small e-commerce company uses a monolithic web application hosted on a single server. During peak shopping hours, the…
- Refer to the exhibit. A technician runs ipconfig /all on a user's computer. The user can access the internet but cannot…
- Which TWO of the following are common characteristics of object-oriented programming languages?
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.