easyMultiple Choice
FC0-U71 Practice Question: Refer to the exhibit
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. Hardware Inventory: - Desktop computer: Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD - Laptop: Intel Core i3, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD - Network printer: HP LaserJet Pro - Router: Linksys AC1200 - Switch: Netgear 8-port gigabit
Refer to the exhibit. Which of the following components would be used to physically connect the desktop computer to the network?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse the router as the primary connection point for all devices, but the router's LAN interface connects to a switch (or switch module) which actually provides the physical ports for end-user devices like desktop computers.
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
A switch is the correct component because it operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model, using MAC addresses to forward frames between devices on the same local area network (LAN). The desktop computer's Ethernet NIC connects via a twisted-pair cable to a switch port, which provides the physical and data-link layer connectivity required for network communication.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Laptop
Why it's wrong here
A laptop is an end device, not a component that physically links a desktop to the network. It is tempting because laptops connect to networks and contain NICs, and it would be the correct answer if the question asked which device could join the same network.
- ✗
Network printer
Why it's wrong here
A network printer is a peripheral that consumes network services; it provides no physical interface for the desktop to attach to the LAN. It is tempting because printers are network-connected devices, and it would be the correct answer if the question asked which device shares the network rather than connects to it.
- ✓
Switch
Why this is correct
A switch provides the physical Ethernet ports that connect a desktop computer to the wired network, satisfying the requirement for a physical connection. It operates at Layer 2, forwarding frames between connected devices, unlike a router, which forwards packets between separate networks.
- ✗
Router
Why it's wrong here
A router forwards traffic between networks; it does not provide the physical interface that attaches a desktop to its own LAN segment. It is tempting because routers are central network devices, and it would be the correct answer if the question asked which device connects separate networks.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 988 original FC0-U71 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on FC0-U71
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. A small office has five desktop computers that need to be connected to share files and a printer. Which network device should be used to create a local area network?
easy- A.Hub
- ✓ B.Switch
- C.Modem
- D.Router
Why B: A switch is the correct device because it operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model, using MAC addresses to forward frames only to the specific port where the destination device is connected. This creates a dedicated, collision-free path between any two communicating devices, which is essential for a small office LAN where five computers need to share files and a printer efficiently.
Variation 2. A technician is setting up a small office network. Which device should be used to connect multiple computers and allow them to communicate with each other?
easy- A.Router
- B.Modem
- ✓ C.Switch
- D.Hub
Why C: 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 allows multiple computers on the same local network to communicate directly with each other without unnecessary traffic, making it the correct device for interconnecting computers in a small office LAN.
JA
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.