Quick Answer
The answer is a router, because it enables internet sharing for multiple devices through Network Address Translation (NAT). NAT allows the router to map many private IP addresses on your local network to a single public IP address provided by your ISP, so all 15 computers can access the internet simultaneously while also communicating with each other on the local subnet. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this concept tests your understanding of basic network devices and their functions—a common trap is confusing a switch (which only connects local devices) with a router (which connects networks and performs NAT). The exam often presents a scenario like a small office needing shared internet access, and the correct choice is always the router. To remember, think: “A router routes between networks and translates addresses—NAT is the key to sharing one connection.”
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure. 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 technician needs to set up a small office network with 15 computers. The computers should be able to communicate with each other and share a single internet connection. Which device is required to enable internet sharing?
Modem
Why wrong: A modem provides physical connectivity but not routing.
Hub
Why wrong: Hubs are simple repeaters and cannot share internet.
Router
A router connects multiple networks and provides NAT for internet sharing.
Switch
Why wrong: Switches operate at Layer 2 and do not route between 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 enable internet sharing because it performs Network Address Translation (NAT), which allows multiple devices on a local network to share a single public IP address provided by the ISP. The router also routes traffic between the local subnet and the internet, making it the essential device for both inter-device communication and internet access.
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.
Modem
Why it's wrong here
A modem provides physical connectivity but not routing.
Hub
Why it's wrong here
Hubs are simple repeaters and cannot share internet.
Router
Why this is correct
A router connects multiple networks and provides NAT for internet sharing.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Switch
Why it's wrong here
Switches operate at Layer 2 and do not route between networks.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse a switch with a router, thinking that a switch can provide internet access because it connects devices, but they overlook that internet sharing requires Layer 3 routing and NAT, which only a router can perform.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, a router maintains a NAT table that maps private IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.x) and port numbers to the single public IP address, using techniques like Port Address Translation (PAT) as defined in RFC 2663. In a real-world scenario, if a switch were used without a router, each computer would need a separate public IP from the ISP, which is often impractical and costly. The router also typically runs a DHCP server to automatically assign private IP addresses to the 15 computers, simplifying network configuration.
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: Router — A router is required to enable internet sharing because it performs Network Address Translation (NAT), which allows multiple devices on a local network to share a single public IP address provided by the ISP. The router also routes traffic between the local subnet and the internet, making it the essential device for both inter-device communication and internet access.
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 11, 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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