The correct configuration is to connect all devices—the five computers, two printers, and server—to the switch, then connect that switch to the router. This works because the switch operates at Layer 2, using MAC addresses to forward frames and create a local area network where all internal devices can communicate directly, while the router provides Network Address Translation (NAT) and a default gateway for internet access. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this question tests your understanding of basic network topology and the distinct roles of switches (internal traffic) versus routers (external connectivity). A common trap is thinking the router should connect directly to each device, but that wastes router ports and loses the switch’s efficiency for local traffic. Remember the memory tip: “Switch for the inside, router for the outside”—the switch builds the LAN, and the router bridges it to the WAN.
FC0-U61 IT Concepts and Terminology Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of it concepts and terminology. 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 network administrator is setting up a small office network for a new startup. The office has five computers, two printers, and one server. The administrator wants to ensure that all devices can communicate with each other and access the internet. The administrator has decided to use a switch and a router. Which of the following configurations is the MOST appropriate?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Connect all devices to the switch, then connect the switch to the router
A switch creates a local area network (LAN) by forwarding frames based on MAC addresses, allowing all five computers, two printers, and one server to communicate directly. The router provides network address translation (NAT) and a default gateway for internet access, so connecting the switch to the router enables all devices on the switch to reach the internet. This is the standard small office topology because the switch handles internal traffic efficiently at Layer 2, while the router handles Layer 3 routing and internet connectivity.
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 all devices to the switch, then connect the switch to the router
Why this is correct
This allows all devices to communicate locally and access the internet via the router.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Connect the server and printers to the switch, computers to the router
Why it's wrong here
This would isolate computers from printers and server on the same subnet.
✗
Use a hub instead of a switch
Why it's wrong here
Hubs are less efficient and cause collisions; switches are preferred.
✗
Connect all devices directly to the router
Why it's wrong here
Routers have limited ports and are not designed for local traffic switching.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume a router can handle all device connections directly, ignoring the practical port count limitation and the fact that a switch is required to scale the LAN beyond the router's built-in ports.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the switch builds a MAC address table by learning source MAC addresses from incoming frames, allowing it to forward unicast traffic only to the specific port where the destination device resides, preserving bandwidth. The router performs NAT (RFC 3022) to map private IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24) to the public IP address of the WAN interface, and it provides DHCP services to assign IP addresses automatically. In a real-world scenario, if the server needed to be accessed from the internet, the router would also require port forwarding rules to direct incoming traffic to the server's private IP.
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.
IT Concepts and Terminology — This question tests IT Concepts and Terminology — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Connect all devices to the switch, then connect the switch to the router — A switch creates a local area network (LAN) by forwarding frames based on MAC addresses, allowing all five computers, two printers, and one server to communicate directly. The router provides network address translation (NAT) and a default gateway for internet access, so connecting the switch to the router enables all devices on the switch to reach the internet. This is the standard small office topology because the switch handles internal traffic efficiently at Layer 2, while the router handles Layer 3 routing and internet connectivity.
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 →
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.
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.