Quick Answer
The answer is the switch. A switch is the correct device for connecting multiple devices within the same network segment and forwarding data based on MAC addresses because it operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model, the Data Link Layer. Unlike a hub, which blindly repeats signals out every port, a switch builds a MAC address table—also called a CAM table—to learn which port each device is connected to, allowing it to forward frames only to the intended destination. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this concept tests your understanding of basic network hardware and collision domains; a common trap is confusing a hub’s broadcast behavior with a switch’s intelligent forwarding. Remember the memory tip: “Switches are smart, hubs just shout”—a switch sends data directly to the right MAC address, while a hub sends it everywhere.
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.
Which device is used to connect multiple devices within the same network segment and forward data based on MAC addresses?
Hub
Why wrong: Hubs broadcast to all ports.
Modem
Why wrong: Modems convert analog/digital signals.
Switch
Switches use MAC addresses to forward frames.
Router
Why wrong: Routers use IP addresses.
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 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model and uses MAC addresses to make forwarding decisions. It maintains a MAC address table (CAM table) to learn which port each device is connected to, allowing it to forward frames only to the intended destination port, reducing collisions and improving network efficiency.
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.
Hub
Why it's wrong here
Hubs broadcast to all ports.
Modem
Why it's wrong here
Modems convert analog/digital signals.
Switch
Why this is correct
Switches use MAC addresses to forward frames.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Router
Why it's wrong here
Routers use IP addresses.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse a switch with a hub because both connect multiple devices, but the key distinction is that a switch forwards based on MAC addresses while a hub simply repeats signals without any addressing logic.
Detailed technical explanation
Switches use Content-Addressable Memory (CAM) to store MAC address-to-port mappings, learned dynamically through the source MAC address of incoming frames. When a frame arrives with an unknown destination MAC, the switch floods it to all ports except the ingress port, a process known as unknown unicast flooding. In a real-world scenario, a switch isolates collision domains per port, unlike a hub, which shares a single collision domain across all ports, making switches essential for modern Ethernet networks.
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 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model and uses MAC addresses to make forwarding decisions. It maintains a MAC address table (CAM table) to learn which port each device is connected to, allowing it to forward frames only to the intended destination port, reducing collisions and improving network efficiency.
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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