easyMultiple Choice
FC0-U71 Practice Question: Which device is used to connect multiple devices…
Which device is used to connect multiple devices within the same network segment and forward data based on MAC addresses?
⚠ Common exam trap
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.
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 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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Hub
Why it's wrong here
A hub repeats incoming electrical signals out of every other port without reading MAC addresses, so all attached devices share one collision domain. It is tempting as a central connection point, but it would be correct only for legacy shared-media topologies, not address-based forwarding.
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Modem
Why it's wrong here
A modem converts signals between a carrier network and local equipment; it does not inspect MAC addresses or switch frames between segment devices. It is tempting because modems connect networks, but that role is WAN access, not intra-segment forwarding.
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Switch
Why this is correct
A switch operates at Layer 2, maintaining a MAC address table and forwarding frames only to the port associated with the destination MAC. This segments collision domains and delivers traffic within the same network segment, unlike a hub which floods every port.
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Router
Why it's wrong here
A router forwards packets between distinct IP networks using routing tables, not MAC addresses within one segment. It is tempting because it connects devices, but it would be the right choice for interconnecting separate subnets or VLANs, not intra-segment switching.
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
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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.