Quick Answer
The answer is a switch, as it is the device used to connect multiple computers in a local area network and forwards data based on MAC addresses. A switch operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model, maintaining 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 specific destination port rather than broadcasting to all ports. This targeted forwarding reduces collisions and improves network efficiency, which is a core concept tested on the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam. The exam often presents a common trap where students confuse a switch with a hub, but remember that a hub forwards data to all ports blindly, while a switch makes intelligent forwarding decisions using MAC addresses. A helpful memory tip: think of a switch as a smart traffic cop directing data to the correct lane, not a loudspeaker announcing to everyone.
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 of the following devices is used to connect multiple computers in a local area network and forwards data based on MAC addresses?
Router
Why wrong: Router forwards based on IP addresses.
Switch
Switch forwards frames based on MAC addresses.
Hub
Why wrong: Hub repeats signal to all ports.
Modem
Why wrong: Modem modulates/demodulates signals.
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 specific 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.
Router
Why it's wrong here
Router forwards based on IP addresses.
Switch
Why this is correct
Switch forwards frames based on MAC addresses.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Hub
Why it's wrong here
Hub repeats signal to all ports.
Modem
Why it's wrong here
Modem modulates/demodulates signals.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse a switch with a hub, assuming both simply connect devices, but the key distinction is that a switch uses MAC addresses to intelligently forward traffic while a hub blindly repeats signals to all ports.
Detailed technical explanation
Switches use the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP, IEEE 802.1D) to prevent loops in redundant topologies by blocking certain ports. In a real-world scenario, a switch learns MAC addresses dynamically by examining the source MAC address of incoming frames and populating its CAM table; if the destination MAC is unknown, it floods the frame out all ports except the ingress port, a process called unknown unicast flooding.
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Infrastructure — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Infrastructure practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All FC0-U61 questions
512 questions across all exam domains
CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
FC0-U61 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to IT Concepts and Terminology.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Infrastructure.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Applications and Software.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Software Development Concepts.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Security.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Database Fundamentals.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to FC0-U61 fundamentals.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to FC0-U61 scenario.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to FC0-U61 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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 specific 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.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
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. Refer to the exhibit. Which of the following components would be used to physically connect the desktop computer to the network?
easyWhy C: 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.
Variation 2. 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?
easyWhy 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.
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 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.
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.