FC0-U71 Infrastructure Practice Question
Which of the following is the primary function of a router in a home network?
⚠ Common exam trap
FC0-U71 often tests whether candidates conflate the router with the modem, DHCP server, or wireless AP — all of which are commonly integrated into the same physical box, making it easy to pick a secondary function as the 'primary' one.
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
✓
Connects the home network to the internet
A router's primary function is to connect the home network to the internet by routing packets between the local network and the ISP's network, performing NAT and forwarding traffic based on IP addresses. It is the gateway device that sits at the boundary between the LAN and the WAN. While many home routers also include a switch, wireless AP, and DHCP server, those are secondary functions.
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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Converts ISP signal to digital
Why it's wrong here
Modem functionality converts the ISP's signal into digital Ethernet; a router forwards packets between networks and does not perform that conversion. It tempts because home gateways integrate modem and router in one box, so the functions blur, but the conversion belongs to the modem component, not routing.
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Assigns IP addresses to devices
Why it's wrong here
That's typically done by a DHCP server, often built into the router.
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Provides wireless connectivity only
Why it's wrong here
Wireless access is an added capability of many home routers, not their primary function; routing forwards packets between the home LAN and the ISP network. It tempts because most home routers ship with Wi-Fi built in, but a wired-only router routes perfectly well without providing any wireless connectivity.
- ✓
Connects the home network to the internet
Why this is correct
The router performs NAT and forwards packets between the LAN and the ISP's WAN link, providing the default gateway. This satisfies the stem's requirement of connecting the home network to the internet, unlike a switch or access point.
Visual reference
About these practice questions
One of 988 original FC0-U71 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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.