Question 232 of 464
N10-009 Networking Concepts Practice Question
A network technician is explaining network segmentation to a junior technician. Which of the following devices increases the number of collision domains but does not increase the number of broadcast domains?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse collision domains with broadcast domains, thinking that a switch reduces both, when in fact it only reduces collision domains while leaving broadcast domains unchanged (unless VLANs are used).
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 creates a separate collision domain for each port, so multiple devices can transmit simultaneously without collisions, but it does not segment broadcast domains; all ports remain in the same broadcast domain unless VLANs are configured. This directly matches the question's requirement: increasing collision domains without increasing broadcast domains.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Hub
Why it's wrong here
A hub operates as a multi-port repeater, meaning all devices connected to it share a single collision domain and a single broadcast domain. When one device transmits, all other devices on the hub receive the signal, leading to frequent collisions and inefficient use of bandwidth as only one device can transmit at a time. Consequently, a hub offers no network segmentation benefits and actually exacerbates network congestion.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question asked which device increases the number of collision domains (without the broadcast domain constraint), a hub would still be incorrect. However, if the question asked which device creates a single collision domain for all connected devices, a hub would be correct.
- ✓
Switch
Why this is correct
A switch effectively segments a network by creating a dedicated collision domain for each connected port. This means that devices connected to different switch ports can transmit simultaneously without causing collisions, significantly improving network performance and reducing congestion within a local area network. However, a switch operates at Layer 2 and forwards all broadcast frames, so it does not segment broadcast domains.
- ✗
Router
Why it's wrong here
A router provides a higher level of network segmentation by separating broadcast domains, which is crucial for interconnecting different networks and managing network traffic efficiently. Each interface on a router represents a distinct broadcast domain and a distinct collision domain, preventing broadcast storms from propagating across network segments. While routers segment both collision and broadcast domains, their primary function is inter-network communication rather than solely reducing collisions within a single LAN segment.
When this WOULD be correct
In a question asking 'Which device increases the number of broadcast domains?', a router would be correct as it segments broadcast domains at Layer 3.
- ✗
Repeater
Why it's wrong here
A repeater is a Layer 1 device designed solely to regenerate and retransmit electrical signals to extend the physical reach of a network cable. It does not interpret data frames or packets and therefore cannot segment either collision or broadcast domains. All devices connected through a repeater remain part of the same single collision domain, as its function is merely signal amplification.
When this WOULD be correct
A repeater would be the correct answer in a question asking: 'Which device extends the maximum cable length of a network segment without segmenting collision or broadcast domains?' or 'Which device regenerates a signal to overcome attenuation?'
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The N10-009 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓SwitchCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
A switch effectively segments a network by creating a dedicated collision domain for each connected port. This means that devices connected to different switch ports can transmit simultaneously without causing collisions, significantly improving network performance and reducing congestion within a local area network. However, a switch operates at Layer 2 and forwards all broadcast frames, so it does not segment broadcast domains.
✗HubWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A hub operates at Layer 1 and does not segment collision domains; all ports share a single collision domain, so it does not increase the number of collision domains.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question asked which device increases the number of collision domains (without the broadcast domain constraint), a hub would still be incorrect. However, if the question asked which device creates a single collision domain for all connected devices, a hub would be correct.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may mistakenly think that hubs, like switches, create separate collision domains per port, confusing the behavior of hubs with that of switches.
✗RouterWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A router increases both collision domains and broadcast domains because it separates broadcast domains by default, which is not what the question asks.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a question asking 'Which device increases the number of broadcast domains?', a router would be correct as it segments broadcast domains at Layer 3.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse the roles of routers and switches, thinking routers only affect collision domains, or they may misremember that routers increase collision domains without considering broadcast domains.
✗RepeaterWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A repeater operates at Layer 1 and simply regenerates signals, extending the physical reach of a network. It does not segment collision domains; all devices connected via repeaters share the same collision domain, and it does not affect broadcast domains.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A repeater would be the correct answer in a question asking: 'Which device extends the maximum cable length of a network segment without segmenting collision or broadcast domains?' or 'Which device regenerates a signal to overcome attenuation?'
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse repeaters with switches, thinking that signal regeneration implies segmentation, or they may not fully understand that repeaters operate at Layer 1 and do not create separate collision domains.
Analysis generated from the official N10-009blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Visual reference
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This N10-009 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 N10-009 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.