- A
Layer 3 switch
Why wrong: A Layer 3 switch can route packets (Layer 3), which is not required and may introduce unnecessary complexity. It can also switch at Layer 2, but the question specifies not performing routing.
- B
Media converter
Why wrong: A media converter only converts the physical signal (Layer 1) and does not forward frames based on MAC addresses.
- C
Bridge
A bridge operates at Layer 2, can connect different media types, and forwards frames using MAC addresses without routing.
- D
Router
Why wrong: A router operates at Layer 3, uses IP addresses, and performs routing, which is not needed for this scenario.
Question 424 of 520
N10-009 Networking Concepts Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of networking concepts. 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.
A network engineer needs to connect two network segments that use different physical media: one segment uses copper Ethernet and the other uses fiber optic. The device must forward frames based on MAC addresses and must not perform any routing. Which device should the engineer choose?
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
✓
Bridge
A bridge operates at Layer 2, forwarding frames based on MAC addresses while connecting different physical media (e.g., copper to fiber). It does not perform routing, making it the correct choice for this scenario. Unlike a media converter, a bridge also provides segmentation and collision domain isolation.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Layer 3 switch
Why it's wrong here
A Layer 3 switch can route packets (Layer 3), which is not required and may introduce unnecessary complexity. It can also switch at Layer 2, but the question specifies not performing routing.
When this WOULD be correct
A Layer 3 switch would be correct when the engineer needs to connect multiple VLANs and perform inter-VLAN routing using IP addresses, while still switching within VLANs at Layer 2.
- ✗
Media converter
Why it's wrong here
A media converter only converts the physical signal (Layer 1) and does not forward frames based on MAC addresses.
When this WOULD be correct
A media converter would be correct if the requirement is simply to connect two segments with different physical media (e.g., copper and fiber) without any MAC address-based forwarding or routing, such as extending a single network segment over a fiber link.
- ✓
Bridge
Why this is correct
A bridge operates at Layer 2, can connect different media types, and forwards frames using MAC addresses without routing.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Router
Why it's wrong here
A router operates at Layer 3, uses IP addresses, and performs routing, which is not needed for this scenario.
When this WOULD be correct
A router would be correct in a scenario where the network engineer needs to connect two different network segments that use different physical media and also require IP routing, such as connecting two different subnets or VLANs, and the device must forward packets based on IP addresses.
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.
✓BridgeCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
A bridge operates at Layer 2, can connect different media types, and forwards frames using MAC addresses without routing.
✗Layer 3 switchWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A Layer 3 switch performs routing based on IP addresses, but the question requires forwarding based on MAC addresses without routing. It also does not inherently connect different physical media like copper and fiber.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A Layer 3 switch would be correct when the engineer needs to connect multiple VLANs and perform inter-VLAN routing using IP addresses, while still switching within VLANs at Layer 2.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse Layer 3 switches with bridges because both can forward frames, but they overlook that Layer 3 switches route at Layer 3, which is not required here.
✗Media converterWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A media converter only changes the physical medium (e.g., copper to fiber) but does not forward frames based on MAC addresses; it operates at Layer 1, not Layer 2.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A media converter would be correct if the requirement is simply to connect two segments with different physical media (e.g., copper and fiber) without any MAC address-based forwarding or routing, such as extending a single network segment over a fiber link.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates see 'different physical media' and assume a media converter is needed, overlooking the explicit requirement to forward frames based on MAC addresses, which requires a Layer 2 device.
✗RouterWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A router operates at Layer 3 (network layer) and makes forwarding decisions based on IP addresses, not MAC addresses. The question specifies that the device must forward frames based on MAC addresses and must not perform routing, which is the function of a Layer 2 bridge, not a router.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A router would be correct in a scenario where the network engineer needs to connect two different network segments that use different physical media and also require IP routing, such as connecting two different subnets or VLANs, and the device must forward packets based on IP addresses.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may mistakenly think a router is needed to connect different physical media (copper and fiber) because routers often have interfaces for both, but they overlook the requirement to forward based on MAC addresses and not perform routing.
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?”
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between a media converter (Layer 1) and a bridge (Layer 2), leading candidates to choose the media converter because it handles physical media conversion, but they overlook the requirement for MAC address-based forwarding.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
A router operates at Layer 3, uses IP addresses, and performs routing, which is not needed for this scenario.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A bridge uses the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP, IEEE 802.1D) to prevent loops and maintains a MAC address table to make forwarding decisions. In a real-world scenario, a bridge can connect a legacy copper Ethernet segment to a newer fiber backbone while keeping traffic local and reducing unnecessary broadcasts. Unlike a media converter, a bridge also regenerates and retimes the signal at Layer 2.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the N10-009 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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 |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this N10-009 question test?
Networking Concepts — This question tests Networking Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Bridge — A bridge operates at Layer 2, forwarding frames based on MAC addresses while connecting different physical media (e.g., copper to fiber). It does not perform routing, making it the correct choice for this scenario. Unlike a media converter, a bridge also provides segmentation and collision domain isolation.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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 →
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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.
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