The answer is a bridge. A bridge operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model, forwarding frames based on MAC addresses while seamlessly connecting different physical media, such as copper Ethernet and fiber optic, without performing any routing. This makes it the ideal device for the scenario, as it not only links dissimilar media but also provides segmentation and collision domain isolation—something a simple media converter cannot do. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this question tests your understanding of Layer 2 devices and their capabilities, often appearing as a trap where students mistakenly choose a media converter or a router. Remember, a bridge connects different media types at Layer 2, while a media converter only changes the physical signal without MAC address learning. A helpful memory tip: “Bridge bonds both media and MACs, while a converter just changes the jack.”
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?
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.
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.
✗
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.
✓
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.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this N10-009 question in full detail.
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.
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Question Discussion
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