- A
All devices connected to the same switch
Why wrong: A switch without VLANs creates a single broadcast domain, but the presence of VLANs splits it. This is too broad; a switch can host multiple VLANs.
- B
All devices that share the same IP subnet
Why wrong: While typically aligned, a broadcast domain is defined by Layer 2 boundaries. IP subnets can span multiple VLANs, but that would be a single broadcast domain only if the VLANs are bridged.
- C
All devices that can receive a broadcast frame from any other device in the network segment
This is the precise definition. A broadcast domain consists of all devices that will receive a broadcast frame sent by any device within the same logical boundary.
- D
All devices that have the same MAC address prefix
Why wrong: MAC address prefixes indicate the manufacturer, not broadcast containment. A broadcast domain is unrelated to MAC OUI.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is all devices that can receive a broadcast frame from any other device in the network segment. This is because a broadcast domain is defined by the reach of a frame sent to the destination MAC address FF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF, which every device on the same Layer 2 segment must process. Routers and other Layer 3 devices enforce the boundary by never forwarding these broadcasts, while switches within a single VLAN will flood them out every port except the one that received it. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how network segmentation works, often appearing in questions that contrast broadcast domains with collision domains. A common trap is confusing a switch’s behavior with a router’s—remember that switches extend broadcast domains, while routers break them. For a quick memory tip, think of a broadcast domain as a room where everyone can hear you shout, and a router is the door that keeps the shout from leaving.
N10-009 Networking Concepts Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of networking concepts. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 best describes a broadcast domain?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
All devices that can receive a broadcast frame from any other device in the network segment
A broadcast domain is defined as the set of all devices that can receive a broadcast frame (destination MAC FF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF) sent by any other device within the same network segment. This boundary is typically enforced by Layer 3 devices like routers, which do not forward broadcast frames, whereas Layer 2 switches forward broadcasts out all ports except the receiving port within the same VLAN.
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.
- ✗
All devices connected to the same switch
Why it's wrong here
A switch without VLANs creates a single broadcast domain, but the presence of VLANs splits it. This is too broad; a switch can host multiple VLANs.
- ✗
All devices that share the same IP subnet
Why it's wrong here
While typically aligned, a broadcast domain is defined by Layer 2 boundaries. IP subnets can span multiple VLANs, but that would be a single broadcast domain only if the VLANs are bridged.
- ✓
All devices that can receive a broadcast frame from any other device in the network segment
Why this is correct
This is the precise definition. A broadcast domain consists of all devices that will receive a broadcast frame sent by any device within the same logical boundary.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
All devices that have the same MAC address prefix
Why it's wrong here
MAC address prefixes indicate the manufacturer, not broadcast containment. A broadcast domain is unrelated to MAC OUI.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse a broadcast domain with a collision domain or assume all devices on the same switch are in the same broadcast domain, ignoring VLAN segmentation.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, a broadcast domain is a Layer 2 concept where all nodes share the same collision-free broadcast traffic; switches forward broadcasts based on VLAN membership, and routers stop broadcasts at Layer 3 boundaries. In real-world scenarios, misconfigured VLANs or improper subnetting can cause broadcast storms or unintended broadcast propagation, impacting network performance. The boundary is enforced by the spanning tree protocol (STP) preventing loops, but broadcasts still flood within the VLAN.
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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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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: All devices that can receive a broadcast frame from any other device in the network segment — A broadcast domain is defined as the set of all devices that can receive a broadcast frame (destination MAC FF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF) sent by any other device within the same network segment. This boundary is typically enforced by Layer 3 devices like routers, which do not forward broadcast frames, whereas Layer 2 switches forward broadcasts out all ports except the receiving port within the same VLAN.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
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