- A
8 collision domains, 1 broadcast domain
Correct. Each switch port creates its own collision domain (8 total). The hub does not add separate collision domains; it connects all its ports into the collision domain of the switch port it is attached to. All devices are on the same VLAN, so there is one broadcast domain.
- B
11 collision domains, 1 broadcast domain
Why wrong: Incorrect. This answer incorrectly counts each workstation on the hub as a separate collision domain. Hubs do not segment collision domains; they operate at Layer 1 and forward all signals, so all hub-attached devices belong to the same collision domain as the switch port.
- C
12 collision domains, 5 broadcast domains
Why wrong: Incorrect. There are not 12 collision domains; the total is 8 (one per switch port). Also, a broadcast domain is not determined by the number of devices. All devices share the same broadcast domain because they are on the same VLAN and no router is involved.
- D
8 collision domains, 5 broadcast domains
Why wrong: Incorrect. While 8 collision domains is correct, 5 broadcast domains is wrong. Broadcast domains are separated by Layer 3 devices (routers), or by VLANs if trunked. Since all devices are on the same VLAN and subnet without a router, there is only one broadcast domain.
Quick Answer
The answer is 8 collision domains and 1 broadcast domain. This is correct because a switch creates a separate collision domain for each of its ports, so the 8-port switch yields 8 collision domains, while the hub connected to one port simply extends that single collision domain to all four of its workstations without adding new ones. Since all devices share the same VLAN and IP subnet, they belong to exactly one broadcast domain. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this question tests your understanding of how switches and hubs segment collision domains versus broadcast domains—a common trap is forgetting that a hub does not break up collision domains, only a switch does. A reliable memory tip: switches slice collisions per port, hubs lump them together; broadcast domains are only split by routers or VLANs.
N10-009 Networking Concepts Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of networking concepts. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 technician is analyzing a small office network topology. An 8-port switch has 7 workstations directly connected. The remaining switch port is connected to a 4-port hub, which has 4 workstations attached. All devices are configured on the same VLAN and IP subnet. How many collision domains and broadcast domains are present in this network?
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
8 collision domains, 1 broadcast domain
Switches create a separate collision domain per port, so the 8-port switch provides 8 collision domains. The hub connected to one switch port extends that single collision domain to all its attached devices, but does not create new ones. All devices are on the same VLAN and IP subnet, so there is only one broadcast domain. Therefore, the network has 8 collision domains and 1 broadcast domain.
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.
- ✓
8 collision domains, 1 broadcast domain
Why this is correct
Correct. Each switch port creates its own collision domain (8 total). The hub does not add separate collision domains; it connects all its ports into the collision domain of the switch port it is attached to. All devices are on the same VLAN, so there is one broadcast domain.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
11 collision domains, 1 broadcast domain
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. This answer incorrectly counts each workstation on the hub as a separate collision domain. Hubs do not segment collision domains; they operate at Layer 1 and forward all signals, so all hub-attached devices belong to the same collision domain as the switch port.
- ✗
12 collision domains, 5 broadcast domains
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. There are not 12 collision domains; the total is 8 (one per switch port). Also, a broadcast domain is not determined by the number of devices. All devices share the same broadcast domain because they are on the same VLAN and no router is involved.
- ✗
8 collision domains, 5 broadcast domains
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. While 8 collision domains is correct, 5 broadcast domains is wrong. Broadcast domains are separated by Layer 3 devices (routers), or by VLANs if trunked. Since all devices are on the same VLAN and subnet without a router, there is only one broadcast domain.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between hubs (Layer 1 repeaters that extend collision domains) and switches (Layer 2 devices that segment collision domains), and the trap here is assuming that each hub port creates its own collision domain, leading to overcounting collision domains, or confusing collision domains with broadcast domains by thinking hubs or switches create multiple broadcast domains.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Ethernet, a collision domain is a network segment where collisions can occur; switches isolate each port into its own collision domain using store-and-forward buffering, while hubs electrically repeat all signals, forcing all attached devices into one collision domain. Broadcast domains are Layer 2 boundaries defined by VLANs or routers; even with multiple switches, all ports in the same VLAN belong to one broadcast domain. In real-world scenarios, mixing hubs with switches can degrade performance due to increased collisions on the hub segment, which is why modern networks use switches exclusively.
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: 8 collision domains, 1 broadcast domain — Switches create a separate collision domain per port, so the 8-port switch provides 8 collision domains. The hub connected to one switch port extends that single collision domain to all its attached devices, but does not create new ones. All devices are on the same VLAN and IP subnet, so there is only one broadcast domain. Therefore, the network has 8 collision domains and 1 broadcast domain.
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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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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