- A
Switch
Why wrong: A switch operates at Layer 2 (Data Link) and uses MAC addresses to forward frames, not just signal regeneration.
- B
Router
Why wrong: A router operates at Layer 3 (Network) and makes forwarding decisions based on IP addresses.
- C
Hub
A hub is a Layer 1 device that repeats incoming signals to all ports, extending the physical range of the network.
- D
Bridge
Why wrong: A bridge operates at Layer 2, learning MAC addresses to segment collision domains.
Question 166 of 520
Hub Layer 1 Function
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.
Which device operates at Layer 1 (Physical) of the OSI model and regenerates electrical signals to extend the distance of a network segment?
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
✓
Hub
A hub operates at Layer 1 (Physical) of the OSI model. It receives incoming electrical signals on one port and regenerates (repeats) those signals out to all other ports, effectively extending the physical reach of a network segment. Unlike switches or routers, it performs no frame inspection or forwarding decisions.
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.
- ✗
Switch
Why it's wrong here
A switch operates at Layer 2 (Data Link) and uses MAC addresses to forward frames, not just signal regeneration.
When this WOULD be correct
A switch would be correct if the question asked: 'Which device connects multiple devices on a LAN, uses MAC addresses to forward frames, and reduces collision domains?'
- ✗
Router
Why it's wrong here
A router operates at Layer 3 (Network) and makes forwarding decisions based on IP addresses.
When this WOULD be correct
A router would be correct for a question asking: 'Which device connects different networks and forwards packets based on logical addressing?'
- ✓
Hub
Why this is correct
A hub is a Layer 1 device that repeats incoming signals to all ports, extending the physical range of the network.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Bridge
Why it's wrong here
A bridge operates at Layer 2, learning MAC addresses to segment collision domains.
When this WOULD be correct
A bridge would be correct in a question asking: 'Which device connects two network segments and filters traffic based on MAC addresses to reduce collisions?'
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.
✓HubCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
A hub is a Layer 1 device that repeats incoming signals to all ports, extending the physical range of the network.
✗SwitchWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A switch operates at Layer 2 (Data Link) and uses MAC addresses to forward frames, not at Layer 1. It does not simply regenerate electrical signals; it makes forwarding decisions based on addressing.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A switch would be correct if the question asked: 'Which device connects multiple devices on a LAN, uses MAC addresses to forward frames, and reduces collision domains?'
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse a switch with a hub because both connect multiple devices in a network, but they forget that switches operate at Layer 2 and do not merely regenerate signals.
✗RouterWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Routers operate at Layer 3 (Network) and make forwarding decisions based on IP addresses, not by regenerating electrical signals at the physical layer.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A router would be correct for a question asking: 'Which device connects different networks and forwards packets based on logical addressing?'
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse a router's ability to extend network reach (via routing) with the physical signal regeneration function of a hub.
✗BridgeWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A bridge operates at Layer 2 (Data Link) and uses MAC addresses to forward frames, not Layer 1 signal regeneration. It does not simply regenerate electrical signals to extend distance.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A bridge would be correct in a question asking: 'Which device connects two network segments and filters traffic based on MAC addresses to reduce collisions?'
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse bridges with repeaters or hubs because both can extend network segments, but bridges operate at a higher layer and provide filtering.
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 hub (Layer 1, signal regeneration) and a bridge/switch (Layer 2, frame forwarding), trapping candidates who confuse signal regeneration with MAC-based forwarding.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A hub is essentially a multi-port repeater; it retransmits every incoming bit to all other ports without any buffering or filtering, which means all devices connected to a hub share the same collision domain. In half-duplex Ethernet, this forces the use of CSMA/CD to manage collisions, and the 5-4-3 rule (no more than 5 segments, 4 repeaters, 3 populated segments) historically limited network diameter to prevent excessive propagation delay. Modern networks rarely use hubs because they degrade performance and security compared to switches.
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
OSI Model Reference
| Layer | Name | PDU | Key Protocols / Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Application | Data | HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, SMTP, FTP, SSH |
| 6 | Presentation | Data | TLS / SSL, JPEG, ASCII encoding |
| 5 | Session | Data | NetBIOS, RPC, SIP |
| 4 | Transport | Segment / Datagram | TCP, UDP |
| 3 | Network | Packet | IP, ICMP, OSPF — Routers |
| 2 | Data Link | Frame | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP — Switches, Bridges |
| 1 | Physical | Bits | Cables, NICs, Hubs, Repeaters |
What to study next
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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: Hub — A hub operates at Layer 1 (Physical) of the OSI model. It receives incoming electrical signals on one port and regenerates (repeats) those signals out to all other ports, effectively extending the physical reach of a network segment. Unlike switches or routers, it performs no frame inspection or forwarding decisions.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on N10-009
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A network device receives a frame on one port and forwards it out to all other ports. The device does not examine the destination MAC address. Which type of device is being described?
easy- A.Switch
- ✓ B.Hub
- C.Bridge
- D.Router
Why B: A hub operates at Layer 1 (physical layer) of the OSI model and simply repeats incoming electrical or optical signals out all other ports without any processing of the frame's destination MAC address. This behavior matches the description exactly: the device receives a frame on one port and forwards it out all other ports without examining the MAC address.
Variation 2. Which of the following network devices operates at Layer 1 of the OSI model and forwards all incoming electrical signals to all of its ports?
easy- A.Router
- B.Switch
- ✓ C.Hub
- D.Bridge
Why C: A hub operates at Layer 1 (Physical layer) of the OSI model and is a multiport repeater. It regenerates and forwards every incoming electrical signal out of all ports except the incoming port, regardless of the intended destination, because it has no intelligence to process MAC addresses or frames.
Keep practising
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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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