- A
Switch
Why wrong: A switch forwards frames based on MAC addresses at Layer 2, not IP addresses.
- B
Router
A router forwards packets based on IP addresses, connecting different networks.
- C
Hub
Why wrong: A hub operates at Layer 1 and does not make forwarding decisions; it simply repeats signals.
- D
Bridge
Why wrong: A bridge forwards frames based on MAC addresses at Layer 2, not IP addresses.
Question 204 of 520
N10-009 Networking Concepts Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of networking concepts. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 is used to connect two different network segments and makes forwarding decisions based on IP addresses?
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
✓
Router
A router is the correct device because it operates at Layer 3 (Network layer) of the OSI model and makes forwarding decisions based on destination IP addresses. It connects two different network segments (subnets) and uses routing tables to determine the best path for packet delivery, often employing protocols like OSPF or BGP.
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 forwards frames based on MAC addresses at Layer 2, not IP addresses.
When this WOULD be correct
When the question asks which device connects devices within the same network segment and forwards frames based on MAC addresses, a switch is the correct answer.
- ✓
Router
Why this is correct
A router forwards packets based on IP addresses, connecting different networks.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Hub
Why it's wrong here
A hub operates at Layer 1 and does not make forwarding decisions; it simply repeats signals.
When this WOULD be correct
When the question asks which device connects network segments but operates at Layer 1 and does not perform any filtering or forwarding logic (e.g., 'Which device extends a network by repeating signals without any intelligence?').
- ✗
Bridge
Why it's wrong here
A bridge forwards frames based on MAC addresses at Layer 2, not IP addresses.
When this WOULD be correct
A bridge would be correct if the question asked: 'Which device connects two network segments and forwards frames based on MAC addresses?' or 'Which Layer 2 device is used to segment a collision domain?'
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.
✓RouterCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
A router forwards packets based on IP addresses, connecting different networks.
✗SwitchWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A switch forwards frames based on MAC addresses, not IP addresses, and operates within a single network segment, not between different network segments.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
When the question asks which device connects devices within the same network segment and forwards frames based on MAC addresses, a switch is the correct answer.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse switches with routers because both are used for connectivity and make forwarding decisions, but they operate at different OSI layers.
✗HubWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A hub operates at Layer 1 (physical) and simply repeats electrical signals to all ports, making no forwarding decisions based on IP addresses.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
When the question asks which device connects network segments but operates at Layer 1 and does not perform any filtering or forwarding logic (e.g., 'Which device extends a network by repeating signals without any intelligence?').
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse hubs with switches or routers because all are used to connect devices, but they forget that hubs lack any addressing or decision-making capability.
✗BridgeWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A bridge connects two network segments but makes forwarding decisions based on MAC addresses, not IP addresses, and operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A bridge would be correct if the question asked: 'Which device connects two network segments and forwards frames based on MAC addresses?' or 'Which Layer 2 device is used to segment a collision domain?'
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse bridges with routers because both connect network segments, but they forget that bridges operate at Layer 2 using MAC addresses, while routers operate at Layer 3 using IP addresses.
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
The N10-009 exam often tests the distinction between Layer 2 and Layer 3 devices, trapping candidates who confuse a switch's MAC-based forwarding with a router's IP-based forwarding, especially when the question mentions 'different network segments'—a switch can segment collision domains but not broadcast domains, while a router segments broadcast domains.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Routers maintain a routing table that maps destination IP networks to next-hop addresses or outgoing interfaces; this table is built dynamically via routing protocols (e.g., OSPF using Dijkstra's algorithm) or statically. In a real-world scenario, a router connecting a home LAN (192.168.1.0/24) to the internet uses NAT to translate private IPs to a public IP, while still making IP-based forwarding decisions. The router's forwarding decision is based on the longest prefix match in the routing table, not on the entire IP address.
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 network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Routing Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Metric | Max Hops | Algorithm | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIP v2 | Hop count | 15 | Bellman-Ford | Distance vector |
| OSPF | Cost (bandwidth) | Unlimited | Dijkstra (SPF) | Link state |
| EIGRP | Composite metric | Unlimited | DUAL | Hybrid |
| IS-IS | Cost | Unlimited | Dijkstra | Link state |
| BGP | Policy / attributes | Unlimited | Path vector | Path vector |
RIP's 15-hop limit makes it unsuitable for large networks. OSPF and EIGRP dominate modern enterprise deployments.
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: Router — A router is the correct device because it operates at Layer 3 (Network layer) of the OSI model and makes forwarding decisions based on destination IP addresses. It connects two different network segments (subnets) and uses routing tables to determine the best path for packet delivery, often employing protocols like OSPF or BGP.
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 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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