The answer is a switch. A switch increases the number of collision domains by creating a dedicated collision domain for each port, allowing devices to transmit simultaneously without data collisions, yet it does not increase the number of broadcast domains because all ports remain in the same broadcast domain by default unless VLANs are configured. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how Layer 2 devices segment traffic differently from hubs or routers—hubs create a single collision domain, while routers segment broadcast domains. A common trap is confusing a switch with a router; remember that switches only break up collision domains, not broadcast domains. For a quick memory tip: think of a switch as a “collision cutter” but a “broadcast keeper”—it chops up collisions but lets broadcasts flow freely across all ports.
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 explaining network segmentation to a junior technician. Which of the following devices increases the number of collision domains but does not increase the number of broadcast domains?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Switch
A switch creates a separate collision domain for each port, so multiple devices can transmit simultaneously without collisions, but it does not segment broadcast domains; all ports remain in the same broadcast domain unless VLANs are configured. This directly matches the question's requirement: increasing collision domains without increasing broadcast domains.
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.
A switch creates a separate collision domain for each port but forwards all broadcast frames, so it does not increase broadcast domains.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Router
Why it's wrong here
A router separates broadcast domains and also separates collision domains.
✗
Repeater
Why it's wrong here
A repeater extends cable length but does not segment collision domains; it is one collision domain.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse collision domains with broadcast domains, thinking that a switch reduces both, when in fact it only reduces collision domains while leaving broadcast domains unchanged (unless VLANs are used).
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, a switch uses store-and-forward or cut-through switching to isolate collisions per port via full-duplex operation, effectively eliminating collisions on each link. In contrast, broadcast traffic (e.g., ARP requests) is still flooded out all ports in the same VLAN, meaning the broadcast domain remains intact. A real-world scenario is a flat network where a switch is used to connect multiple workstations; each workstation gets its own collision domain, but a single broadcast storm can still affect all devices.
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.
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: Switch — A switch creates a separate collision domain for each port, so multiple devices can transmit simultaneously without collisions, but it does not segment broadcast domains; all ports remain in the same broadcast domain unless VLANs are configured. This directly matches the question's requirement: increasing collision domains without increasing broadcast domains.
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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