- A
A switch is faster than a hub because it operates at Layer 3
Why wrong: Switches operate at Layer 2 (Data Link layer), not Layer 3. While switches are faster due to dedicated forwarding, the reason is not Layer 3 operation.
- B
A hub broadcasts all frames to all ports; a switch forwards frames only to the destination port
This is the core difference. Hubs repeat signals out all ports; switches use MAC address tables to deliver frames selectively.
- C
A hub can segment collision domains; a switch cannot
Why wrong: In fact, the opposite is true. Hubs do not segment collision domains; they extend them. Switches create separate collision domains per port.
- D
Both hubs and switches operate at the same OSI layer but use different frame types
Why wrong: Hubs operate at Layer 1 (Physical), while switches operate at Layer 2 (Data Link). They use the same Ethernet frame types.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that a hub broadcasts all frames to all ports, while a switch forwards frames only to the destination port. This is because a hub operates at Layer 1 of the OSI model, the physical layer, where it simply repeats incoming electrical signals out every port, forcing all connected devices to process every frame regardless of its intended recipient. In contrast, a switch operates at Layer 2, the data link layer, and builds a MAC address table to learn which device resides on which port, allowing it to forward frames precisely to the correct destination and thereby reduce unnecessary traffic and improve network efficiency. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this hub vs switch difference tests your understanding of basic network segmentation and collision domains; a common trap is confusing a switch’s forwarding behavior with a router’s IP-based routing. To remember it, think: hub is a dumb repeater, switch is a smart filter—or simply, “Hub hollers to all, switch whispers to one.”
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 the primary difference between a hub and a switch?
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.
Clue:
"primary"Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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
A hub broadcasts all frames to all ports; a switch forwards frames only to the destination port
A hub operates at Layer 1 (physical layer) and simply repeats electrical signals out all ports, causing all connected devices to receive every frame. A switch operates at Layer 2 (data link layer) and uses the MAC address table to forward frames only to the specific port where the destination device resides, reducing unnecessary traffic and improving network efficiency.
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 is faster than a hub because it operates at Layer 3
Why it's wrong here
Switches operate at Layer 2 (Data Link layer), not Layer 3. While switches are faster due to dedicated forwarding, the reason is not Layer 3 operation.
- ✓
A hub broadcasts all frames to all ports; a switch forwards frames only to the destination port
Why this is correct
This is the core difference. Hubs repeat signals out all ports; switches use MAC address tables to deliver frames selectively.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
A hub can segment collision domains; a switch cannot
Why it's wrong here
In fact, the opposite is true. Hubs do not segment collision domains; they extend them. Switches create separate collision domains per port.
- ✗
Both hubs and switches operate at the same OSI layer but use different frame types
Why it's wrong here
Hubs operate at Layer 1 (Physical), while switches operate at Layer 2 (Data Link). They use the same Ethernet frame types.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the OSI layer of a switch (Layer 2) with a router (Layer 3) and incorrectly assume switches are faster because they operate at a higher layer, or they mistakenly think hubs can segment collision domains when in fact they expand them.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Switches learn MAC addresses by examining the source MAC of incoming frames and building a MAC address table (CAM table). When a frame arrives with an unknown destination MAC, the switch floods the frame out all ports except the ingress port—a behavior similar to a hub but only for unknown unicasts. In a real-world scenario, a hub would cause excessive collisions and retransmissions in a busy network, whereas a switch isolates traffic and allows full-duplex communication, effectively doubling throughput per link.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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: A hub broadcasts all frames to all ports; a switch forwards frames only to the destination port — A hub operates at Layer 1 (physical layer) and simply repeats electrical signals out all ports, causing all connected devices to receive every frame. A switch operates at Layer 2 (data link layer) and uses the MAC address table to forward frames only to the specific port where the destination device resides, reducing unnecessary traffic and improving network efficiency.
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", "primary". 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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