Quick Answer
The answer is a router, the correct device for connecting two different network segments and making forwarding decisions based on IP addresses. A router operates at Layer 3, the Network layer of the OSI model, where it examines the destination IP address in each packet and consults its routing table to determine the optimal path for delivery across distinct subnets. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how routers differ from switches (Layer 2, MAC-based) and hubs (Layer 1), often appearing in questions about segmentation, default gateways, or routing protocols like OSPF. A common trap is confusing a router with a multilayer switch, but remember: if the device forwards solely by IP address and connects different subnets, it is a router. Memory tip: think “Router reads the IP” to recall its Layer 3 role.
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?
Switch
Why wrong: A switch forwards frames based on MAC addresses at Layer 2, not IP addresses.
Router
A router forwards packets based on IP addresses, connecting different networks.
Hub
Why wrong: A hub operates at Layer 1 and does not make forwarding decisions; it simply repeats signals.
Bridge
Why wrong: A bridge forwards frames based on MAC addresses at Layer 2, not IP addresses.
Answer choices
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
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.
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.
Bridge
Why it's wrong here
A bridge forwards frames based on MAC addresses at Layer 2, not IP addresses.
Common exam traps
Cisco 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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Networking Concepts — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Networking Concepts practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All N10-009 questions
520 questions across all exam domains
CompTIA Network+ N10-009 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
N10-009 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise N10-009 questions linked to Networking Concepts.
Practise N10-009 questions linked to Network Implementation.
Practise N10-009 questions linked to Network Operations.
Practise N10-009 questions linked to Network Security.
Practise N10-009 questions linked to Network Troubleshooting.
Practise N10-009 questions linked to Network+ network fundamentals.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Networking Concepts — This question tests Networking Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.