N10-009 Networking Concepts Practice Question
Which device is used to connect two different network segments and makes forwarding decisions based on IP addresses?
⚠ Common exam trap
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.
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.
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.
- ✗
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?”
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.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Interior vs Exterior Routing Protocols
Key term
OSI model
The OSI model is a conceptual framework that standardizes the functions of a telecommunication or computing system into seven distinct layers, from physical hardware to application software.
Key term
Packet
A packet is a small unit of data that is sent over a network, containing both the actual data and control information for delivery.
About these practice questions
One of 464 original N10-009 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.