This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of networking concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 operates at Layer 1 (Physical) of the OSI model and regenerates electrical signals to extend the distance of a network segment?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Hub
A hub operates at Layer 1 (Physical) of the OSI model. It receives incoming electrical signals on one port and regenerates (repeats) those signals out to all other ports, effectively extending the physical reach of a network segment. Unlike switches or routers, it performs no frame inspection or forwarding decisions.
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.
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Switch
Why it's wrong here
A switch operates at Layer 2 (Data Link) and uses MAC addresses to forward frames, not just signal regeneration.
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Router
Why it's wrong here
A router operates at Layer 3 (Network) and makes forwarding decisions based on IP addresses.
✓
Hub
Why this is correct
A hub is a Layer 1 device that repeats incoming signals to all ports, extending the physical range of the network.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Bridge
Why it's wrong here
A bridge operates at Layer 2, learning MAC addresses to segment collision domains.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between a hub (Layer 1, signal regeneration) and a bridge/switch (Layer 2, frame forwarding), trapping candidates who confuse signal regeneration with MAC-based forwarding.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A hub is essentially a multi-port repeater; it retransmits every incoming bit to all other ports without any buffering or filtering, which means all devices connected to a hub share the same collision domain. In half-duplex Ethernet, this forces the use of CSMA/CD to manage collisions, and the 5-4-3 rule (no more than 5 segments, 4 repeaters, 3 populated segments) historically limited network diameter to prevent excessive propagation delay. Modern networks rarely use hubs because they degrade performance and security compared to switches.
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 practitioner preparing for the N10-009 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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: Hub — A hub operates at Layer 1 (Physical) of the OSI model. It receives incoming electrical signals on one port and regenerates (repeats) those signals out to all other ports, effectively extending the physical reach of a network segment. Unlike switches or routers, it performs no frame inspection or forwarding decisions.
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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