- A
A second router
Why wrong: A second router could create a separate network, but it would be more complex and expensive. A managed switch with VLANs is the standard solution.
- B
A managed switch
Correct. A managed switch allows configuration of VLANs, which logically separate broadcast domains on the same physical network, improving security.
- C
A hub
Why wrong: A hub extends the same broadcast domain and does not provide segmentation. It would actually increase collisions.
- D
A wireless access point
Why wrong: A WAP only provides wireless connectivity and does not create separate broadcast domains. It would connect to the existing network.
Question 742 of 1,020
VLAN Segmentation with Managed Switch
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of common networking hardware. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 company's network uses a router with a built-in 4-port switch. The IT manager wants to segment the network into two separate broadcast domains for security. What additional hardware is required?
Quick Answer
The answer is a managed switch, because VLAN segmentation with a managed switch is the only way to create separate broadcast domains on a single physical network. An unmanaged switch treats all ports as one flat network, while a router with a built-in switch still lacks the VLAN configuration needed to isolate traffic without multiple separate physical interfaces. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding that VLANs are a Layer 2 function requiring a managed switch to assign ports to different virtual networks, thereby splitting broadcast traffic for security. A common trap is assuming a router alone can do this, but routers handle Layer 3 routing between subnets, not the Layer 2 isolation VLANs provide. Remember the memory tip: “Managed means you can manage the VLANs; unmanaged means you can’t.”
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 managed switch
A managed switch is required because it can be configured with VLANs (IEEE 802.1Q) to create multiple broadcast domains on a single physical switch. The built-in 4-port switch on the router cannot be segmented into separate broadcast domains without VLAN support, which only a managed switch provides.
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 second router
Why it's wrong here
A second router could create a separate network, but it would be more complex and expensive. A managed switch with VLANs is the standard solution.
- ✓
A managed switch
Why this is correct
Correct. A managed switch allows configuration of VLANs, which logically separate broadcast domains on the same physical network, improving security.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
A hub
Why it's wrong here
A hub extends the same broadcast domain and does not provide segmentation. It would actually increase collisions.
- ✗
A wireless access point
Why it's wrong here
A WAP only provides wireless connectivity and does not create separate broadcast domains. It would connect to the existing network.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume a router is always needed to create separate broadcast domains, but the CompTIA A+ exam tests that a managed switch with VLANs can do this at Layer 2 without additional routing hardware.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLANs work by tagging Ethernet frames with a 12-bit VLAN ID (0-4095) as per IEEE 802.1Q, allowing a single switch to logically separate ports into distinct broadcast domains. The router's built-in switch typically operates as an unmanaged switch, meaning all ports belong to the same VLAN (usually VLAN 1) and share a single broadcast domain. In a real-world scenario, an IT manager would connect the router to a managed switch, configure VLANs (e.g., VLAN 10 for finance, VLAN 20 for HR), and then use a trunk port (tagged) to the router for inter-VLAN routing.
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.
Visual reference
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.
- →
Common Networking Hardware — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Common Networking Hardware practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1201 questions
1,020 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1201 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1201 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Mobile Device Hardware Servicing practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Hardware Servicing.
Mobile Device Connection Methods practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Connection Methods.
Mobile Device Accessories practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Accessories.
Mobile Device Network Connectivity practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Network Connectivity.
Mobile Device Application Support practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Application Support.
Network Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Protocols.
TCP & UDP Ports practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to TCP & UDP Ports.
Wireless Networking Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Wireless Networking Technologies.
Network Services practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Services.
Network Configuration Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Configuration Concepts.
Common Networking Hardware practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Common Networking Hardware.
IP Addressing practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to IP Addressing.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1201 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Common Networking Hardware — This question tests Common Networking Hardware — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A managed switch — A managed switch is required because it can be configured with VLANs (IEEE 802.1Q) to create multiple broadcast domains on a single physical switch. The built-in 4-port switch on the router cannot be segmented into separate broadcast domains without VLAN support, which only a managed switch provides.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 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.
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 →
Keep practising
More 220-1201 practice questions
- During a network cable installation, a technician needs to verify that a newly run Cat6 cable is properly terminated and…
- A user connects a 4K monitor to their laptop using a USB-C port. The monitor is detected, but the resolution is stuck at…
- A technician is troubleshooting a laptop that will not charge. The battery is removable, and the power adapter works on…
- A customer brings in a smartphone with a broken charging port. They want the port replaced. During disassembly, the tech…
- A user reports that their laptop's keyboard types random characters when certain keys are pressed. The laptop has not be…
- A technician is troubleshooting a laptop that shuts down randomly after a few minutes of use. The fan is spinning, and t…
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 220-1201 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 220-1201 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.