Net+ Day 3 Network Devices

A technician needs to connect multiple devices in a building and provide internet access. Which network device would be MOST appropriate for this task?

• Switch
• Router
• Access Point
• Firewall

Answer explanation

A router connects multiple networks and provides internet access by routing traffic between them. Switches connect devices within a single network segment and don't provide internet access on their own. Access points create wireless networks and typically connect to a router for internet access. Firewalls filter traffic but don't route it.

A user reports they can't connect to a shared printer on the network. Which network device is MOST likely responsible for facilitating communication with the printer?

• Switch
• Router
• Access Point
• Firewall

Answer explanation

Switches are responsible for forwarding data frames within a network segment, including those directed to network printers. Routers connect networks and wouldn't be directly involved in communication with a local printer. Access points are for wireless communication and wouldn't be relevant for wired printers. Firewalls filter traffic but wouldn't directly affect communication within a network.

Technicians are troubleshooting a network where some devices can access the internet but not communicate with each other. Which network device could be causing this issue?

• Switch
• Router
• Access Point
• Firewall

Answer explanation

Firewalls can be configured to filter traffic and restrict communication between devices on a network, even while allowing internet access. Switches typically wouldn't restrict communication within a network segment unless there's a hardware fault. Routers connect networks and wouldn't be the cause of communication issues within a single network. Access points are for wireless communication and wouldn't be relevant here.

A company wants to expand its network and connect two buildings. What type of network device would be used to establish this connection?

• Switch
• Router
• Network Interface Card (NIC)
• Fiber Optic Cable

Answer explanation

Fiber optic cables are commonly used for long-distance connections between buildings. Switches and routers connect devices within a building or network segment. NICs are installed within devices to connect them to the network.

Technicians are setting up a new network with several departments. They want to isolate traffic between departments for security purposes. Which network device can be used to achieve this?

• Switch
• Router
• Access Point
• Firewall

Answer explanation

Switches can be configured to create VLANs (Virtual LANs) which logically segment a network and restrict traffic flow between departments. Routers connect networks, not segments within a network. Access points are for wireless communication and wouldn't be relevant for VLAN creation. Firewalls can filter traffic but wouldn't create separate network segments.

You are troubleshooting a network where users in one department are unable to communicate with users in another department, even though they are on the same subnet. What device is most likely causing this issue?

• Layer 2 switch
• Layer 3 switch
• Router
• Wireless access point

Answer explanation

A Layer 2 switch forwards frames based on MAC addresses and wouldn't prevent communication between subnets. A wireless access point wouldn't affect communication between wired devices. A router is responsible for routing packets between different networks, and in this case, it's likely there's a misconfiguration preventing communication between the departments.

You are designing a new network for a small office with 20 devices. All devices need to be able to communicate with each other, but you want to minimize collisions. What device should you use to connect the devices?

• Hub
• Unmanaged switch
• Managed switch
• Router

Answer explanation

A hub broadcasts all traffic to all devices, which can lead to collisions in a network with many devices. A managed switch offers more features, but for a simple network with basic communication needs, an unmanaged switch is a cost-effective solution. Routers are used to connect different networks, not individual devices within a network.

A user reports that their internet connection is slow and unreliable. You suspect the issue might be with the network interface card (NIC). What diagnostic tool can you use to verify the functionality of the NIC?

• Ping
• Traceroute
• Nslookup
• Device manager

Answer explanation

Ping, traceroute, and nslookup are used for network troubleshooting, but they wouldn't provide information about the functionality of the NIC itself. Device manager displays information about hardware components, including the NIC, and can be used to identify any driver issues or malfunctions.

You are configuring a wireless network for a large office building. To ensure optimal signal coverage throughout the building, what device would you use in conjunction with a wireless access point?

• Network switch
• Repeater
• Firewall
• VPN concentrator

Answer explanation

A network switch connects wired devices, not wireless access points. A firewall is for network security, not signal strength. A VPN concentrator is used for secure remote connections, not for extending wireless coverage. A repeater receives and retransmits the wireless signal, extending its reach.

You are managing a network with multiple VLANs. Which device is responsible for routing traffic between different VLANs?

• Switch
• Router
• Firewall
• Access point

Answer explanation

Switches operate at Layer 2 and forward traffic based on MAC addresses. They cannot route traffic between different VLANs. Routers operate at Layer 3 and can route traffic between different networks, including VLANs. Firewalls control access to a network but don't handle routing. Access points connect wireless devices to the network, not between VLANs.