Name two common networking devices and their purposes in a small business network.

Name two common networking devices and their purposes in a small business network.

• A. Router connects networks and routes traffic; Switch connects devices within a network.
• B. Router stores data and Switch provides wireless access.
• C. Modem routes traffic and Firewall creates user accounts.
• D. Hub expands memory and Gateway blocks email.

Answer: (A)

In small business networks, two common devices are routers and switches. A router’s job is to connect different networks and route traffic between them, which often includes providing Internet access to all devices in the local network and offering features like network address translation (NAT) and basic firewall protection. A switch, on the other hand, stays inside the local network and connects multiple devices so they can communicate with each other. It forwards data frames to the correct device using MAC addresses, effectively expanding the number of devices you can plug into the network. This combination fits the scenario well: the router handles traffic entering and leaving the network, while the switch expands internal connectivity among computers, printers, phones, and other devices. Other options mix up functions: a modem primarily connects to an Internet service, not route traffic between internal networks; a firewall blocks or filters traffic but doesn’t create user accounts as a primary role; a hub is an older device that simply repeats signals and doesn’t manage traffic efficiently like a switch; a gateway connects networks but blocking email is not its defining purpose.

In small business networks, two common devices are routers and switches. A router’s job is to connect different networks and route traffic between them, which often includes providing Internet access to all devices in the local network and offering features like network address translation (NAT) and basic firewall protection. A switch, on the other hand, stays inside the local network and connects multiple devices so they can communicate with each other. It forwards data frames to the correct device using MAC addresses, effectively expanding the number of devices you can plug into the network.

This combination fits the scenario well: the router handles traffic entering and leaving the network, while the switch expands internal connectivity among computers, printers, phones, and other devices.

Other options mix up functions: a modem primarily connects to an Internet service, not route traffic between internal networks; a firewall blocks or filters traffic but doesn’t create user accounts as a primary role; a hub is an older device that simply repeats signals and doesn’t manage traffic efficiently like a switch; a gateway connects networks but blocking email is not its defining purpose.