Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET) Practice Exam

Which device is primarily responsible for connecting multiple networks together?

1. Hub

2. Switch

3. Router

4. Repeater

The correct answer is: Router

The device that is primarily responsible for connecting multiple networks together is a router. Routers perform the essential function of forwarding data packets between different networks, ensuring that communication can occur across disparate network segments. They utilize routing tables and protocols to determine the best path for data transmission, effectively managing traffic between local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). In contrast, hubs are simple devices that connect multiple Ethernet devices within a single network segment but do not manage traffic or separate networks. Switches operate similarly to hubs but can intelligently direct data to specific devices on the network, improving efficiency within a single LAN rather than across multiple networks. Repeaters amplify signals to extend the reach of a network but do not have any routing capabilities and function within the same network. Thus, a router is the correct choice for connecting different networks together.