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

Which physical or virtual device sends data packets to destination networks along a network path using logical addresses?

1. Hub

2. Switch

3. Router

4. Access point

The correct answer is: Router

The device that sends data packets to destination networks along a network path using logical addresses is indeed the router. Routers operate at Layer 3 of the OSI model, which is the Network layer. This allows them to make forwarding decisions based on IP addresses, which are the logical addresses used to identify devices on a network. When a data packet is transmitted, it may pass through several networks before reaching its destination. The router examines the destination IP address of the packet and determines the best path for it to take, facilitating communication between different networks. This capability is crucial for effective routing, especially in large interconnected networks like the internet. In contrast, devices such as hubs, switches, and access points serve different roles within a network. Hubs operate at Layer 1 (the Physical layer) and simply broadcast data to all connected devices without considering addresses. Switches, functioning at Layer 2 (the Data Link layer), use MAC addresses to forward data within the same network segment but do not route traffic between different networks. Access points primarily provide wireless connectivity and facilitate client connections to a network but do not manage packet routing between networks. Thus, routers are essential for directing data efficiently across diverse networks using logical addressing, making them the correct answer.