100-160 Question 76
Single answerA cybersecurity analyst is investigating unusual traffic patterns in a company's network. To identify the source of the issue, the analyst needs to understand the role of network infrastructure components. Which network device is primarily responsible for directing traffic between different networks based on IP addresses?
- A
Switch
- B
Router
- C
Firewall
- D
Access Point
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Routers are critical components of network infrastructure that enable communication between different networks by forwarding traffic based on IP addresses. In this scenario, the analyst needs to understand the router's role as it directly impacts traffic flow between networks, helping to identify the source of the issue.
- A. Incorrect.
Switches operate at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model and are primarily responsible for forwarding traffic within the same network segment, not between different networks.
- B. Correct.
Routers operate at Layer 3 (Network Layer) of the OSI model and are responsible for directing traffic between different networks using IP addresses. This makes routers the correct answer in this scenario.
- C. Incorrect.
Firewalls are security devices that monitor and control network traffic. While they can filter traffic between networks, their primary purpose is not routing but enforcing security policies.
- D. Incorrect.
Access Points are network devices that provide wireless connectivity to devices within the same network. They do not route traffic between different networks.