To connect devices within the same subnet, which component must be used?

To connect devices within the same subnet, which component must be used?

• A. The default gateway
• B. A network switch
• C. An access point
• D. Router

Answer: (B)

To connect devices within the same subnet, a network switch is the appropriate component to use. A switch operates at the data link layer of the OSI model and is designed to connect multiple devices on the same local area network (LAN). It facilitates communication by receiving data packets from one device and forwarding them to the appropriate destination device within the same subnet without the need to route the traffic to another network segment. Switches improve network efficiency by maintaining a MAC address table, which allows them to direct traffic only to the intended recipient, minimizing unnecessary data transmission and collisions. They are fundamental in creating a network infrastructure that supports multiple devices sharing the same network resources. In contrast, a default gateway is used for routing traffic between different subnets or networks, while routers are necessary for connecting different subnets or networks. An access point enables wireless devices to connect to a wired network but does not handle the switching function between devices on a subnet.

To connect devices within the same subnet, a network switch is the appropriate component to use. A switch operates at the data link layer of the OSI model and is designed to connect multiple devices on the same local area network (LAN). It facilitates communication by receiving data packets from one device and forwarding them to the appropriate destination device within the same subnet without the need to route the traffic to another network segment.

Switches improve network efficiency by maintaining a MAC address table, which allows them to direct traffic only to the intended recipient, minimizing unnecessary data transmission and collisions. They are fundamental in creating a network infrastructure that supports multiple devices sharing the same network resources.

In contrast, a default gateway is used for routing traffic between different subnets or networks, while routers are necessary for connecting different subnets or networks. An access point enables wireless devices to connect to a wired network but does not handle the switching function between devices on a subnet.