Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET)Network SecurityMedium
A small business is experiencing frequent network slowdowns and suspects a device on their network is generating excessive broadcast traffic, leading to a 'broadcast storm'. Which network device is primarily designed to prevent or mitigate the impact of broadcast storms by segmenting collision domains?
- ARouter
- BBridge
- CRepeater
- DHub
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Router
Routers operate at Layer 3 of the OSI model and inherently segment broadcast domains. While bridges also segment collision domains, routers are more effective at containing broadcast traffic across different networks.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A bridge operates at Layer 2 and segments collision domains, but it forwards broadcasts to all segments, so it does not stop a broadcast storm from affecting the entire bridged network.
- C. A repeater operates at Layer 1 and merely amplifies signals, extending collision and broadcast domains, not preventing storms.
- D. A hub operates at Layer 1 and simply repeats signals, extending collision and broadcast domains, making broadcast storms worse.
Network Broadcast Domain
A logical division of a computer network where all nodes can reach each other by broadcast at the data link layer.
- Routers define the boundaries of broadcast domains.
- Broadcast storms can severely degrade network performance.
- Switches segment collision domains but typically not broadcast domains (unless using VLANs).
Memory trick: Each device has a job: some just repeat, others direct traffic.