Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) NetworkingNetworking FundamentalsMedium
A network administrator is configuring a new router for a large enterprise network. The router needs to connect multiple departments, each with its own subnet, and handle traffic between them efficiently. Which component allows the router to logically separate broadcast domains and forward packets between different IP networks?
- ANetwork Interface Card (NIC)
- BAccess Point
- CSwitching Fabric
- DRouting Table
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Routing Table
A routing table is a crucial component of a router that stores information about network destinations and how to reach them. It determines the best path for forwarding IP packets between different IP networks (subnets), effectively separating broadcast domains.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A Network Interface Card (NIC) allows a device to connect to a network, but it does not perform the routing of packets between different IP networks.
- B. An access point connects wireless clients to a wired network; it does not perform routing functions between different IP networks.
- C. Switching fabric is an internal component of a switch or router that moves data between ports, not directly responsible for logical separation or forwarding between IP networks.
Routing Table
A routing table is a data table stored in a router or networked computer that lists the routes to particular network destinations, and in some cases, metrics (distances) associated with those routes. It is used to direct network packets.
- Contains information about network destinations.
- Used to determine the best path for forwarding IP packets.
- Essential for inter-network communication (routing).
- Can be populated statically or dynamically (via routing protocols).
Memory trick: Routing Table: The router's 'Roadmap' for packets.