Which device should be used to enable communication between two discrete networks located on different floors?

Which device should be used to enable communication between two discrete networks located on different floors?

• A. Switch
• B. Bridge
• C. Repeater
• D. Router

Answer: (D)

Connecting two discrete networks requires a device that operates at the network layer to route traffic between different subnets. A router fits this role perfectly because it has interfaces on each network, can determine the path to the destination, and forwards packets between distinct IP networks. In contrast, a switch stays within a single local network and forwards frames at the data-link layer, which doesn’t help when the networks are separate subnets. A bridge operates at layer 2 as well, so it would extend a single broadcast domain rather than create a separate route between networks. A repeater simply amplifies signals to extend physical reach and offers no network-layer routing or inter-subnet connectivity. So, the router is the device that enables communication between the two networks on different floors.

Connecting two discrete networks requires a device that operates at the network layer to route traffic between different subnets. A router fits this role perfectly because it has interfaces on each network, can determine the path to the destination, and forwards packets between distinct IP networks. In contrast, a switch stays within a single local network and forwards frames at the data-link layer, which doesn’t help when the networks are separate subnets. A bridge operates at layer 2 as well, so it would extend a single broadcast domain rather than create a separate route between networks. A repeater simply amplifies signals to extend physical reach and offers no network-layer routing or inter-subnet connectivity. So, the router is the device that enables communication between the two networks on different floors.