The correct answer is B. Switches connect devices within a network; routers connect networks.
According to the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 networking objectives:
Switches operate at the Data Link layer (Layer 2) and sometimes Layer 3, connecting multiple devices within the same local area network (LAN). They manage data traffic between devices by using MAC addresses to forward frames only to the intended recipient.
Routers operate at the Network layer (Layer 3) and connect different networks together, such as connecting a LAN to the internet. They use IP addresses to determine the best path for forwarding packets between networks.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A. Routers are programmable; switches are not programmable: Both devices can have programmable configurations in enterprise environments, so this is not a defining difference.
C. Switches are programmable; routers are not programmable: Same reasoning as above; not accurate.
D. Routers connect devices within a network; switches connect networks: This reverses the actual roles and is incorrect.
[References:, CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Exam Objectives – Networking: “Given a scenario, install and configure network devices including switches and routers and describe their primary functions.”, Mike Meyers’ CompTIA A+ Certification Guide, 13th Edition, Chapter on Networking Devices., , , , , ]
