IPA FE Subject A 2024 Question 8

Topic: Networks

A question IPA Japan published in 令和６年度 基本情報技術者試験 科目A 公開問題 問8, translated into English. ITPEC is based on the same exams.

Same question on ITPEC: Oct 2024 Q23

Which of the following is an appropriate description of a device that connects LANs?

Explanation

A repeater amplifies signals between segments of the same type — the only option that matches a LAN interconnection device with what it really works on.

  • •Repeater — layer 1 (physical): regenerates and amplifies the signal so a cable segment can be extended; it does not look at any address
  • •Bridge / layer 2 switch — layer 2 (data link): forwards frames by MAC address
  • •Router — layer 3 (network): forwards packets by IP address
  • •Gateway — layer 4 and above: converts protocols between networks with different protocol stacks, up to the application layer

Answer (c)

Why not others:

  • •(a) — swaps the address type: a bridge relays frames by MAC address; relaying by IP address is a router's job
  • •(b) — a gateway converts protocols at the upper layers (transport and above); a device limited to layers 1–3 is a router, not a gateway
  • •(d) — swaps the address type the other way: a router relays packets by IP address, while relaying frames by MAC address is a bridge's job

Key rule: Repeater = layer 1 (signal), bridge/switch = layer 2 (MAC address), router = layer 3 (IP address), gateway = layer 4 and above (protocol conversion).

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This question comes from the past questions IPA Japan publishes, translated into English by ITPEC Practice. ITPEC Practice is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with IPA or ITPEC. See the original paper (PDF) or Report an issue.