Which device makes forwarding decisions based on logical network addresses?

Which device makes forwarding decisions based on logical network addresses?

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

Answer: (B)

Forwarding decisions based on logical network addresses are made by devices at the network layer. Logical addresses, like IP addresses, identify devices across different networks, not just on a single local link. A router reads the destination IP in each packet, consults its routing table to determine the best next hop, and forwards the packet toward its destination across networks. This lets communication happen between devices on separate networks or subnets, including travel onto the Internet. In contrast, switches and bridges operate at the data link layer and forward frames using MAC addresses within a single local network, while hubs simply repeat signals to all ports. So the router is the device that uses logical (IP) addresses to decide where to send traffic.

Forwarding decisions based on logical network addresses are made by devices at the network layer. Logical addresses, like IP addresses, identify devices across different networks, not just on a single local link. A router reads the destination IP in each packet, consults its routing table to determine the best next hop, and forwards the packet toward its destination across networks. This lets communication happen between devices on separate networks or subnets, including travel onto the Internet. In contrast, switches and bridges operate at the data link layer and forward frames using MAC addresses within a single local network, while hubs simply repeat signals to all ports. So the router is the device that uses logical (IP) addresses to decide where to send traffic.