Which term best describes a basic network device that forwards frames and requires little or no configuration?

• A. Unmanaged Switch
• B. Managed Switch
• C. Router
• D. Bridge

Answer: (A)

This describes a plug-and-play, no-configuration device that forwards Ethernet frames across multiple ports. An unmanaged switch fits this role perfectly: it operates at Layer 2, learns MAC addresses to forward frames to the correct port, and requires no user setup or management interface. It’s designed to be installed and used with minimal effort, often just by connecting cables and letting it handle everything automatically.

A managed switch, by contrast, provides configuration options and monitoring features, which means it isn’t the best match for a device described as needing little or no configuration. A router’s job is to connect different networks and route traffic between them, using Layer 3 logic, which goes beyond simply forwarding frames in a LAN. A bridge can perform simple Layer 2 forwarding as well, but in modern terminology, the typical basic, multiport, no-config device used to expand a LAN is an unmanaged switch.