Which of These is NOT a Networking Device?PYQ Explained
Computer networking is one of the most important topics in exams like:
✔ ITI COPA
✔ MP Vyapam
✔ SSC
✔ Banking
✔ Railway
Let’s decode this important Previous Year Question (PYQ) 👇
📝 Question (PYQ)
Which of these is NOT a networking device?
इनमें से कौन-सा एक नेटवर्किंग उपकरण नहीं है?
A) Router (राउटर)
B) Switch (स्विच)
C) Firewall (फायरवॉल)
D) Hub (हब)
✅ Correct Answer: C) Firewall
📘 Subject: Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA)
🧠 Why Firewall is the Correct Answer?
To solve this question, we must first understand what a networking device actually means.
🌐 What is a Networking Device?
A networking device is a hardware device used to:
✔ Connect computers
✔ Transfer data between systems
✔ Manage network traffic
Examples include:
- Router
- Switch
- Hub
- Bridge
- Repeater
These devices physically help in data transmission.
🔎 Now Let’s Analyze Each Option
🔹 1️⃣ Router
✔ Connects different networks
✔ Works at Network Layer (Layer 3)
✔ Uses IP address
👉 Router is definitely a networking device.
🔹 2️⃣ Switch
✔ Connects devices within a LAN
✔ Works at Data Link Layer (Layer 2)
✔ Uses MAC address
👉 Switch is also a networking device.
🔹 3️⃣ Firewall ❌
✔ Used for network security
✔ Filters incoming and outgoing traffic
✔ Protects from unauthorized access
👉 Firewall is a security device/software, not a basic networking device.
It does not primarily connect systems — it protects them.
🔹 4️⃣ Hub
✔ Works at Physical Layer (Layer 1)
✔ Broadcasts data to all devices
👉 Hub is a networking device.
📌 Quick Comparison Table
| Device | Type | Main Function |
|---|---|---|
| Router | Networking Device | Connects different networks |
| Switch | Networking Device | Connects devices in LAN |
| Hub | Networking Device | Broadcasts signals |
| Firewall | Security Device | Protects network |
🎯 Exam Trick to Remember
👉 Devices that connect = Networking devices
👉 Devices that protect = Security devices
Router → Connect
Switch → Connect
Hub → Connect
Firewall → Protect
So the odd one out = Firewall
🧩 Practice Question
Q. Which device is used to protect a network from unauthorized access?
A) Router
B) Hub
C) Firewall
D) Switch
✅ Answer: C) Firewall
🧠 Important for COPA Students
In ITI COPA exams, networking questions usually test:
✔ Device functions
✔ OSI layers
✔ Basic networking concepts
✔ Security vs networking difference
Understanding device roles clearly helps in scoring easy marks.
📝 Final Conclusion
Among Router, Switch, Hub, and Firewall —
✔ Router = Networking device
✔ Switch = Networking device
✔ Hub = Networking device
❌ Firewall = Security device
Therefore, the correct answer is:
👉 Firewall