CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What can be configured to control device access?

1. Random system reboots

2. MAC address limitations on interfaces

3. General firewall settings

4. Unspecified user authentication

The correct answer is: MAC address limitations on interfaces

Configuring MAC address limitations on interfaces is an effective method to control device access on a network. This practice involves creating a list of approved MAC addresses for devices that are permitted to connect to a specific network interface. When a device attempts to connect, the switch checks its MAC address against this list. If the address is not on the list, the device is denied access to the network, effectively enhancing the security posture. By using MAC address filtering, administrators can ensure that only known devices can attach to specific network segments, thereby mitigating the risk of unauthorized access or malicious devices potentially compromising the network. While it is not foolproof—since MAC addresses can be spoofed—this method still provides an additional layer of security. Other control methods, like general firewall settings, play a broader role in traffic management and security but don’t specifically limit access at the device level in the same direct manner as MAC address limitations. Similarly, random system reboots and unspecified user authentication do not directly address device access control effectively.