* A VLAN interface is a virtual interface that can be assigned to a VLAN and configured with an IP address and other parameters. It can be used to enable inter-VLAN routing, management access, or firewall filtering on a device.
* A hub is a device that connects multiple devices in a network and broadcasts all incoming traffic to all ports. It does not support VLANs or routing functions. Therefore, option A is incorrect.
* A layer 3 switch is a device that combines the functions of a layer 2 switch and a router. It can forward frames based on MAC addresses and packets based on IP addresses. It can also support multiple VLAN interfaces and enable inter-VLAN routing without the need for an external router. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
* A bridge is a device that connects two network segments and forwards frames based on MAC addresses.
It can reduce collisions and increase bandwidth, but it does not support VLANs or routing functions.
Therefore, option C is incorrect.
* A load balancer is a device that distributes incoming traffic among multiple servers or devices based on various criteria. It can improve performance, availability, and scalability of a network service. It can support VLANs, but it does not have multiple VLAN interfaces. Therefore, option D is incorrect.
References:
* CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 2: Network Devices, pages 51-52, 55-56, 59-60,
63-64.
* Professor Messer's Network+ Video Course, Section 1.1: Network Devices, videos 1.1.1 - 1.1.4, 1.1.6,
1.1.7, 1.1.9.
* Cisco: Configuring InterVLAN Routing