What differentiates a soft reset from a hard reset in network equipment?

The correct answer highlights a key distinction between soft and hard resets in network equipment. A soft reset is designed to restart the device while maintaining all the current configurations and settings. This is often useful for troubleshooting purposes, as it allows the network equipment to refresh itself without the need to reconfigure any settings after the restart.

On the other hand, a hard reset is more drastic. It restores the device to its factory settings, wiping out all custom configurations and reverting the device back to its original state as it was when first purchased. This action is typically used when there are significant issues with the equipment that cannot be resolved through simpler means.

The other options do not accurately represent the concepts of soft and hard resets. For instance, stating that a soft reset deletes all previous settings misrepresents the function of a soft reset. Similarly, describing a hard reset as merely restarting the device while keeping the settings does not align with the actual outcome of performing a hard reset, which is primarily to clear all settings. Finally, indicating that a soft reset can only be conducted using software tools exclusively does not accurately reflect the broader context under which both types of resets can be initiated, as soft resets can sometimes also be initiated through hardware methods.