A host can reach remote websites by IP address but fails when using their hostnames. Which missing configuration item is the strongest suspect?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
Best answer
A DNS server address
This is correct because the host needs DNS information to resolve hostnames.
Distractor review
A new MAC address
This is wrong because hostname resolution does not depend on changing the host MAC address.
Distractor review
A trunk native VLAN
This is wrong because the symptom points to name resolution, not trunk VLAN behavior.
Distractor review
An OSPF router ID
This is wrong because end hosts do not need OSPF router IDs for name resolution.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
- OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
- A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
- Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
- Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
- Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Related practice questions
Related 200-301 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A router learns the same prefix from both OSPF and EIGRP. Which route is installed by default?
Question 2
A router shows this output: R1#show ip ospf neighbor Neighbor ID Pri State Dead Time Address Interface 10.1.1.2 1 FULL/DR 00:00:34 192.168.12.2 GigabitEthernet0/0 10.1.1.3 1 2WAY/DROTHER 00:00:39 192.168.12.3 GigabitEthernet0/0 Which statement is correct?
Question 3
What is the OSPF metric called?
Question 4
A non-root switch has two uplinks toward the root bridge. One path has a lower total STP cost than the other. What role will the lower-cost uplink have?
Question 5
A router interface applies this ACL inbound: 10 deny tcp any any eq 80 20 permit ip any any A user reports that web browsing to a server by IP address fails, but ping works. Which statement best explains the behavior?
Question 6
A router learns route 198.51.100.0/24 from OSPF with AD 110 and also has a static route to the same prefix configured with AD 150. Which route is installed?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A DNS server address — The strongest suspect is a missing or incorrect DNS server setting. In practical terms, the device already has working IP connectivity because it can reach the remote site using the numeric address directly. The missing piece is name resolution. Without a valid DNS server to query, the host cannot translate names into IP-related information. This is one of the clearest troubleshooting patterns in networking. If direct IP works but names fail, DNS is the first place to look — not the default gateway, not STP, and not NAT as the primary suspect.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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