Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A host receives a correct IP address and subnet mask from DHCP but still cannot reach remote networks. Local subnet communication works. Which missing DHCP option 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.
A
Best answer
Default gateway information
This is correct because the host needs a default gateway for off-subnet traffic.
B
Distractor review
An STP root bridge ID
This is wrong because end hosts do not need STP root information for IP reachability.
C
Distractor review
A voice VLAN value
This is wrong because the symptom points to missing Layer 3 next-hop information, not phone VLAN behavior.
D
Distractor review
A router ID
This is wrong because router IDs are routing-protocol concepts, not host DHCP requirements.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common exam trap is selecting options like STP root bridge ID or voice VLAN as the cause of remote connectivity failure. These options relate to Layer 2 switching or voice VLAN segmentation and do not affect IP routing or host reachability to remote networks. Candidates might confuse DHCP options that influence Layer 2 behavior with those critical for Layer 3 routing. The key mistake is overlooking the default gateway option, which is essential for off-subnet traffic forwarding. This trap tests the candidate’s understanding of DHCP’s role in providing routing information, not just IP addressing.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) provides hosts with essential IP configuration parameters, including IP address, subnet mask, and optionally, the default gateway. The default gateway is a critical Layer 3 parameter that tells the host where to send packets destined for remote networks outside the local subnet. Without this information, the host cannot forward traffic beyond its local subnet, even if it has a valid IP address and subnet mask. When a host receives an IP address and subnet mask from DHCP, it can determine which IP addresses are local and which are remote. For local addresses, the host sends packets directly at Layer 2. For remote addresses, the host forwards packets to the default gateway's IP address. If the DHCP server does not provide the default gateway option, the host lacks the necessary next-hop information, causing communication failures with remote networks despite successful local communication. A common exam trap is confusing DHCP options that are unrelated to Layer 3 routing, such as STP root bridge ID or voice VLAN values. These options do not affect IP routing or reachability. The practical behavior is that missing the default gateway option causes hosts to fail in reaching any off-subnet destinations, which is a fundamental networking concept tested in CCNA. Understanding this distinction helps avoid misdiagnosing connectivity issues during the exam and real-world troubleshooting.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- DHCP assigns IP configuration parameters including IP address, subnet mask, and optionally the default gateway to hosts.
- A host uses the subnet mask to determine if a destination IP address is local or remote within the network.
- The default gateway option provides the next-hop IP address for packets destined to remote networks outside the local subnet.
- Without a default gateway, a host cannot forward traffic to remote networks, causing off-subnet communication failures.
- DHCP options like STP root bridge ID or voice VLAN do not influence IP routing or host Layer 3 reachability.
- Local subnet communication works without a default gateway because packets are sent directly at Layer 2 within the subnet.
- Missing the default gateway in DHCP configuration is a common cause of connectivity issues to remote networks in CCNA scenarios.
- Understanding DHCP option roles helps distinguish between Layer 2 and Layer 3 configuration requirements in network troubleshooting.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Related practice questions
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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?
DHCP assigns IP configuration parameters including IP address, subnet mask, and optionally the default gateway to hosts.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Default gateway information — The strongest suspect is the default gateway option. In practical terms, the host can already identify local destinations because the subnet mask is present. That is why local communication still works. What it does not have is the next hop needed for off-subnet traffic. Without a default gateway, remote communication usually fails. This is a very common host-troubleshooting scenario. It separates basic local addressing from the additional information required for off-subnet reachability.
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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