Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A host receives its IP address automatically but cannot resolve hostnames. Which additional service information is most likely missing from its configuration?
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
A DNS server address
This is correct because DNS service information is needed for hostname resolution.
B
Distractor review
A new MAC address
This is wrong because changing the MAC address does not solve hostname resolution.
C
Distractor review
A trunk native VLAN
This is wrong because host name-resolution failure is not caused by native VLAN configuration in this context.
D
Distractor review
An OSPF router ID
This is wrong because hosts do not need OSPF router IDs for name resolution.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is assuming that if a host receives an IP address via DHCP, it automatically has all necessary network information, including DNS server addresses. This mistake overlooks that DHCP can provide IP address and subnet mask without DNS settings. Candidates might incorrectly select options related to MAC address changes, VLAN configurations, or routing protocols like OSPF, which do not affect hostname resolution. The trap is confusing IP connectivity with name resolution, leading to wrong answers that ignore the essential role of DNS in translating hostnames to IP addresses.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
DNS (Domain Name System) is a critical IP service that translates human-readable hostnames into IP addresses, enabling users and applications to access network resources by name. When a host obtains its IP configuration via DHCP, it typically receives not only its IP address and subnet mask but also the DNS server addresses needed for hostname resolution. Without DNS server information, the host cannot convert domain names into IP addresses, which prevents it from accessing services by name. In Cisco networking and the CCNA context, DHCP is the primary protocol used to automate IP configuration, including DNS server assignment. If a host receives an IP address but lacks DNS server details, it can communicate using IP addresses directly but fails when attempting to resolve hostnames. This distinction is important because IP addressing and DNS are separate components of IP services. The DHCP server must be configured to provide DNS information, or the host must be manually configured with DNS server addresses to enable full functionality. A common exam trap is confusing IP address assignment with DNS configuration. Candidates may assume that receiving an IP address automatically means all necessary network information is present. However, DNS is a separate service that must be explicitly provided. Practically, a host without DNS can ping IP addresses but cannot browse websites or access network resources by name. Understanding this separation helps troubleshoot connectivity issues and correctly answer CCNA questions focused on IP services and DNS.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- A host requires a DNS server address to resolve hostnames into IP addresses for network communication using names rather than numeric IPs.
- DHCP can provide IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information, but missing DNS settings prevent hostname resolution despite having an IP address.
- Hostname resolution depends on DNS service information, which translates human-friendly names into routable IP addresses within Cisco network environments.
- Without a DNS server address, a host can communicate using IP addresses but cannot resolve domain names, causing failures in applications relying on hostname resolution.
- OSPF router ID configuration is unrelated to host-level DNS resolution and primarily affects routing protocol operations on routers, not end hosts.
- A trunk native VLAN setting affects VLAN tagging on switches and does not influence a host’s ability to resolve hostnames via DNS.
- Changing a host’s MAC address does not impact DNS resolution because MAC addresses operate at Layer 2 and DNS operates at Layer 7 of the OSI model.
- Proper IP services configuration requires both IP addressing and DNS server information to enable full network connectivity and name resolution.
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.
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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?
A host requires a DNS server address to resolve hostnames into IP addresses for network communication using names rather than numeric IPs.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A DNS server address — If the host receives an IP address but cannot resolve hostnames, the most likely missing information is a DNS server setting. In plain language, the device has enough configuration to join the network but not enough to ask where hostnames map in IP terms. DHCP can provide this DNS server information automatically, and if it is missing, the host may still communicate by IP while failing on names. This is a common service-troubleshooting pattern because it separates address configuration from name resolution. The correct answer is the missing DNS-related setting rather than the IP address itself or the subnet mask.
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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