CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
A network technician is troubleshooting a connectivity issue between a host and a server. The host can ping the server's IP address but cannot access the server's file share using its hostname. The technician suspects a name resolution problem. Which protocol is responsible for resolving the server's hostname to its IP address in a small office network without a DNS server?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming DNS is always used for name resolution, but the scenario explicitly states there is no DNS server, so LLMNR is the correct protocol.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
LLMNR
LLMNR is designed for name resolution in local networks without a DNS server. It allows hosts to resolve each other's hostnames via multicast queries. DHCP, DNS, and ARP serve different purposes and do not provide hostname-to-IP resolution in this scenario.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
DNS
Why it's wrong here
DNS is the primary protocol for resolving hostnames to IP addresses, but the scenario specifies a small office network without a DNS server. Therefore, DNS is not available. The technician must rely on another method for name resolution in this environment.
- ✗
DHCP
Why it's wrong here
DHCP is used to assign IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to hosts, but it does not resolve hostnames to IP addresses. While DHCP can provide a DNS server address, it does not perform name resolution itself. The issue described is specifically about resolving a hostname, which DHCP does not handle.
- ✗
ARP
Why it's wrong here
ARP resolves IP addresses to MAC addresses on a local network, not hostnames to IP addresses. It operates at Layer 2 and is used to find the MAC address of a device when its IP address is known. ARP does not help with hostname resolution, so it is not the correct answer here.
- ✓
LLMNR
Why this is correct
LLMNR (Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution) is a protocol that allows hosts to resolve hostnames to IP addresses on a local network without a DNS server. It uses multicast to query other hosts for name resolution. In a small office network without DNS, LLMNR is commonly used, especially on Windows systems.
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Cisco IOS File System (Flash, NVRAM)
Key term
ARP
Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) is a network protocol used to map a device's IP address to its physical MAC address so data can be delivered correctly on a local network.
Key term
Ping
Ping is a network utility used to test whether a remote computer or device is reachable across an IP network and to measure the round-trip time of data packets.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-301 exam.