Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A router interface is configured with 192.0.2.97/28. What is the network address of the subnet?
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
Distractor review
192.0.2.80
That is part of a different /28 block.
B
Best answer
192.0.2.96
Correct. It is the first address in the 192.0.2.96/28 subnet.
C
Distractor review
192.0.2.111
That is the broadcast address of this subnet.
D
Distractor review
192.0.2.112
That is the next /28 network.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is mistaking the broadcast address or the next subnet address for the network address. For instance, 192.0.2.111 is the broadcast address for the 192.0.2.96/28 subnet, not the network address. Selecting this as the network address leads to subnetting errors. Similarly, 192.0.2.112 is the start of the next /28 subnet, not the current one. Candidates often overlook the block size calculation and the subnet boundaries, causing confusion between network, broadcast, and usable host addresses. Understanding the block increments and address roles prevents this mistake.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
Subnetting divides an IP network into smaller, manageable segments called subnets, each identified by a network address. A /28 subnet mask means 28 bits are fixed for the network portion, leaving 4 bits for host addresses, resulting in 16 IP addresses per subnet (2^4 = 16). The subnet mask for /28 is 255.255.255.240, which helps determine the range of addresses in each subnet block. To find the network address for 192.0.2.97/28, you calculate the subnet block size (16 addresses) and identify which block contains the IP. The blocks start at multiples of 16: .0, .16, .32, .48, .64, .80, .96, .112, etc. Since 97 falls between 96 and 111, the network address is 192.0.2.96. This address represents the subnet's base, with the first usable host starting at .97 and the broadcast at .111. A common exam trap is confusing the network address with the broadcast or next subnet address. For example, .111 is the broadcast address for the 192.0.2.96/28 subnet, not the network address. Misidentifying these can lead to incorrect subnetting decisions. Practically, Cisco devices use the network address to route traffic correctly and avoid IP conflicts within subnets.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- A /28 subnet mask allocates 28 bits for the network and 4 bits for host addresses, creating subnets with 16 IP addresses each.
- The network address is the first IP in the subnet block and identifies the subnet itself, not usable by hosts.
- Subnet blocks increment by the block size, which is 16 for a /28 mask, starting at multiples of 16 in the last octet.
- The broadcast address is the last IP in the subnet block and is used to send packets to all hosts in that subnet.
- The usable host range lies between the network address and the broadcast address, excluding both.
- Cisco routers use the network address to route packets correctly and prevent IP address conflicts within subnets.
- Misidentifying the network address as the broadcast or next subnet address is a common subnetting error in exams.
- Calculating subnet boundaries by block size helps quickly determine the correct network address for any given IP.
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 /28 subnet mask allocates 28 bits for the network and 4 bits for host addresses, creating subnets with 16 IP addresses each.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 192.0.2.96 — A /28 uses blocks of 16 addresses. The block containing .97 runs from .96 through .111, so .96 is the network address.
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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