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A user types www.example.com into a browser. Which service is used first to resolve that name into an IP address?

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A user types www.example.com into a browser. Which service is used first to resolve that name into an IP address?

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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

DHCP

DHCP assigns IP settings to a client; it does not resolve names.

B

Best answer

DNS

DNS resolves the hostname to an IP address.

C

Distractor review

NTP

NTP synchronizes time.

D

Distractor review

Syslog

Syslog is used for logging, not name resolution.

Common exam trap

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

A frequent exam trap is selecting DHCP as the service that resolves domain names to IP addresses because DHCP is often mentioned alongside DNS in IP service contexts. However, DHCP only assigns IP addresses and network configuration parameters to clients; it does not perform name resolution. Confusing DHCP with DNS leads to incorrect answers. Another trap is assuming protocols like NTP or Syslog handle name resolution, but NTP synchronizes time and Syslog manages logging. Recognizing that DNS is the sole service responsible for translating hostnames into IP addresses prevents this common mistake.

Technical deep dive

How to think about this question

Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical and decentralized naming system used to translate human-friendly domain names like www.example.com into IP addresses that networking equipment uses to route traffic. When a user enters a URL in a browser, the DNS service is queried first to resolve the hostname into an IP address before any communication protocols like HTTP or HTTPS begin. DNS operates by querying local caches, then recursive DNS servers, and ultimately authoritative DNS servers to find the correct IP address. In Cisco networking and the CCNA context, DNS resolution is critical for IP services because devices and applications rely on IP addresses to communicate. The process starts locally on the client device, which checks its DNS cache or configured DNS servers. If the address is not cached, the query is forwarded to the DNS server configured via DHCP or static settings. This step precedes any IP routing or transport layer protocols, making DNS the foundational service for name resolution in IP networks. A common exam trap is confusing DNS with other IP services like DHCP, which assigns IP addresses but does not resolve names. In practical networks, DNS and DHCP often work together, but their functions are distinct. DNS resolves names to IP addresses, enabling web browsers and other applications to locate servers, while DHCP provides the IP configuration needed for devices to communicate on the network. Understanding this distinction is essential for correctly answering CCNA questions about IP services.

KKey Concepts to Remember

  • DNS resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate servers on an IP network.
  • A client device queries DNS servers first to translate a hostname before initiating any IP-based communication like HTTP or HTTPS.
  • DHCP assigns IP addresses and network parameters to clients but does not perform hostname resolution.
  • DNS queries follow a hierarchical process involving local caches, recursive servers, and authoritative DNS servers to find the correct IP address.
  • In Cisco networks, DNS configuration is essential for IP services that rely on hostname resolution for connectivity.
  • NTP synchronizes time across devices and does not participate in name resolution.
  • Syslog collects and forwards logging information and is unrelated to IP address or hostname resolution.
  • Understanding the distinct roles of DNS and DHCP prevents common mistakes in IP services questions on the CCNA exam.

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?

DNS resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate servers on an IP network.

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: DNS — DNS maps hostnames to IP addresses. The web session itself uses HTTP or HTTPS later, but name resolution happens first.

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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