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CCNA 200-301 v2 (200-301) — Questions 826900

1389 questions total · 19pages · All types, answers revealed

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826
Multi-Selectmedium

Which two statements about NTP are correct? (Choose two.)

Select 2 answers
A.Accurate time helps correlate log messages across multiple devices.
B.NTP replaces the need for DNS in enterprise networks.
C.NTP synchronizes clocks between network devices and time sources.
D.NTP is used to negotiate EtherChannel parameters.
AnswersA, C

When network devices have synchronized time, their logs can be aligned to a common timeline, allowing an administrator to trace a single event across multiple routers, switches, and firewalls. Without synchronized time, an attacker or a fault can be obscured by skewed timestamps. This correlation is fundamental to efficient incident response and root-cause analysis.

Why this answer

NTP synchronizes time across devices, which is important for logging, certificates, and event correlation.

Exam trap

A common exam trap is mistaking NTP for a service that replaces DNS or manages link aggregation like EtherChannel. Some candidates incorrectly believe NTP handles domain name resolution or negotiates EtherChannel parameters because these are also fundamental network services. However, NTP’s sole purpose is to synchronize time across devices.

Selecting options that confuse NTP with DNS or EtherChannel leads to incorrect answers. Understanding that NTP only manages time synchronization helps avoid this trap and ensures accurate selection of correct options related to time correlation and clock synchronization.

Why the other options are wrong

B

This option is incorrect because NTP does not replace DNS. DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses, while NTP only synchronizes time across devices.

D

This option is incorrect because NTP does not negotiate EtherChannel parameters. EtherChannel negotiation is handled by protocols like PAgP or LACP, unrelated to time synchronization.

When would these options actually be correct?

B

In a different question asking about protocols that can replace or serve as alternatives to DNS in certain scenarios, such as in a specialized network environment where time-based domain resolution is implemented, option B could be correct.

D

If the exam question were to ask about protocols used for negotiating link aggregation parameters in a network, then option D could be correct in the context of discussing protocols like LACP or PAgP, which do manage EtherChannel configurations.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates may confuse the roles of NTP and DNS, thinking that accurate time synchronization could somehow eliminate the need for DNS in managing network resources, leading them to select this option mistakenly.

D

Candidates may confuse NTP with other network protocols and assume that it could play a role in device configuration processes, leading them to mistakenly select this option without fully understanding the specific functions of NTP.

827
MCQhard

A network engineer notices that R1 is using the static route to 192.168.10.0/24 via next-hop 10.1.1.2 instead of the OSPF route via 10.2.2.2, even though the OSPF path has lower latency. What is the most likely cause?

A.The static route has a lower administrative distance than the OSPF route.
B.The OSPF route has a higher metric than the static route.
C.Equal-cost multi-path (ECMP) is disabled for OSPF.
D.The static route is configured with a higher next-hop IP address, so it is preferred.
AnswerA

Administrative distance is the first criterion used to select routes from different routing protocols. A static route has an AD of 1, while OSPF has an AD of 110. The lower AD wins, so the static route is installed in the routing table and used for forwarding, regardless of the OSPF path's better performance.

Why this answer

R1 prefers the static route over the OSPF route because static routes have a default administrative distance (AD) of 1, whereas OSPF has a default AD of 110. Since a lower AD indicates a more trustworthy route, the static route is installed in the routing table regardless of metric or latency. The OSPF route, despite having lower latency, is not used because AD is evaluated before metric.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the distinction between administrative distance and metric, trapping candidates who assume lower latency or lower metric always determines the best path, when in fact AD is evaluated first for routes from different sources.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Common misconception that metrics are compared across different routing protocols. In reality, AD is evaluated first, and only routes from the same protocol with equal AD are compared by metric.

C

Mistaking ECMP as the mechanism for selecting between two routes from different sources; in this scenario, the static route's AD disqualifies the OSPF route entirely.

D

Misunderstanding that IP addresses, not administrative distance or metrics, influence path selection.

828
MCQmedium

Given the JSON snippet below, what is the value of hostname? { "device": { "hostname": "R1", "mgmt_ip": "192.0.2.10" } }

A.device
B.hostname
C.R1
D.192.0.2.10
AnswerC

In JSON, the hostname key maps to the string value "R1", so when the snippet is parsed, the expression device.hostname returns R1. This is the actual configured hostname of the network device, as opposed to the key name or other attributes.

Why this answer

The key hostname inside the device object has the value R1.

Exam trap

Be careful not to confuse keys with their values in JSON objects. Ensure you are extracting the correct value by identifying the correct key.

Why the other options are wrong

A

The option 'device' is incorrect because it refers to the key in the JSON structure, not the value associated with the 'hostname' key. The question specifically asks for the value of 'hostname'.

B

Option B is incorrect because it simply repeats the key 'hostname' from the JSON structure without providing the actual value associated with it, which is what the question asks for.

D

This option is wrong because the question specifically asks for the value of 'hostname', which is defined as 'R1' in the JSON snippet. '192.0.2.10' is the value of 'mgmt_ip', not 'hostname'.

When would these options actually be correct?

A

If the question asked for the top-level key in the JSON snippet, such as 'What is the main object in the JSON structure?', then 'device' would be the correct answer as it represents the primary object containing the hostname.

B

In a different question that asks for the name of the key in the JSON structure rather than its value, 'hostname' would be the correct answer. For example, if the question were to identify the key associated with the value 'R1', then option B would be appropriate.

D

If the question were to ask for the value of 'mgmt_ip' instead of 'hostname', then '192.0.2.10' would be the correct answer. In that case, the focus would shift to the management IP address of the device.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

A

Candidates may be tempted to choose 'device' because it is a prominent part of the JSON structure and could be misinterpreted as the answer when focusing on the overall organization of the data.

B

Candidates might choose this option because they misinterpret the question as asking for the name of the field rather than the value it holds, leading to confusion between keys and values in JSON.

D

Candidates may be tempted to choose this option because they might confuse the structure of the JSON and mistakenly associate 'mgmt_ip' with 'hostname', thinking both are equally relevant.

829
MCQhard

A network administrator is troubleshooting connectivity issues between two switches. Hosts connected to Switch A cannot ping hosts on Switch B. The link between the switches shows as up/up on both ends, but interface error counters (CRC, runts) are increasing rapidly. What should the administrator do to resolve the issue?

A.Replace the faulty cable between the two switches.
B.Change the duplex setting on SwitchA's interface to auto-negotiation.
C.Replace the SFP module on SwitchA's GigabitEthernet0/1 port.
D.Enable the interface with 'no shutdown' command.
AnswerB

The correct fix is to change the duplex setting on SwitchA's interface to auto-negotiation. The interface is manually hard-coded to full-duplex, while the remote switch is likely auto-negotiating and has fallen back to half-duplex due to the negotiation failure. This duplex mismatch causes late collisions and poor performance. On 1000BASE-T, auto-negotiation is mandatory, so both ends must either auto-negotiate or be manually set to identical duplex and speed settings; changing SwitchA to auto allows both sides to agree on full-duplex.

Why this answer

The increasing CRC and runts errors on an up/up link indicate a duplex mismatch, where one side is using full duplex and the other half duplex. Assuming SwitchB is using auto-negotiation (the default on Cisco switches), changing SwitchA's interface to auto-negotiation will allow both ends to negotiate the correct duplex setting, resolving the mismatch and stopping the errors.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the misconception that a link showing 'up/up' means the physical layer is perfect, when in reality duplex mismatch causes high error rates while keeping the interface up, leading candidates to incorrectly suspect cable or hardware faults.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Cable issues would manifest as input errors or interface flapping, but the counters show zero errors.

C

No errors are reported, so the SFP is functioning correctly.

D

The 'show interface' output clearly shows the interface is up, so no shutdown is not needed.

830
Multi-Selectmedium

Which two statements about standard and extended IPv4 ACLs are correct?

Select 2 answers
A.A standard ACL matches only the source IPv4 address.
B.An extended ACL can match protocol information and Layer 4 ports.
C.A standard ACL is normally placed as close to the source as possible.
D.An extended ACL cannot filter ICMP traffic.
E.Both ACL types require named ACL syntax to match traffic.
AnswersA, B

A standard ACL evaluates packets using only the source IPv4 address in the IP header, ignoring destination, protocol, and port information. This coarse filtering means it cannot differentiate between services like HTTP and SSH on the same destination host. As a result, standard ACLs are typically placed near the destination to avoid inadvertently blocking traffic to other networks.

Why this answer

Standard ACLs match only the source IPv4 address, while extended ACLs can match protocol and source and destination details including ports. Because standard ACLs are less granular, they are usually placed closer to the destination. Extended ACLs are usually placed closer to the source.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is assuming that standard ACLs can filter traffic based on protocol types or Layer 4 ports, which they cannot. This misconception leads to incorrect placement decisions, such as placing standard ACLs near the source, which risks blocking legitimate traffic from other sources. Another trap is believing extended ACLs cannot filter ICMP traffic, but extended ACLs do support ICMP filtering.

Misunderstanding these facts can cause confusion in both exam scenarios and real-world network design, resulting in incorrect ACL configurations and ineffective traffic control.

Why the other options are wrong

C

This option is incorrect because standard ACLs are usually placed closer to the destination, not the source, to avoid blocking legitimate traffic from other sources.

D

This option is incorrect since extended ACLs can filter ICMP traffic by specifying the ICMP protocol in the ACL configuration.

E

This option is incorrect because both numbered and named ACLs are valid for standard and extended ACLs; named ACL syntax is not required.

When would these options actually be correct?

C

In a question that asks about the placement of ACLs specifically for optimizing bandwidth usage or reducing load on upstream devices, option C could be correct if it stated that a standard ACL is placed close to the source to filter traffic before it enters the network.

D

In a different exam question asking specifically about the capabilities of standard ACLs versus extended ACLs in filtering traffic types, if the question stated that extended ACLs cannot filter ICMP, then option D would be correct, as it would align with the constraints of that specific scenario.

E

In a scenario where the exam question specifies that only named ACLs are allowed for configuration, and asks which types of ACLs can be used, option E would be correct if both standard and extended ACLs were defined to require named syntax exclusively.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

C

Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of ACL placement strategies, confusing the general practice of placing access lists with the specific type of ACL being discussed.

D

Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of the capabilities of extended ACLs, often confusing them with standard ACLs, which only filter based on source IP addresses and do not consider protocol types.

E

Candidates may find this option tempting because they might confuse the use of named ACLs with the general configuration of ACLs, leading them to believe that named syntax is a necessity for both types.

831
Drag & Dropmedium

Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure and recover from a BPDU guard violation on a PortFast-enabled access port.

Drag steps to the numbered slots on the right, or tap a step then tap a slot.

Steps
Order
1Step 1
2Step 2
3Step 3
4Step 4

Why this order

The correct order is: first configure PortFast and BPDU guard on the interface (A). Then connect a switch to trigger a BPDU guard violation (B). Next, perform a shutdown followed by no shutdown to recover from the errdisable state (C).

Finally, verify that the port is forwarding traffic (D). This sequence ensures the violation occurs before recovery, which is the realistic scenario.

Exam trap

The trap is to think recovery must happen first, but the violation must occur to put the port into errdisable before recovery. The correct order is configure, trigger violation, recover, verify.

832
Multi-Selectmedium

Which two statements accurately describe why source restriction and logging are often used together for administrative access?

Select 2 answers
A.Source restriction narrows the allowed origin space for administrative sessions.
B.Logging improves visibility and accountability for what happened during administrative access.
C.Logging removes the need for authentication.
D.Source restriction works only when Syslog is disabled.
E.Both controls exist only for guest wireless networks.
AnswersA, B

Source restriction applies network-layer filtering, such as ACLs or management access lists, to administrative protocols (SSH, HTTPS, SNMP) so only traffic from explicitly permitted source IP addresses or subnets reaches the device's management plane. This shrinks the attack surface by blocking unauthorized origins before they can attempt authentication or exploit a service.

Why this answer

Source restriction and logging are often used together because they help answer two different security questions. In practical terms, source restriction limits where administrative sessions may originate, while logging helps show what happened once access was attempted or granted. This combination improves both exposure reduction and post-event visibility.

This is a strong layered-security reasoning item because it focuses on complementary controls rather than one-control thinking.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is to believe that logging can replace source restriction or that source restriction only works if logging is disabled. Candidates may incorrectly think that visibility through logs is enough to secure administrative access, ignoring the importance of limiting where management sessions can originate. Another mistake is to assume these controls are only relevant for guest wireless networks, which is false because they apply broadly to all management-plane security.

Understanding that source restriction and logging serve distinct but complementary roles is critical to avoid this trap.

Why the other options are wrong

C

Logging provides visibility but does not replace authentication; authentication is still required for access.

D

Source restriction operates independently of Syslog; it does not require Syslog to be disabled or enabled.

E

Source restriction and logging apply to all administrative access, not just guest wireless networks, which is too narrow of a context.

When would these options actually be correct?

C

In a scenario where the question asks about the role of logging in a system that uses a single sign-on (SSO) mechanism, one might argue that logging can reduce the need for repeated authentication prompts, thereby streamlining user access while still maintaining a record of actions.

D

In a different question context focused on Syslog configurations, if the question asked about the limitations of source restriction in environments where Syslog is disabled, option D could be correct, indicating that source restriction would not function properly without logging enabled.

E

In a different exam scenario focusing on security measures specifically for guest wireless networks, a question might ask about controls that are particularly relevant to that context. If the question specified that logging and source restriction are primarily implemented for guest networks, then option E could be correct.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

C

Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of how logging and authentication interact, mistakenly believing that robust logging can substitute for the need to authenticate users before granting access.

D

Candidates may find this option tempting due to a misunderstanding of how logging and source restriction interact, leading them to believe that logging is a prerequisite for source restriction to function effectively.

E

Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding that associates logging and source restriction primarily with guest networks, possibly because they recall seeing these controls implemented in such environments during practical experiences or training.

833
Drag & Drophard

Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure a Cisco IOS-XE router as a DHCP relay agent and verify the DHCP DORA process for a client on a remote subnet. OPTIONS: A: Configure the ip helper-address command on the interface facing the client, then verify connectivity to the DHCP server, and finally capture the DORA process using debug ip dhcp relay. [CORRECT] B: Configure the ip helper-address command on the interface facing the DHCP server, then verify connectivity to the client, and finally capture the DORA process using debug ip dhcp server packet. C: Configure the ip dhcp relay information option command on the interface facing the client, then verify connectivity to the DHCP server, and finally capture the DORA process using debug ip dhcp server packet. D: Configure the ip helper-address command on the interface facing the client, then capture the DORA process using debug ip dhcp server packet, and finally verify connectivity to the DHCP server.

Drag steps to the numbered slots on the right, or tap a step then tap a slot.

Steps
Order
1Step 1
2Step 2
3Step 3
4Step 4

Why this order

The relay agent must be configured first by setting the ip helper-address on the client-facing interface, then verifying connectivity to the DHCP server. The DORA process should be observed using a relay-specific debug command such as debug ip dhcp relay; the originally listed debug ip dhcp server packet would show no output on a pure relay agent, making it incorrect for verification. Therefore, only option A is correct.

Exam trap

A common trap is placing the ip helper-address on the wrong interface or using the wrong debug command. Always place the helper address on the client-facing interface, and verify relay operation with debug ip dhcp relay, not debug ip dhcp server packet.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates might think the helper address should point toward the server, so they configure it on the server-facing interface.

C

Candidates may confuse DHCP relay commands with DHCP snooping or option 82 commands.

D

Candidates might think debugging can be done at any time, but proper troubleshooting order is to verify first.

834
MCQmedium

Which field is modified by each router hop in an IPv4 packet to prevent endless forwarding loops?

A.Source port
B.TTL
C.Sequence number
D.CRC in the Ethernet trailer
AnswerB

In IPv4, the Time-to-Live (TTL) field is set by the source and decremented by exactly one by every router that forwards the packet; when the counter reaches zero, the router drops the packet and sends an ICMP Time Exceeded message to the sender. This decrementing process is the standard hop-limit mechanism that prevents packets from circulating endlessly, and it is the only field in the IP header that each router modifies purely to manage network loop prevention.

Why this answer

The Time to Live field is decremented at each hop.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is selecting transport-layer fields like source port or sequence number as the field modified by each router hop. These fields are part of TCP or UDP headers and remain unchanged by routers during forwarding. Another common mistake is confusing the Ethernet frame CRC with the TTL; while the CRC is recalculated on each link to verify frame integrity, it does not control packet lifetime or prevent routing loops.

Misunderstanding these distinctions can lead to incorrect answers about how routers manage packet forwarding and loop prevention.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Source port is a transport-layer field used by TCP/UDP to identify application endpoints and is not modified by routers during forwarding, so it cannot prevent forwarding loops.

C

Sequence number is part of the transport layer used for ordering segments in TCP and is not altered by routers, so it does not affect packet forwarding or loop prevention.

D

CRC in the Ethernet trailer is recalculated on each link to verify frame integrity but does not influence IP packet forwarding decisions or prevent routing loops.

When would these options actually be correct?

A

In a question asking about the transport layer's role in establishing connections, such as 'Which field is used to identify a specific application on a host in a TCP segment?', the source port would be the correct answer.

C

If the question were about TCP packets specifically, asking which field is modified to ensure data is received in the correct order, then the sequence number would be the correct answer, as it is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the data stream.

D

If the exam question asked about fields modified in the data link layer or specifically about Ethernet frame structures, then 'CRC in the Ethernet trailer' could be correct as it would pertain to error detection in frames at that layer.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

A

Candidates may confuse the source port with other fields that manage packet flow, mistakenly believing it plays a role in routing behavior, especially if they are thinking about connection-oriented protocols.

C

Candidates may confuse the sequence number with other fields that are modified during packet transmission, leading them to mistakenly believe it plays a role in routing decisions, especially if they have a basic understanding of TCP/IP protocols.

D

Candidates may confuse the role of CRC in ensuring data integrity with the need to manage packet forwarding, leading them to mistakenly think it relates to loop prevention.

835
MCQmedium

Which spanning-tree port role receives the best BPDU toward the root bridge on a nonroot switch?

A.Designated port
B.Alternate port
C.Root port
D.Disabled port
AnswerC

The root port is the switch port with the lowest path cost to the root bridge, making it the interface that receives the best BPDU (lowest root ID, lowest cost, etc.) on a non-root switch. It is the only port role that actively forwards traffic toward the root bridge, and its selection is based on superior spanning tree information. This port is the single forwarding path to the root, which directly matches the question's requirement of receiving the best BPDU toward the root.

Why this answer

The root port is the port on a nonroot switch with the lowest path cost to the root bridge.

Exam trap

Be careful not to confuse port roles. Remember, the root port is specifically for receiving the best BPDU toward the root bridge, not for forwarding or redundancy.

Why the other options are wrong

A

The designated port is responsible for forwarding traffic to and from a network segment and does not receive the best BPDU toward the root bridge; instead, it sends BPDUs to other ports. Therefore, it cannot be the correct answer for identifying the port role that receives the best BPDU on a nonroot switch.

B

The alternate port does not receive the best BPDU toward the root bridge; instead, it serves as a backup path to the root bridge when the primary path fails. It is in a blocking state and does not forward traffic.

D

A Disabled port does not participate in the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and does not receive any BPDUs, making it incapable of receiving the best BPDU toward the root bridge.

When would these options actually be correct?

A

In a different question asking which port role on a switch forwards traffic to the root bridge while also being the only port on a segment, the designated port would be the correct answer. This scenario would highlight its role in managing traffic flow toward the root bridge.

B

In a question asking which port role can transition to forwarding state if the primary root port fails, the alternate port would be the correct answer. This scenario would focus on redundancy and failover mechanisms in spanning tree protocols.

D

In a different question asking about the state of a port that is intentionally configured to not forward traffic and is administratively shut down, a Disabled port could be the correct answer, as it would be the only port state mentioned that does not participate in STP.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

A

Candidates may confuse the roles of designated and root ports, as both are involved in the spanning tree process, leading them to mistakenly select the designated port due to its active role in forwarding traffic.

B

Candidates may confuse the alternate port's role in providing redundancy with its ability to receive BPDUs, leading them to mistakenly believe it is involved in the best path selection toward the root bridge.

D

Candidates may confuse Disabled ports with other port roles, thinking that any port state could potentially receive BPDUs, especially if they overlook the specific requirement of receiving the best BPDU.

836
PBQmedium

You are connected to SW1 via the console. SW1 is a Layer 2 switch connected to router R1 via trunk link G0/1. R1 performs inter-VLAN routing using subinterfaces. VLANs 10, 20, and 30 exist on SW1. Hosts in VLAN 10 (192.168.10.0/24) can ping R1's subinterface, but cannot communicate with hosts in VLAN 20. You suspect the trunk is not allowing VLAN 20 traffic.

Network Topology
G0/0.10192.168.10.1G0/1trunkR1SW1

Hints

  • Check which VLANs are allowed on the trunk.
  • The 'allowed vlan' command can be used to add or remove VLANs.
  • Verify that VLAN 20 exists on the switch.
A.Configure 'switchport trunk allowed vlan add 20' on SW1's G0/1 interface.
B.Configure 'switchport mode access' on SW1's G0/1 interface.
C.Configure 'switchport trunk native vlan 20' on SW1's G0/1 interface.
D.Configure 'switchport trunk allowed vlan except 20' on SW1's G0/1 interface.
AnswerA
solution
! SW1
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
switchport trunk allowed vlan add 20

Why this answer

Trunks carry traffic for multiple VLANs. The 'switchport trunk allowed vlan' command restricts which VLANs are permitted. Initially, VLAN 20 was not in the allowed list, so traffic was dropped.

Adding VLAN 20 to the allowed list resolves the issue.

Exam trap

Be careful with the syntax of 'switchport trunk allowed vlan'. The 'add' keyword is necessary to include a VLAN without removing others; omitting 'add' replaces the entire list. Also, 'except' excludes the specified VLAN, which is the opposite of what you want.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Access mode carries only a single VLAN, so it would stop inter-VLAN routing entirely.

C

The native VLAN is for untagged frames; changing it does not add VLAN 20 to the allowed list.

D

The 'except' keyword excludes the specified VLAN, so it would prevent VLAN 20 from being carried.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates might think changing the port mode will fix VLAN-specific issues, but it actually disables trunking.

C

Candidates confuse native VLAN configuration with allowed VLAN configuration, thinking it permits VLAN traffic.

D

Candidates might misread 'except' as 'include' or think it adds the VLAN, but it actually removes it.

837
PBQmedium

You are connected to SW1 via the console. SW1 is a Layer 2 switch with two VLANs: VLAN 10 (Sales) and VLAN 20 (Engineering). A router R1 is connected to port G0/1 on SW1 for inter-VLAN routing. Currently, the router is not routing between VLANs because the trunk is not configured correctly. Configure the switch port as a trunk and ensure the router can route between VLANs using subinterfaces (Router-on-a-Stick).

Network Topology
G0/0R1SW1 G0/1

Hints

  • The router expects a trunk link to carry multiple VLANs.
  • Allowed VLAN list must include only the VLANs that need routing.
  • The switch port must be in trunk mode, not access.
A.Configure the switch port as a trunk with 802.1Q encapsulation and allow VLANs 10 and 20.
B.Configure the switch port as an access port in VLAN 10 and add VLAN 20 as a secondary VLAN.
C.Configure the switch port as a trunk with ISL encapsulation and allow all VLANs.
D.Configure the switch port as a trunk with 802.1Q encapsulation and allow VLANs 1, 10, and 20.
AnswerA
solution
! SW1
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
switchport mode trunk
switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20

Why this answer

The switch port was in access mode, which only carries one VLAN. Changing it to trunk with 802.1Q encapsulation allows multiple VLANs to traverse to the router. The allowed VLAN list restricts to VLANs 10 and 20 for security.

Exam trap

The trap is that candidates may confuse trunking with access ports, use outdated encapsulation (ISL), or include unnecessary VLANs like VLAN 1. Always remember that for Router-on-a-Stick, the switch port must be a trunk with 802.1Q and only allow the required VLANs.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Access ports cannot carry multiple VLANs; they are assigned to a single VLAN. The concept of secondary VLAN does not exist for access ports.

C

ISL encapsulation is deprecated in favor of 802.1Q, which is the industry standard. Allowing all VLANs violates the principle of least privilege.

D

Including VLAN 1 is unnecessary and can be a security concern. The allowed VLAN list should be restricted to only the VLANs that need to be routed.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates might think that an access port can be configured with multiple VLANs by using the 'switchport access vlan' command multiple times or by adding a secondary VLAN, which is a common misconception.

C

Candidates familiar with older Cisco equipment might recall ISL as a valid trunking method. Also, allowing all VLANs might seem simpler, but it is not best practice.

D

Candidates might think that VLAN 1 must always be allowed because it is the default VLAN, or they might include it out of habit without considering security implications.

838
MCQhard

The SVI for VLAN 20 has `ip nat outside` and the WAN interface has `ip nat inside`. Hosts in VLAN 20 must reach the internet through PAT, but users report no external connectivity. Which configuration issue best explains the problem?

A.The ACL should deny 192.168.20.0/24 instead of permit it
B.The interfaces are marked with inside and outside in the wrong places
C.PAT cannot be used with a /30 WAN link
D.NAT overload requires a route-map instead of an ACL
AnswerB

When PAT is configured, Cisco IOS identifies traffic to translate based on the inside and outside interface roles. If those labels are swapped, traffic arriving from the campus LAN appears on the 'outside' interface, so it is not considered an 'inside local' source and the translation rule does not trigger. As a result, packets are forwarded without translation and hosts on VLAN 20 cannot reach the internet through PAT. The fix is to mark the LAN-facing interface as 'inside' and the WAN-facing interface as 'outside' so the NAT process operates in the correct direction.

Why this answer

NAT overload works only when the inside and outside interfaces are identified correctly. Here the roles are reversed, so translations are not built in the right direction.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is assuming that the ACL or the subnet mask is the cause of NAT failure when the real issue is reversed inside and outside interface roles. Candidates often overlook the importance of interface designation commands (ip nat inside and ip nat outside), which are crucial for NAT operation. Without correct interface roles, the router cannot translate addresses properly, causing hosts to lose external connectivity even if ACLs and routing are correct.

This trap is tempting because ACLs and subnetting are more familiar concepts, but interface roles are equally critical for NAT to function.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Option A is incorrect because the ACL used for NAT must permit the inside local subnet (192.168.20.0/24) to allow translation. Denying this subnet would block NAT translation, but the question states the ACL permits it, so this is not the cause.

C

Option C is incorrect because a /30 WAN link is commonly used in point-to-point connections and does not prevent PAT from functioning. PAT works independently of the WAN subnet size.

D

Option D is incorrect because NAT overload can be configured using a standard ACL; a route-map is optional and not required. The absence of a route-map does not cause the connectivity issue described.

When would these options actually be correct?

A

In a different scenario where the question specifies that traffic from the 192.168.20.0/24 subnet should be blocked for security reasons, and the goal is to restrict access to certain external resources, then denying this subnet would be the correct answer.

C

In a different scenario, if a question states that a network is configured with a /30 WAN link and asks whether PAT can be implemented, the correct answer would be that PAT cannot be used due to the lack of available IP addresses for translation, making this option valid.

D

In a different scenario where the question specifies that advanced traffic management is needed for NAT overload, and the use of a route-map is explicitly required to match specific traffic types or conditions, this option would be correct. For example, if the question involved complex routing policies that necessitate route-maps for NAT configurations.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

A

Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of ACL functionality, thinking that denying the VLAN subnet could be a straightforward solution to connectivity issues without fully analyzing the NAT configuration.

C

Candidates may be tempted by this option due to a misunderstanding of NAT and PAT limitations, particularly in relation to subnet sizes and their implications for address translation, leading them to incorrectly assume a /30 subnet is incompatible with PAT.

D

Candidates may be tempted by this option due to confusion between basic NAT configurations and more advanced routing techniques, leading them to believe that a route-map is necessary for all forms of NAT, including PAT.

839
Drag & Dropmedium

Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure spanning-tree protection features including BPDU Guard, Root Guard, and Loop Guard on a Cisco switch.

Drag steps to the numbered slots on the right, or tap a step then tap a slot.

Steps
Order
1Step 1
2Step 2
3Step 3
4Step 4
5Step 5
6Step 6
7Step 7

Why this order

The correct order is: (1) Identify edge ports connected to end devices. (2) Configure spanning-tree portfast on those interfaces. (3) Enable BPDU Guard using the spanning-tree portfast bpduguard default global command. (4) Identify ports connected to other switches that should never become the root bridge. (5) Enable Root Guard on those interfaces with spanning-tree guard root. (6) Identify point-to-point non-edge ports susceptible to unidirectional link failures. (7) Enable Loop Guard on those interfaces with spanning-tree guard loop. This sequence first secures edge ports with PortFast and BPDU Guard to prevent accidental network loops and BPDU-based attacks, then applies Root Guard on ports where a superior BPDU should never be received to protect the root bridge placement, and finally implements Loop Guard on non-edge point-to-point links to guard against unidirectional link failures that could cause bridging loops. Identifying the ports before applying configurations ensures proper placement of each protection mechanism.

840
PBQmedium

You are connected to R1 via console. R1 connects three subnets: 10.0.1.0/24 (area 0), 10.0.2.0/24 (area 0), and 10.0.3.0/24 (area 0). The serial link to R2 uses IP subnet 10.0.0.0/30 and is in OSPF area 1. The network administrator wants to advertise a single summary route for these three subnets to R2, reducing the OSPF link-state database size in area 1. R1 is already running OSPF with network statements for its connected subnets in their respective areas. You need to configure route summarization on R1 so that only the summary route is advertised to R2 via the serial link.

Hints

  • Summarization in OSPF is configured under the router ospf process using the area range command.
  • The summary route must cover all subnets with a single prefix.
  • Verify that the summary route appears in the OSPF database as a type 3 summary LSA.
A.router ospf 1 area 0 range 10.0.0.0 255.255.252.0
B.router ospf 1 summary-address 10.0.0.0 255.255.252.0
C.interface serial 0/0/0 ip summary-address ospf 1 10.0.0.0 255.255.252.0
D.router ospf 1 area 0 range 10.0.0.0 255.255.255.0
AnswerA
solution
! R1
router ospf 1
area 0 range 10.0.0.0 255.255.252.0

Why this answer

The 'area 0 range' command creates a summary route for the specified range, which is then advertised as a type 3 summary LSA to other areas. This reduces routing table size and prevents flapping.

Exam trap

Be careful not to confuse OSPF summarization commands with those of other routing protocols. OSPF uses 'area range' for internal summarization and 'summary-address' for external routes, while EIGRP uses 'summary-address' on interfaces. Also, ensure you calculate the correct summary mask that covers all subnets without being too broad or too specific.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The 'summary-address' command is not valid for OSPF; it is used in EIGRP and BGP.

C

The 'ip summary-address ospf' command is used for external route summarization, not for summarizing internal OSPF routes within an area.

D

The mask 255.255.255.0 is too specific and only covers a single /24 network, not the required range.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates may confuse OSPF summarization with EIGRP summarization, as both protocols use similar concepts but different commands.

C

Candidates might think that summarization is configured on the interface facing the upstream router, but OSPF internal summarization is done at the area level, not per interface.

D

Candidates may mistakenly use a /24 mask thinking it summarizes the subnets, but they need to calculate the correct prefix length that covers all subnets.

841
Drag & Dropmedium

Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to sequence the DNS resolution process from a client query to receiving an A-record response, followed by the nslookup and dig diagnostic workflow for troubleshooting missing or wrong DNS records.

Drag steps to the numbered slots on the right, or tap a step then tap a slot.

Steps
Order
1Step 1
2Step 2
3Step 3
4Step 4

Why this order

The DNS resolution process starts with the client query, server response, and client use. Troubleshooting follows with nslookup for basic queries and dig for detailed diagnostics.

Exam trap

Do not confuse the order of DNS resolution with the troubleshooting workflow. The client uses the IP address immediately after receiving the response; troubleshooting tools are used only when there is a problem.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates might think dig is more powerful and should be used first, but the standard workflow is to start with simpler tools.

C

Candidates might confuse the order of events, thinking the client uses the IP address immediately after sending the query.

D

Candidates might think troubleshooting is part of the normal resolution process, but it is only done when there is an issue.

842
Multi-Selectmedium

Which TWO of the following statements accurately describe the configuration and behavior of Root Guard, Loop Guard, and BPDU Guard in Rapid PVST+ environments?

Select 2 answers
A.Root Guard, when enabled on a port, prevents that port from becoming the root port by placing it in a root-inconsistent state if a superior BPDU is received.
B.Root Guard automatically shuts down the port when a superior BPDU is received, similar to BPDU Guard.
C.Loop Guard, when enabled, disables a port if BPDUs are no longer received on it, preventing a unidirectional link failure.
D.BPDU Guard, when enabled, puts the port in an errdisable state if a BPDU is received, which is typically used on access ports to prevent unauthorized switches from connecting.
E.BPDU Guard places the port in a blocking state (loop-inconsistent) when a BPDU is received, similar to Loop Guard.
AnswersA, D

Root Guard, enabled on a designated port, does not prevent the switch from receiving a superior BPDU; instead, it reacts by moving the port into a root-inconsistent state, which blocks all traffic on that port while the superior BPDU continues to arrive. Once the superior BPDUs stop, the port automatically returns to its normal designated role. This behavior keeps an unauthorized switch from becoming the root bridge, but it does not disable the port or require manual intervention.

Why this answer

Root Guard prevents a port from becoming a root port by placing it in a root-inconsistent (blocking) state upon receiving a superior BPDU, protecting the root bridge placement. Option D is correct because BPDU Guard errdisables a port upon receiving a BPDU, a feature typically applied to access ports to block unauthorized switches. Option B is wrong: Root Guard does not shut down the port; it places it in a blocked state, unlike BPDU Guard's errdisable action.

Option C is wrong: Loop Guard does not disable a port when BPDUs stop being received; instead, it moves the port to a loop-inconsistent (blocking) state to guard against unidirectional link failures. Option E is wrong: BPDU Guard errdisables ports, whereas the loop-inconsistent blocking state is used by Loop Guard or Root Guard, not BPDU Guard.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the distinction between 'shutdown' (errdisable) and 'blocking' (inconsistent state) — candidates confuse BPDU Guard's errdisable behavior with Root Guard's or Loop Guard's blocking behavior, leading them to incorrectly select Option B.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Root Guard does not shut down the port; it places the port in a root-inconsistent state, which effectively blocks traffic but does not disable the port. BPDU Guard, on the other hand, errdisables the port.

C

Loop Guard does not disable the port; it places the port into a loop-inconsistent state, blocking traffic on that port until BPDUs are received again. The port remains administratively up.

E

BPDU Guard errdisables the port, not just blocks it. Loop Guard uses a loop-inconsistent state, which is different from errdisable. BPDU Guard is a more severe reaction.

843
MCQhard

After hardening SSH by disabling password authentication and restricting access to an ACL permitting only the management subnet 10.1.10.0/24, configuring RADIUS AAA authentication, enabling port security with a maximum of two MAC addresses on all access ports, and implementing DHCP snooping and DAI on VLAN 10, the administrator finds that users in VLAN 10 obtain DHCP addresses and access the network normally, but SSH from the management workstation (10.1.10.20) to the switch fails with timeouts.

A.The SSH ACL is misconfigured and denies port 22 from the management subnet.
B.The management workstation’s IP-to-MAC binding is missing from the DHCP snooping binding table, causing DAI to drop its ARP traffic.
C.Port security on the switch interface connected to the management workstation has learned two MAC addresses and shut down the port.
D.RADIUS AAA authentication is missing the shared secret on the switch, causing SSH login timeouts.
AnswerB

Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) validates ARP packets against the DHCP snooping binding table, which contains IP-to-MAC mappings learned from DHCP. Because the management workstation uses a static IP address, no DHCP binding is ever recorded, so the switch has no entry for that IP. As a result, DAI classifies the workstation's ARP replies as invalid and drops them, preventing L2 reachability. This matches the symptom precisely: only the statically configured host fails, while DHCP-assigned management hosts continue to work normally.

Why this answer

The management workstation (10.1.10.20) is on the same VLAN 10 where DHCP snooping and DAI are enabled. DAI validates ARP packets against the DHCP snooping binding table. Since the workstation uses a static IP address, its IP-to-MAC binding is not automatically added to the DHCP snooping database.

DAI will drop the workstation's ARP replies, preventing the switch from learning its MAC address and causing SSH timeouts.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the interaction between security features like DAI and static IP hosts, where candidates overlook that DAI requires explicit static bindings for non-DHCP clients, leading to connectivity failures that appear as timeouts rather than explicit denials.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Misunderstanding ACL processing—assumes a simple subnet permit ACL would block port 22 by default, but the ACL entry permits all traffic from the subnet, not just specific ports.

C

Assumes port security is the first cause of connectivity failure when MAC limits are configured, but the symptom does not indicate a port security violation; the port would need to go into err-disabled, which is not mentioned.

D

AAA failures manifest as authentication errors or prompts that time out after attempting RADIUS, but they typically affect all attempts, not a single source, unless combined with ACLs that permit other hosts but block this one.

844
PBQhard

You are connected to R1 (192.0.2.1/24, management IP). The network team needs to automate interface configuration using RESTCONF. Construct a valid RESTCONF GET request to retrieve the operational status of GigabitEthernet0/1 using the ietf-interfaces YANG module, and a PATCH request to set the description of that interface to 'Link to R2' using the Cisco-IOS-XE-native YANG module. Identify the error that occurs if the Accept header is set to application/json instead of application/yang-data+json.

Network Topology
G0/0192.0.2.1/24G0/010.0.0.2/30G0/1 (10.0.0.1/30)R1R2

Hints

  • RESTCONF uses a specific media type for YANG data; check the Accept header.
  • The YANG module paths differ between ietf-interfaces and Cisco-IOS-XE-native.
  • The interface name must be URL-encoded if it contains special characters; GigabitEthernet0/1 is safe.
A.The server returns a 406 Not Acceptable error because RESTCONF requires the Accept header to be 'application/yang-data+json'.
B.The server returns a 400 Bad Request error because the Accept header must be 'application/json' for RESTCONF.
C.The server returns a 415 Unsupported Media Type error because the Accept header is set incorrectly.
D.The server returns a 200 OK response but ignores the Accept header and returns data in XML format.
AnswerA
solution
! R1
GET request: GET https://192.0.2.1/restconf/data/ietf-interfaces:interfaces/interface=GigabitEthernet0/1 HTTP/1.1
Headers: Host: 192.0.2.1, Accept: application/yang-data+json
PATCH request: PATCH https://192.0.2.1/restconf/data/Cisco-IOS-XE-native:native/interface/GigabitEthernet=0/1/description HTTP/1.1
Headers: Host: 192.0.2.1, Content-Type: application/yang-data+json, Accept: application/yang-data+json
Body: {"description": "Link to R2"}

Why this answer

The correct base URI for RESTCONF on Cisco IOS-XE is https://<device-ip>/restconf/data. For the ietf-interfaces module, the YANG path is /ietf-interfaces:interfaces/interface=GigabitEthernet0%2F1 (note the percent-encoded slash in the key). For the Cisco-IOS-XE-native module, the path is /Cisco-IOS-XE-native:native/interface/GigabitEthernet=0%2F1/description.

The Accept header must be 'application/yang-data+json'; using 'application/json' returns a 406 Not Acceptable error. The PATCH request body must contain the new description in JSON format. Failing to percent-encode the interface name will result in an invalid URI.

Exam trap

The exam tests your knowledge of RESTCONF media types and URL encoding: remember to percent-encode the slash in interface names (e.g., GigabitEthernet0%2F1) and distinguish between 406 (Accept error) and 415 (Content-Type error).

Why the other options are wrong

B

The specific factual error: RESTCONF requires 'application/yang-data+json', not 'application/json'.

C

The specific factual error: 415 relates to Content-Type, not Accept. Accept errors yield 406.

D

The specific factual error: RESTCONF does not silently fall back; it returns a 406 error.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates might think 'application/json' is acceptable because JSON is commonly used, but RESTCONF mandates a specific media type.

C

Candidates may confuse Accept and Content-Type headers, thinking both cause 415 errors.

D

Candidates might assume the server is lenient and will respond with a default format, but RESTCONF is strict about media types.

845
MCQhard

Exhibit: SW1 is configured for EtherChannel with LACP, but the bundle does not form. What is the most likely cause?

A.The interfaces should use PAgP instead of LACP on both ends
B.One side is using LACP and the other side is using a static EtherChannel mode
C.The links must be routed ports before EtherChannel can form
D.EtherChannel requires three or more member links
AnswerB

The correct explanation is that EtherChannel will not form because the interface configurations are incompatible: one side is running LACP in active mode, which sends LACP PDUs to negotiate a channel, while the other side is configured with a static mode (mode on), which does not send or process LACP PDUs. Without LACP negotiation from both peers, the switch sees no valid LACP partner and refuses to bundle the links. To fix this, both ends must use LACP (active/passive) or both must use static mode.

Why this answer

For an LACP EtherChannel to form, both sides must negotiate with LACP using active or passive mode. One side here is set to channel-group mode on, which creates a static channel and does not speak LACP. That mismatch prevents the bundle from forming.

Exam trap

Ensure both sides of the EtherChannel are set to negotiate with LACP; avoid static channel settings.

Why the other options are wrong

A

This option is incorrect because the question specifies that LACP is being used, which is incompatible with PAgP. EtherChannel can operate with either LACP or PAgP, but not both simultaneously.

C

This option is wrong because EtherChannel can form with access ports or trunk ports, and there is no requirement for the interfaces to be routed ports for EtherChannel to function.

D

EtherChannel can function with as few as two member links; therefore, requiring three or more member links is not a valid reason for the bundle not forming in this scenario.

When would these options actually be correct?

A

In a different scenario where a question asks about a misconfiguration in an EtherChannel setup using PAgP, if both ends of the connection were configured for PAgP instead of LACP, then this option would be correct. For example, if a question stated that both ends were set to PAgP and the bundle failed to form, this would be a valid reason.

C

If the question specified that the interfaces were configured as routed ports and required to form an EtherChannel, then this option would be correct. In that scenario, the exam would be testing knowledge on the prerequisites for EtherChannel formation specifically related to port types.

D

In a different question context where the exam specifies that an EtherChannel configuration must include at least three links for proper operation, option D would be correct. For example, a question could state that a network engineer is attempting to configure an EtherChannel with only two links and is encountering issues.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

A

Candidates may be tempted by this option because they might confuse EtherChannel protocols and assume that if one protocol fails, another must be the solution, leading them to overlook the specific protocol in use.

C

Candidates may choose this option due to a common misconception that EtherChannel only works with Layer 2 interfaces, leading them to incorrectly believe that routed ports are incompatible with EtherChannel configurations.

D

Candidates may be misled by the common belief that more links enhance redundancy and performance, leading them to think that a minimum number of links is required for EtherChannel to work.

846
PBQhard

You are connected to R1 via the console. The network currently uses EIGRP as its IGP, but you recently configured a static default route toward R2 (next-hop 203.0.113.2) to reach the Internet. However, traffic from R1 to the Internet is not taking the expected path. Examine the provided routing table and partial configuration, then fix the issue so that the static default route is used only when the EIGRP-learned default route is unavailable.

Network Topology
G0/010.0.0.1/30G0/010.0.0.2/30G0/1203.0.113.1/30203.0.113.2/30R1R2ISP

Hints

  • Compare the administrative distances of the two default routes in the routing table.
  • The static route currently has a lower AD (1) than EIGRP (90), so it is not acting as a backup.
  • To make a static route a floating static, you need to configure an AD higher than the dynamic protocol's AD.
A.Configure the static route with an administrative distance of 100 using 'ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 100'.
B.Remove the EIGRP default route by configuring 'no network 0.0.0.0' under the EIGRP process.
C.Increase the metric of the EIGRP default route to make it less preferred than the static route.
D.Configure the static route with a next-hop of 203.0.113.2 and a metric of 100.
AnswerA
solution
! R1
configure terminal
no ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 10
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 100
end
write memory

Why this answer

The static default route was configured with an administrative distance (AD) of 10, which is lower than the EIGRP‑learned default route's AD of 90. This made the static route the preferred path, overriding the intended primary EIGRP route. To create a floating static route that only activates when the EIGRP route disappears, the static AD must be raised above 90—using 'ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 203.0.113.2 100' ensures the EIGRP route is primary.

Option B is wrong because removing the EIGRP route eliminates the preferred path entirely, defeating the backup purpose. Option C fails because EIGRP metrics are irrelevant against a lower‑AD static route; AD dictates route source preference. Option D is incorrect because static routes do not accept a metric parameter—the trailing number sets the AD, not a metric.

Exam trap

Don't confuse administrative distance with metric. When comparing routes from different sources (static vs. EIGRP), AD is the deciding factor.

Also, remember that static routes use AD, not metric, to influence preference. The 'ip route' command syntax does not include a metric parameter.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The specific factual error: EIGRP does not use 'network 0.0.0.0' to advertise a default route; default routes are typically redistributed or generated via 'ip default-network' or redistribution. Removing the EIGRP default route would break the intended primary path.

C

The specific factual error: Administrative distance is the primary factor for route selection between different routing protocols or sources. Changing the EIGRP metric does not affect the comparison with a static route.

D

The specific factual error: The 'ip route' command syntax is 'ip route prefix mask {next-hop | interface} [distance] [name] [permanent] [tag tag]'. There is no metric parameter. The correct way to make a static route less preferred is to set a higher administrative distance.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates might think removing the EIGRP route would force the static route to be used, but this does not achieve the desired redundancy and violates the requirement to keep the EIGRP route as primary.

C

Candidates often confuse metric with administrative distance, thinking that a higher metric makes a route less preferred. However, metric only applies within the same routing protocol.

D

Candidates may think that since EIGRP uses metric, they can set a metric on the static route to make it less preferred, but this is not supported. They might also confuse metric with administrative distance.

847
Multi-Selectmedium

Which TWO statements correctly describe the encapsulation process at the OSI model Transport layer?

Select 2 answers
A.It adds source and destination IP addresses to the data.
B.It breaks data into smaller units called segments (for TCP) or datagrams (for UDP).
C.It adds a header that includes source and destination MAC addresses.
D.It adds a header that includes source and destination port numbers.
E.It converts data into bits for transmission over the physical medium.
AnswersB, D

The Transport layer accepts data from upper layers and divides it into appropriately sized units for transmission. For TCP, these units are called segments, and for UDP, they are datagrams. This segmentation enables efficient network usage, and TCP further assigns sequence numbers to these units so the receiving host can reorder them correctly and request retransmission of missing data. This is a fundamental Transport layer role, ensuring that upper-layer data is properly prepared for network delivery.

Why this answer

At the Transport layer (Layer 4), TCP segments data into segments and UDP segments data into datagrams. This segmentation allows efficient transmission and reassembly at the destination. The Transport layer header includes source and destination port numbers to identify the communicating applications, not IP or MAC addresses.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the distinction between OSI model layers, and the trap here is confusing the Transport layer's port numbers and segmentation with the Network layer's IP addressing or the Data Link layer's MAC addressing.

Why the other options are wrong

A

The Transport layer uses port numbers, not IP addresses. IP addresses are added during Network layer encapsulation.

C

MAC addresses are used for local delivery on a network segment and are part of Layer 2 encapsulation.

E

The Physical layer handles the actual transmission of raw bits over the network medium.

848
Multi-Selectmedium

Which TWO statements correctly describe the differences between RADIUS and TACACS+ when configuring AAA on IOS-XE?

Select 2 answers
A.RADIUS encrypts the entire packet body, while TACACS+ encrypts only the password.
B.TACACS+ uses TCP port 49, while RADIUS uses UDP ports 1812 and 1813.
C.RADIUS supports command-level authorization, whereas TACACS+ does not.
D.TACACS+ separates authentication, authorization, and accounting into distinct processes, while RADIUS combines authentication and authorization.
E.Both RADIUS and TACACS+ can be used for 802.1X port-based authentication on IOS-XE.
AnswersB, D

TACACS+ uses TCP for reliable transport on port 49, while RADIUS uses UDP (port 1812 for authentication/authorization, 1813 for accounting).

Why this answer

Options B and D are correct. TACACS+ uses TCP port 49, while RADIUS uses UDP ports 1812 (authentication) and 1813 (accounting). TACACS+ separates authentication, authorization, and accounting into three distinct processes, whereas RADIUS combines authentication and authorization.

Option A is incorrect because TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet body, while RADIUS encrypts only the password. Option C is incorrect because TACACS+ supports command-level authorization, while RADIUS does not. Option E is incorrect because 802.1X port-based authentication uses RADIUS, not TACACS+.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the encryption behavior (Option A) as a trap, because candidates confuse which protocol encrypts the entire packet versus just the password, and they also test the authorization granularity (Option C) to see if you know that TACACS+ supports command-level authorization while RADIUS does not.

Why the other options are wrong

A

TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet, while RADIUS encrypts only the password – the opposite of what this option states.

C

TACACS+ supports command-level authorization, whereas RADIUS does not – this option reverses the capabilities.

E

802.1X port-based authentication uses RADIUS, not TACACS+, as specified by the IEEE 802.1X standard.

When would these options actually be correct?

E

This is correct because both protocols are supported for 802.1X, though RADIUS is the typical choice.

849
PBQhard

You are connected to R1. The network has two routers (R1 and R2) connected via a serial link (S0/0/0). R1's GigabitEthernet0/0 connects to the 192.168.1.0/24 LAN. An extended ACL must be configured on R1 to permit only HTTPS traffic (TCP port 443) from host 192.168.1.10 to server 203.0.113.5 (reachable via R2), and deny all other traffic from the LAN to the server. Currently, the ACL is applied inbound on G0/0 but valid HTTPS traffic is being blocked. Troubleshoot and fix the configuration.

Hints

  • The current ACL uses 'any' source, but the requirement is to restrict to a specific host.
  • The order of ACL entries matters; the first match is applied.
  • The implicit deny at the end blocks all traffic that does not match a permit statement.
A.The ACL is missing an explicit permit statement for HTTPS traffic from host 192.168.1.10 to server 203.0.113.5, and the current permit ip any any allows all traffic, including HTTP, which violates the requirement to deny HTTP.
B.The ACL is applied inbound on G0/0, but it should be applied outbound on G0/0 to filter traffic leaving the LAN.
C.The ACL should be applied to the serial interface S0/0/0 instead of G0/0 to filter traffic going to R2.
D.The ACL is missing a deny statement for all other traffic from the LAN to the server, and the permit ip any any allows everything, including unwanted traffic.
AnswerA
solution
! R1
configure terminal
no ip access-list extended BLOCK_SERVER
ip access-list extended BLOCK_SERVER
permit tcp host 192.168.1.10 host 203.0.113.5 eq 443
deny tcp host 192.168.1.10 host 203.0.113.5 eq 80
deny ip any host 203.0.113.5
permit ip any any
end

Why this answer

Valid HTTPS is blocked because the current ACL does not have an effective ACE permitting TCP/443 from 192.168.1.10 to 203.0.113.5; the implicit deny at the end drops that traffic. A reachable `permit ip any any` would allow HTTPS, so if such an ACE appears in the configuration it is not the effective match for this flow. The correct fix adds an explicit permit for TCP 443 from the host to the server, denies HTTP and all other IP traffic from the LAN to the server, and then permits all other IP traffic.

Exam trap

Be careful not to assume that an ACL with a permit ip any any will automatically block specific traffic; it actually permits everything. The implicit deny only applies if there is no matching permit statement. Also, pay attention to the specific requirements: the ACL must deny HTTP but permit HTTPS from the host.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The direction of ACL application is correct; inbound on the interface where traffic enters the router is standard for filtering traffic from the LAN.

C

ACLs should be applied as close to the source as possible to deny traffic early. Applying on the serial interface would still work but is less efficient and not the best practice.

D

The permit ip any any allows all traffic, so HTTPS should be allowed. The problem says HTTPS is blocked, so the issue must be something else, like a missing explicit permit or a misordering.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates often confuse inbound and outbound ACL application, thinking that outbound is needed to filter traffic going out to the server.

C

Candidates might think that since the server is reachable via R2, the ACL should be on the serial link to R2.

D

Candidates might think that because the ACL does not explicitly permit HTTPS, it is blocked by the implicit deny, but the permit ip any any overrides that.

850
MCQmedium

Which IPv6 protocol function replaces ARP?

A.DHCPv6
B.Neighbor Discovery
C.EUI-64
D.SLAAC
AnswerB

Neighbor Discovery (ND) replaces ARP by using ICMPv6 Neighbor Solicitation and Neighbor Advertisement messages to dynamically resolve IPv6 addresses to link-layer MAC addresses. It also handles router discovery, prefix discovery, and duplicate address detection, making it the core protocol for link-local interactions in IPv6. ND tracks neighbor reachability state in the neighbor cache, just as ARP did in IPv4.

Why this answer

IPv6 uses Neighbor Discovery Protocol to resolve Layer 3-to-Layer 2 information and perform related local-link functions such as router discovery and address resolution.

Exam trap

Be careful not to confuse protocols that manage IP addresses or routing with those that resolve addresses.

Why the other options are wrong

A

DHCPv6 is not a protocol that replaces ARP; instead, it is used for assigning IP addresses and configuration information to IPv6 devices. ARP is replaced by the Neighbor Discovery Protocol in IPv6, which performs similar functions for address resolution.

C

EUI-64 is not a protocol but a method for generating IPv6 interface identifiers. It does not perform the function of resolving link-layer addresses like ARP does in IPv4.

D

SLAAC (Stateless Address Autoconfiguration) is a method for automatically configuring IPv6 addresses but does not perform the function of resolving link-layer addresses like ARP does in IPv4. Therefore, it cannot replace ARP in IPv6.

When would these options actually be correct?

A

If the exam question asked about protocols involved in IPv6 address assignment or configuration, such as 'Which protocol is responsible for dynamically assigning IPv6 addresses to devices?', then DHCPv6 would be the correct answer.

C

If the exam question asked about methods for generating IPv6 addresses or identifiers, specifically in the context of creating unique addresses from MAC addresses, then EUI-64 would be the correct answer.

D

If the exam question asked which protocol is responsible for automatically configuring IPv6 addresses without requiring a DHCP server, then SLAAC would be the correct answer. This would focus on address assignment rather than address resolution.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

A

Candidates may find DHCPv6 tempting because it is a well-known protocol associated with IP address management, leading them to mistakenly associate it with the address resolution functions that ARP performed in IPv4.

C

Candidates may confuse EUI-64 with address resolution functions due to its association with IPv6 addressing, leading them to mistakenly believe it plays a role similar to ARP.

D

Candidates might choose SLAAC because it is associated with IPv6 address configuration, leading to confusion between address assignment and address resolution functions, making it seem relevant to the question.

851
PBQhard

You are connected to a multilayer switch MLS1. The network has two other switches: SW2 and SW3. The interface GigabitEthernet0/1 already has PortFast and BPDU Guard enabled. Configure MLS1 as the root bridge for VLAN 10 and VLAN 20 using the root primary command. After configuration, verify that the interface is not in err-disabled state and that the root bridge role is correctly assigned.

Network Topology
Gi0/1Gi0/2Gi0/3SiMLS1PCSW2SW3

Hints

  • Use spanning-tree vlan root primary to set the switch as root for specified VLANs.
  • Verify with show spanning-tree vlan <vlan> to confirm root bridge priority is 24576.
  • Check interface status with show interfaces gigabitethernet 0/1 status to ensure it is not err-disabled.
A.Configure 'spanning-tree vlan 10 root primary' and 'spanning-tree vlan 20 root primary' on MLS1. Verify with 'show spanning-tree vlan 10' and 'show interfaces gigabitEthernet0/1 status'.
B.Configure 'spanning-tree vlan 10 root primary' and 'spanning-tree vlan 20 root secondary' on MLS1. Verify with 'show spanning-tree vlan 10' and 'show interfaces gigabitEthernet0/1 status'.
C.Configure 'spanning-tree vlan 10 priority 4096' and 'spanning-tree vlan 20 priority 4096' on MLS1. Verify with 'show spanning-tree vlan 10' and 'show interfaces gigabitEthernet0/1 status'.
D.Configure 'spanning-tree vlan 10 root primary' and 'spanning-tree vlan 20 root primary' on MLS1. Then configure 'spanning-tree portfast default' and 'spanning-tree bpduguard default' globally. Verify with 'show spanning-tree vlan 10' and 'show interfaces gigabitEthernet0/1 status'.
AnswerA
solution
! MLS1
spanning-tree vlan 10 root primary
spanning-tree vlan 20 root primary

Why this answer

The interface Gi0/1 already has PortFast and BPDU Guard configured, so no additional configuration is needed for that step. Using 'spanning-tree vlan 10 root primary' and 'spanning-tree vlan 20 root primary' sets the priority to 24576, ensuring MLS1 becomes root for both VLANs. Verify with 'show spanning-tree vlan 10' to see the priority changed and 'show interfaces gigabitEthernet0/1 status' to confirm the port is not err-disabled.

Exam trap

Do not confuse 'root primary' with 'root secondary' or manual priority settings. The 'root primary' command automatically sets the priority to 24576, which is the recommended value. Also, avoid adding unnecessary global commands when the interface already has the required features configured.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Using 'root secondary' for VLAN 20 sets priority to 28672, leaving MLS1 as backup root, not the primary root.

C

Manually setting priority to 4096 is valid but not the recommended method; 'root primary' is simpler and ensures proper value.

D

Global portfast and bpduguard are not required because the interface is already configured with those features; this adds unnecessary commands.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates may confuse 'root primary' and 'root secondary', thinking both are needed for redundancy, but the requirement is for MLS1 to be the root, not a backup.

C

Candidates might think manually setting a low priority is equivalent to 'root primary', but the command is a best practice and ensures proper operation with other switches.

D

Candidates might think global configuration is a best practice, but the question specifies the interface already has these features enabled, so additional configuration is unnecessary and could be counterproductive.

852
Multi-Selectmedium

Which two statements accurately describe APIs in network automation?

Select 2 answers
A.APIs provide a defined way for software systems to interact.
B.APIs can be used by automation tools to retrieve data or request changes.
C.APIs eliminate all need for authentication.
D.APIs are a form of Ethernet duplex setting.
E.APIs are only valid on devices running Telnet.
AnswersA, B

An API (Application Programming Interface) defines a contract of protocols, request/response formats, and rules that allows software components to communicate and exchange data. In networking, this abstraction lets a client application interact with a network device or controller without needing to know the device's internal command syntax or OS details. For example, a REST API uses HTTP methods like GET and POST to retrieve or alter network state, making the interaction standardized and machine-readable.

Why this answer

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) define a standardized, structured method for software systems to communicate, enabling network automation tools to programmatically retrieve operational data or push configuration changes. This eliminates the need for manual CLI or SNMP interactions, allowing scalable and repeatable automation workflows. Options A and B correctly describe this.

Option C is false because APIs require authentication; they do not bypass security. Option D is false because APIs are software interfaces, not Ethernet duplex settings. Option E is false because APIs work over various protocols (e.g., HTTP/HTTPS), not just Telnet.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the misconception that APIs bypass security, but in reality, APIs enforce authentication and authorization just as strictly as CLI or SNMP.

Why the other options are wrong

C

This option is incorrect because APIs typically require authentication to ensure secure access and prevent unauthorized use, which is a fundamental aspect of API design.

D

APIs are not related to Ethernet duplex settings; they are software interfaces that enable communication between different applications or systems. This option misrepresents the fundamental purpose of APIs in network automation.

E

APIs are not limited to devices running Telnet; they can be implemented on various platforms and protocols, including HTTP and REST, which are widely used in modern network automation.

When would these options actually be correct?

C

If the exam question stated that it was referring to a hypothetical API in a controlled environment where all users are trusted and no sensitive data is handled, then the statement could be considered correct as authentication might be deemed unnecessary.

D

If the exam question asked about network protocols or physical layer characteristics, such as 'What are the different types of Ethernet configurations?' then stating that APIs are a form of Ethernet duplex setting could be correct in a context where the question is misleadingly framed to confuse API functionality with network hardware settings.

E

If the exam question specified that it was discussing legacy network devices or specific protocols that only support Telnet, then stating that APIs are valid only on devices running Telnet could be correct in that narrow context.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

C

Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of API functionality, mistakenly believing that APIs simplify interactions to the point of eliminating security measures like authentication.

D

Candidates may confuse the term 'API' with networking concepts they are familiar with, leading them to mistakenly associate it with Ethernet settings, especially if they have limited experience with APIs in network automation.

E

Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of legacy network protocols, mistakenly believing that APIs are exclusively tied to Telnet, which is a common protocol for remote device management.

853
PBQhard

You are connected to R1. Configure OSPFv2 on R1 and R2 so that they form a full adjacency and can exchange routes. The current configuration has mismatched hello/dead timers blocking the adjacency. Adjust only the necessary settings on R1 to match R2's OSPF timers.

Network Topology
G0/0192.0.2.1/30G0/0192.0.2.2/30linkR1R2

Hints

  • Check the OSPF interface timers on both routers using 'show ip ospf interface'.
  • The dead interval must be exactly four times the hello interval unless manually set.
  • Use the 'ip ospf hello-interval' and 'ip ospf dead-interval' commands under the interface configuration.
A.Configure 'ip ospf hello-interval 5' and 'ip ospf dead-interval 20' on R1's GigabitEthernet0/0 interface.
B.Configure 'ip ospf hello-interval 10' and 'ip ospf dead-interval 40' on R2's interface to match R1's default timers.
C.Configure 'ip ospf hello-interval 5' on R1's GigabitEthernet0/0 interface only; the dead interval will adjust automatically.
D.Configure 'ip ospf dead-interval 20' on R1's GigabitEthernet0/0 interface only; the hello interval will adjust automatically.
AnswerA
solution
! R1
interface gigabitethernet0/0
ip ospf hello-interval 5
ip ospf dead-interval 20

Why this answer

The adjacency between R1 and R2 is not forming because the OSPF hello and dead timers are mismatched. R1 has default timers (Hello 10, Dead 40) while R2 has custom timers (Hello 5, Dead 20). To form an adjacency, OSPF timers must match on both ends.

On R1, you need to configure the OSPF interface timers to match R2 by issuing 'ip ospf hello-interval 5' and 'ip ospf dead-interval 20' on interface GigabitEthernet0/0. After applying these commands, the adjacency should come up.

Exam trap

A common trap is assuming that changing only the hello interval will automatically adjust the dead interval, or vice versa. In Cisco IOS, these timers are independent and must be set explicitly. Also, note that the dead interval must be at least four times the hello interval, but that relationship is not enforced automatically.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The specific factual error is that the instruction limits changes to R1 only; modifying R2 is not allowed.

C

The specific factual error is that the dead interval is not automatically derived from the hello interval; it must be set separately.

D

The specific factual error is that the hello interval is not automatically derived from the dead interval; both must be set explicitly.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates might think it's acceptable to change either router, but the question restricts adjustments to R1.

C

Candidates may recall that the dead interval is typically four times the hello interval and assume it adjusts automatically, but Cisco IOS requires explicit configuration.

D

Candidates may assume that setting the dead interval alone will cause the hello interval to adjust proportionally, but this is not the case in Cisco IOS.

854
MCQeasy

An engineer receives API output that starts with curly braces and contains name-value pairs. Which data format is being used?

A.YANG
B.JSON
C.Syslog
D.SMTP
AnswerB

A payload that begins with a curly brace is the signature of a JSON object. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight, language-independent data-interchange format in which data is organized as key-value pairs within braces. REST APIs commonly return JSON, and the very first character being '{' confirms the representation is a JSON document rather than a flat text or structured binary format.

Why this answer

JSON represents data as objects and arrays using braces, brackets, and name-value pairs. It is the most common format you will see in modern network APIs.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is mistaking YANG for the data format when seeing curly braces and name-value pairs. YANG is a modeling language that defines the structure and constraints of network data but does not represent the actual data payload. Candidates might also confuse Syslog or SMTP with JSON due to their familiarity with network protocols, but these protocols do not use JSON’s syntax.

This confusion leads to selecting incorrect answers, especially under time pressure. Recognizing that JSON is the payload format commonly used in Cisco APIs helps avoid this mistake and correctly interpret automation output.

Why the other options are wrong

A

YANG is a modeling language used to define the structure and constraints of network data but does not represent the actual data payload format. The question describes data output starting with curly braces and name-value pairs, which is a data format, not a model, so YANG is incorrect.

C

Syslog is a protocol used for sending event messages and logs from network devices. Its message format does not use curly braces or name-value pairs as JSON does, so it does not match the described API output format.

D

SMTP is a protocol for sending email messages and does not relate to network device data formats or API outputs. It does not use curly braces or name-value pairs in its message structure, making it irrelevant to the question.

When would these options actually be correct?

A

When asked which data modeling language is used to define the structure of NETCONF or RESTCONF configuration data, YANG would be the correct answer.

C

A question asking which protocol is used for centralized logging of network device events, where the answer options include Syslog, SNMP, and NetFlow.

D

A question asks which protocol is used to send email messages between mail servers. In that context, SMTP would be the correct answer.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

A

Candidates may confuse YANG with JSON because YANG models can be serialized in JSON format, leading them to think YANG itself is a data format.

C

Candidates may confuse Syslog with JSON because both can be used in API contexts (e.g., sending logs as JSON), but Syslog itself is not a data format.

D

Candidates may confuse data formats with protocols, or they might think SMTP can carry structured data like JSON, but the question specifically asks about the data format itself.

855
Multi-Selectmedium

Which TWO statements about floating static routes and default routes are correct?

Select 2 answers
A.A floating static route uses an administrative distance higher than that of the primary route to act as a backup.
B.A floating static route must have a lower administrative distance than the primary route to ensure faster convergence.
C.A default route can be configured as a static route with destination 0.0.0.0/0 for IPv4 and ::/0 for IPv6.
D.Floating static routes are supported only for IPv6, not for IPv4.
E.A default static route cannot be configured as a floating static route.
AnswersA, C

A floating static route is configured with an administrative distance (AD) higher than that of the primary route, such as AD 200 instead of the default AD 1 for a directly connected static route. This higher AD makes the route less preferred, so the router uses the primary route as long as it exists in the routing table; if the primary route disappears, the floating static route is installed as a backup and traffic is sent via its next hop.

Why this answer

A floating static route is configured with a higher administrative distance (AD) than the primary route. This ensures the floating route remains inactive in the routing table unless the primary route fails, at which point the router installs the floating static route as a backup. The higher AD makes it less preferred than the primary dynamic or static route.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the misconception that a floating static route must have a lower AD to be 'faster,' when in fact it requires a higher AD to serve as a backup; candidates also mistakenly think default routes cannot be made floating or that floating routes are IPv6-only.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Floating static routes require a higher AD, not lower, to be less preferred than the primary route.

D

Both IPv4 and IPv6 static routes can be configured as floating routes by setting a higher AD.

E

You can have multiple default static routes with different ADs, making the higher AD one a floating backup.

856
MCQhard

A switchport on one side of a link is configured as a trunk, but the peer side is configured as an access port. What is the most likely result?

A.The link roles are mismatched, so VLAN traffic will not be handled as intended.
B.The access side automatically becomes a routed port.
C.Both switches automatically synchronize their switchport settings.
D.The mismatch forces OSPF to change router IDs.
AnswerA

This is correct because a switchport configured as trunk on one side and access on the other creates a Layer 2 mismatch: the trunk side expects IEEE 802.1Q-tagged frames for multiple VLANs, while the access side expects untagged frames on a single VLAN. As a result, VLAN traffic is not forwarded consistently—frames tagged by the trunk are often dropped by the access port, and untagged frames from the access side may be mishandled. The link may still go up (depending on DTP settings), but the intended VLAN segmentation and inter-switch trunking behavior are broken.

Why this answer

The most likely result is a logical mismatch that prevents VLAN traffic from crossing the link as intended. In practical terms, one side is trying to carry multiple VLANs with tagging behavior, while the other side is treating the connection as a normal one-VLAN endpoint port. That disagreement usually leads to unexpected or failed traffic behavior.

This is a classic switching mismatch scenario. The link may still be physically up, but the two sides do not agree on how the traffic should be handled.

Exam trap

Don't assume mismatches always result in physical link failure; focus on logical traffic handling issues.

Why the other options are wrong

B

This option is incorrect because an access port does not automatically convert to a routed port when connected to a trunk port; it remains an access port and will not participate in Layer 3 routing.

C

This option is wrong because switchport settings do not automatically synchronize between devices; each port retains its configuration independently, leading to a mismatch in link roles.

D

This option is incorrect because the configuration mismatch between a trunk and an access port does not directly affect OSPF router IDs, which are determined by the OSPF process itself and not by switchport configurations.

When would these options actually be correct?

B

In a different question scenario where a switchport is explicitly configured to operate as a routed port and is connected to another switchport configured as an access port, the access port could be described as behaving like a routed port due to its Layer 3 capabilities being utilized.

C

In a different question scenario where both switches are designed to support automatic configuration protocols like Cisco's Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP), a question could ask what happens when one switch is set to negotiate trunking while the other is set to access mode. In this case, synchronization could occur if both sides were configured to use DTP.

D

If the question were about OSPF behavior in a scenario where a router's interfaces are misconfigured, such as having a mismatched network type or area configuration, then a change in router IDs could occur due to OSPF recalculating its topology. In that case, the option would be correct.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates may find this option tempting because they might confuse the concepts of access ports and routed ports, leading them to believe that any misconfiguration would trigger an automatic change in port type.

C

Candidates may find this option tempting because they might recall concepts related to automatic negotiation protocols, leading them to assume that switch configurations can synchronize without manual intervention.

D

Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of how OSPF operates and the assumption that any configuration mismatch would lead to OSPF changes, reflecting a common misconception about routing protocols and their dependencies on interface settings.

857
PBQhard

You are connected to R1. The network uses DNS to resolve hostnames for remote device management. Currently, R1 cannot resolve the hostname 'ServerA' via DNS. Using the nslookup and dig commands, you have gathered the following outputs: nslookup ServerA Server: 203.0.113.1 Address: 203.0.113.1#53 Name: ServerA.example.com Address: 203.0.113.10 dig ServerA ... ;; ->>HEADER<<- opcode: QUERY, status: NXDOMAIN, id: ... ... The show running-config command shows that 'ip domain-lookup' is enabled, the name-server is 203.0.113.1, and no static host entries are configured. Diagnose and fix the DNS resolution failure. Ensure that R1 can successfully resolve 'ServerA' to its intended IP address 198.51.100.10.

Hints

  • Check the output of 'nslookup' and 'dig' carefully; nslookup may show a different IP than expected.
  • The DNS server returns a response but with an incorrect record — consider using a static host entry or a different DNS server.
  • Verify that the DNS server's A record for ServerA actually points to 198.51.100.10, not 203.0.113.10.
A.Add a static host entry: 'ip host ServerA 198.51.100.10'
B.Change the DNS server to 8.8.8.8 using 'ip name-server 8.8.8.8'
C.Enable 'ip domain lookup' with 'ip domain-lookup' command
D.Configure the correct domain name using 'ip domain-name example.com'
AnswerA
solution
! R1
! Remove the incorrect static host entry if present (optional, but to force DNS resolution)
no ip host ServerA
! Alternatively, correct the DNS server or add a correct static entry:
ip host ServerA 198.51.100.10
! Or configure a different DNS server that has the correct A record:
ip name-server 198.51.100.1

Why this answer

The nslookup output misleadingly shows a response with IP 203.0.113.10, but the dig output reveals NXDOMAIN, indicating the DNS server has no valid A record for ServerA. The returned address is a default domain record that does not point to the correct device. Since the external DNS server cannot be modified, the quickest and valid fix is to add a static host entry on R1 using 'ip host ServerA 198.51.100.10', which overrides DNS and ensures correct resolution.

Option B is incorrect because changing to 8.8.8.8 would still depend on a remote server having the correct record, which is not guaranteed. Option C is wrong because 'ip domain-lookup' is already enabled, so disabling/enabling it has no effect. Option D is wrong because modifying the domain name only affects how FQDN is built but does not fix the missing A record or wrong IP issue.

Exam trap

Do not assume that a DNS server that responds is correctly configured. Always verify the actual record returned. The nslookup output may show a response, but the IP could be wrong.

Use 'dig' to see the exact answer section. Also, remember that static host entries override DNS and are useful for troubleshooting.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The DNS server is reachable and responds, but with incorrect data. Simply changing the server may not fix the issue if the new server also lacks the correct record.

C

The command 'ip domain-lookup' enables DNS resolution, but it is enabled by default. The problem is the incorrect DNS record, not the feature being disabled.

D

The domain name is already being used in the query (ServerA.example.com). Configuring a different domain name would change the query but not fix the incorrect record for ServerA.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates often assume DNS issues are due to unreachability and try to change the server to a public one like 8.8.8.8, overlooking that the current server is responding but with wrong data.

C

Candidates might think DNS resolution is not working because the feature is disabled, especially if they forget that it is enabled by default. However, the nslookup output confirms DNS is active.

D

Candidates may think that the hostname is not being fully qualified, but the output shows the domain is appended. They might also confuse this with the need to set a domain name for other features like SSH.

858
MCQhard

Clients on a network can browse the internet by IP address but fail when using hostnames. What is the most likely problem?

A.The default gateway on the PC is incorrect.
B.The client is using the wrong DNS server address.
C.NAT overload is failing on the edge router.
D.The switchport must be converted to a routed port.
AnswerB

A misconfigured DNS server address causes the client to send name resolution queries to an endpoint that either cannot answer authoritatively or is completely unreachable. Since the client can already reach 8.8.8.8 by IP, the issue is specifically that the DNS resolver is not returning the A/AAAA record needed to translate the hostname. Verify the configured DNS server with ipconfig /all or nslookup, and correct it to a valid internal or public resolver such as 8.8.8.8.

Why this answer

The client can browse by IP address but not by hostname, which indicates that IP connectivity and routing are functional, but name resolution is failing. Since DNS translates hostnames to IP addresses, the most likely fault is that the client is configured with an incorrect DNS server address, preventing it from resolving domain names.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the distinction between IP connectivity issues and name resolution issues, and the trap here is that candidates may incorrectly blame the default gateway or NAT when the symptom clearly isolates the problem to DNS.

Why the other options are wrong

A

This option is wrong because if the default gateway on the PC were incorrect, the client would not be able to reach any external IP addresses, not just hostnames. The issue specifically pertains to DNS resolution, not routing.

C

NAT overload failing on the edge router would typically affect the ability to connect to the internet entirely, not just when using hostnames. Since clients can browse by IP, this indicates NAT is functioning correctly.

D

This option is wrong because the issue described pertains to DNS resolution, not layer 2 switching or routing. The problem is related to hostname resolution failures, which are not affected by the switchport type.

When would these options actually be correct?

A

In a different scenario where a question states that clients cannot access any external resources, including IP addresses, and the default gateway is incorrectly configured, this option would be correct. For example, if the question specifies that the clients are unable to communicate outside their local subnet, then an incorrect default gateway would be the cause.

C

In a scenario where clients cannot access any external resources, including both IP addresses and hostnames, and the question specifies issues with NAT configurations, this option could be correct if the NAT overload configuration is misconfigured or overloaded.

D

In a different scenario, if the question stated that clients are unable to communicate with devices on different subnets and the switchport configuration was incorrectly set to access mode instead of routed mode, this option would be correct. It would indicate that the switchport needs to be configured to allow routing between VLANs.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

A

Candidates might choose this option because they associate connectivity issues with routing problems, and the default gateway is a common troubleshooting point for network access issues, leading to confusion about the specific nature of the problem.

C

Candidates might be drawn to this option due to a misunderstanding of NAT functionality, assuming that any internet connectivity issue must relate to NAT configurations, especially if they have seen similar questions in practice exams.

D

Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of the network layers, thinking that routing issues at the switchport level could impact hostname resolution, especially if they are familiar with switch configurations.

859
MCQmedium

On a router performing NAT, where should ip nat inside be applied?

A.On the interface facing the internal private network
B.On the interface facing the ISP only
C.On every routed interface on the router
D.Only on loopback interfaces
AnswerA

The interface facing the internal private network is the inside side of the NAT boundary. By issuing the `ip nat inside` command on it, the router identifies the interface through which privately addressed hosts originate traffic. This designation enables the NAT process to translate source addresses as packets exit and to reverse translations when returning traffic arrives. Without this marking, the router cannot determine which interface is internal, so translation for internal-originated flows fails.

Why this answer

The inside designation belongs on the interface facing the private internal network. The outside designation belongs on the interface facing the public or external network.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is misapplying the ip nat inside command to the interface facing the ISP or external network. This mistake reverses the NAT boundary, causing translation to fail because the router expects private addresses on the inside interface only. Another trap is assuming all interfaces require NAT configuration, leading to unnecessary or incorrect commands on unrelated interfaces.

Additionally, some candidates incorrectly think loopback interfaces should be marked inside or outside, but NAT operates on interfaces connected to actual networks. Recognizing that ip nat inside must be on the internal private network interface prevents these common errors.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Incorrect. The interface facing the ISP is typically marked with ip nat outside, not ip nat inside, because it represents the public or external side of the NAT boundary.

C

Incorrect. Not every routed interface requires NAT configuration. Only interfaces that participate in NAT translation should be marked as inside or outside to define the translation boundaries.

D

Incorrect. NAT is not limited to loopback interfaces, and loopbacks are generally not used for NAT inside or outside designation since NAT operates on interfaces connected to real networks.

When would these options actually be correct?

B

If the question were to ask where to apply 'ip nat outside', which designates the interface connected to the ISP, then option B would be correct. This would involve a scenario focused on configuring NAT for outbound traffic from a private network to the internet.

C

If the question were to ask about a scenario where NAT needs to be applied to all interfaces for a specific routing protocol or multi-homed setup, then applying 'ip nat inside' on every routed interface could be correct to ensure proper address translation across all routes.

D

In a scenario where the question specifies that NAT is to be configured for a router that only routes traffic through loopback interfaces for testing or simulation purposes, applying 'ip nat inside' on loopback interfaces would be appropriate to manage NAT for traffic originating from those interfaces.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates might choose this option due to confusion between the roles of inside and outside interfaces in NAT configurations, mistakenly thinking that the ISP-facing interface should also have NAT settings applied.

C

Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of NAT configuration, thinking that all interfaces need NAT applied to ensure connectivity, rather than recognizing the specific roles of inside and outside interfaces.

D

Candidates may be tempted by this option if they associate loopback interfaces with internal routing and mistakenly believe that NAT can be applied there for internal traffic management.

860
Drag & Dropmedium

Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure and verify HSRP active/standby election, including priority, preempt, virtual IP, and failover verification.

Drag steps to the numbered slots on the right, or tap a step then tap a slot.

Steps
Order
1Step 1
2Step 2
3Step 3
4Step 4

Why this order

The order ensures the interface is ready, then priority and preempt are set to influence the election, followed by the virtual IP and verification of failover behavior.

Exam trap

Do not configure the virtual IP before setting priority and preempt, as the router may become active with default priority and then preempt later, causing unnecessary flapping. Always configure the interface first, then priority/preempt, then virtual IP.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates might think the virtual IP is the most important and should be configured first, but the interface must be ready first.

C

Candidates might think priority and preempt are the first steps because they influence the election, but the interface must be ready first.

D

Candidates might think the virtual IP is the core of HSRP and should come right after the interface, but priority/preempt should come before to avoid a brief election with default values.

861
MCQhard

A host uses the subnet mask 255.255.254.0. Which prefix length does this represent?

A./22
B./23
C./24
D./25
AnswerB

A prefix length of /23 means 23 bits are set to 1 in the subnet mask, which in binary is 11111111.11111111.11111110.00000000. This converts directly to decimal 255.255.254.0, where the third octet has seven network bits and one host bit. Since the fourth octet contributes eight more host bits, the total host address space is 2^9 = 512 addresses, verifying that /23 is the correct representation.

Why this answer

The mask 255.255.254.0 represents /23. In plain language, the first two octets are fully network bits, the third octet contributes 7 more network bits because 254 in binary is 11111110, and the last octet contributes none. That totals 23 network bits.

This is a common prefix-conversion question because candidates often memorize the usual masks but hesitate when a non-/24 boundary appears. Recognizing that 255.255.254.0 equals /23 is important for subnetting and local-scope calculations.

Exam trap

Be cautious of common subnet masks like /24 and ensure you count the bits correctly, especially in non-standard masks.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Option A is incorrect because the subnet mask 255.255.254.0 corresponds to a prefix length of /23, not /22. A /22 prefix would indicate a subnet mask of 255.255.252.0.

C

The subnet mask 255.255.254.0 corresponds to a prefix length of /23, not /24. A /24 prefix length would indicate a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, which allows for fewer hosts per subnet.

D

Option D is incorrect because a subnet mask of 255.255.254.0 corresponds to a prefix length of /23, not /25. A /25 subnet mask would allow for only 128 IP addresses, which is not applicable here.

When would these options actually be correct?

A

In a different question asking for the prefix length of a subnet mask of 255.255.252.0, option A would be correct, as that mask represents a /22 prefix length.

C

If the question asked for the prefix length of a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, then option C (/24) would be correct, as this mask allows for 256 IP addresses in a single subnet, suitable for smaller networks.

D

If the question asked for the prefix length of a subnet mask of 255.255.255.128, then option D would be correct, as that subnet mask corresponds to a /25 prefix length, allowing for 128 IP addresses.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

A

Candidates may choose this option due to confusion between the number of bits used for the subnet mask and the resulting prefix length, leading them to miscalculate the correct prefix.

C

Candidates may choose /24 because it is a common subnet mask for smaller networks, leading to confusion when interpreting subnet masks and their corresponding prefix lengths.

D

Candidates might choose option D due to confusion between the number of available hosts and the prefix length, as they may associate smaller subnet sizes with higher prefix lengths without fully understanding the relationship between subnet masks and their corresponding prefix lengths.

862
MCQhard

A switchport is configured as a trunk on one side and access on the other side of the same physical link. What is the most likely result?

A.The link roles are mismatched, so VLAN traffic will not be handled as intended across the link.
B.The access side automatically becomes a routed port.
C.The switches automatically synchronize their configurations.
D.The mismatch forces OSPF to choose a new router ID.
AnswerA

When one side is a trunk and the peer is an access port, the link's encapsulation expectations conflict: the trunk port transmits 802.1Q-tagged frames while the access port accepts only untagged frames, so the access port typically drops or misplaces that traffic into its native VLAN. This logical mismatch means the VLAN traffic cannot traverse the link correctly, even though the physical link stays up.

Why this answer

A trunk/access mismatch prevents the link from carrying VLAN traffic as intended. Option A correctly identifies this mismatch. Option B is wrong because access ports remain Layer 2 switchports; there is no automatic conversion to a routed port.

Option C fails because switch configurations are never auto-synchronized due to a port role mismatch. Option D is incorrect: OSPF router ID is chosen based on loopback or highest IP address and is unaffected by a Layer 2 port mismatch.

Exam trap

Beware of assuming automatic negotiation fixes all mismatches; DTP cannot resolve a trunk/access mismatch.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Access ports do not automatically become routed ports; they remain Layer 2 switchports unless explicitly configured with 'no switchport'.

C

Switches do not automatically synchronize configurations; this is not a feature supported on Cisco switches to resolve mismatches.

D

OSPF router ID is determined by the highest loopback or IP address, not by Layer 2 port configuration mismatches.

When would these options actually be correct?

B

In a different scenario where the question specifies that a switchport is configured as an access port and is connected to a Layer 3 switch that is set to route traffic, the access port could be considered a routed port if the switch is configured to route traffic from that port.

C

In a different scenario where two switches are connected and both are set to automatically synchronize their configurations, a question might ask about the behavior of switches when connected with mismatched port types. In that case, if both switches support a configuration synchronization feature, the option could be correct.

D

In a different scenario where the question specifies that OSPF is configured on both switches and that the port configurations impact OSPF adjacency, a mismatch could lead to OSPF recalculating the router ID due to changes in the network topology.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates may find this option tempting because they might confuse the concepts of access ports and routed ports, believing that a configuration change would automatically elevate the port's functionality without realizing that explicit configuration is required.

C

Candidates may choose this option because they might confuse the concept of configuration synchronization in networking with the behavior of mismatched port types, leading to an assumption that switches would automatically adjust their settings.

D

Candidates may choose this option because they associate network configuration mismatches with OSPF behavior, mistakenly believing that any configuration issue would trigger a change in OSPF parameters like the router ID.

863
MCQmedium

Users in 10.10.10.0/24 must be prevented from reaching the web server at 172.16.1.10 over HTTP, but all other traffic should be allowed. Which ACL entry should appear first in the ACL?

A.permit tcp 10.10.10.0 0.0.0.255 host 172.16.1.10 eq 80
B.deny ip 10.10.10.0 0.0.0.255 host 172.16.1.10
C.deny tcp 10.10.10.0 0.0.0.255 host 172.16.1.10 eq 80
D.deny udp 10.10.10.0 0.0.0.255 host 172.16.1.10 eq 80
AnswerC

This extended ACL entry correctly uses the deny keyword with protocol tcp, source 10.10.10.0 0.0.0.255, destination host 172.16.1.10, and destination port eq 80 to match HTTP traffic. Because web browsing uses TCP port 80, this statement blocks exactly the HTTP requests from the 10.10.10.0/24 users to that specific web server while leaving all other protocols and ports unaffected. The wildcard mask 0.0.0.255 limits the match to the 10.10.10.0/24 subnet, and the explicit host keyword ties the rule to one destination, satisfying the narrow security requirement.

Why this answer

The requirement is specific: block HTTP traffic from one source subnet to one server, but allow everything else. In plain terms, you do not want to shut off all communication to the server or all communication from the users. You only want to stop normal web traffic that uses TCP port 80. That means the ACL should start with a deny statement that matches TCP from 10.10.10.0/24 to host 172.16.1.10 on destination port 80.

Using `deny ip` would block every IP-based protocol to that host, which is broader than the requirement. Using UDP port 80 does not match normal HTTP. And a permit statement would do the opposite of what is needed.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is selecting a deny ip statement to block HTTP traffic, which seems simpler but actually blocks all IP traffic from the source subnet to the destination host. This overbroad denial disrupts legitimate communications such as DNS, SSH, or other TCP/UDP services, violating the requirement to allow all other traffic. Another trap is denying UDP port 80, which is incorrect because HTTP uses TCP, not UDP.

Candidates may also mistakenly place a permit statement first, which would allow the HTTP traffic instead of blocking it. Recognizing the correct protocol and port and placing the deny statement first is critical to avoid these pitfalls.

Why the other options are wrong

A

This option permits TCP traffic from 10.10.10.0/24 to the web server on port 80, which is the exact traffic that must be blocked. Therefore, it contradicts the requirement and is incorrect.

B

This option denies all IP traffic from the source subnet to the destination host, which is too broad. It blocks all protocols and ports, not just HTTP, violating the requirement to allow other traffic.

D

This option denies UDP traffic on port 80, but HTTP uses TCP port 80. Denying UDP port 80 does not block HTTP traffic and therefore does not meet the requirement.

When would these options actually be correct?

A

In a different scenario where the requirement is to allow HTTP traffic from 10.10.10.0/24 to 172.16.1.10 while denying all other traffic, option A would be correct. For example, if the question stated that users should be allowed to access the web server but not other services, this entry would fit.

B

In a scenario where the objective is to block all traffic from the 10.10.10.0/24 subnet to the web server at 172.16.1.10, regardless of the protocol, this option would be correct. For example, if the question asked to prevent any communication to the server, not just HTTP, this would be the right choice.

D

In a scenario where the question specifies that users should be prevented from accessing a service that uses UDP on port 80 (hypothetically, if a web service were using UDP), then option D would be the correct answer. For example, if the question stated that UDP traffic from 10.10.10.0/24 to 172.16.1.10 on port 80 should be denied, this option would apply.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

A

Candidates may find option A tempting because it directly addresses the HTTP traffic on port 80, which is a common requirement in access control lists, leading to confusion about the context of the question.

B

Candidates may choose this option because it seems to address the requirement of blocking traffic, and they might misinterpret the question as needing to block all access to the server rather than just HTTP.

D

Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of the protocols involved, mistakenly believing that blocking UDP traffic could also impact HTTP traffic, or because they see 'deny' and assume it aligns with the goal of restricting access.

864
Multi-Selecthard

A controller exposes a YANG-modeled interface configuration through an API. Which two statements correctly describe the purpose of YANG in that workflow?

Select 2 answers
A.It provides a structured data model for configuration and operational data
B.It helps standardize how network elements represent managed data
C.It replaces IP addressing on routed interfaces
D.It is a spanning-tree optimization mechanism
AnswersA, B

YANG defines a hierarchical, tree-like schema that organizes both configuration data (intended state) and operational state data (actual state) for network devices. This structured model enables programmatic access and automation, as APIs like NETCONF/RESTCONF use YANG to validate and manipulate the data. It provides a clear, machine-readable representation of what a device can do and how its configuration is structured.

Why this answer

YANG is a modeling language. It defines the structure of network data so controllers and devices can exchange information consistently through APIs such as RESTCONF or NETCONF.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is mistaking YANG for a network protocol or function rather than a data modeling language. For example, options suggesting YANG replaces IP addressing or optimizes spanning-tree protocols are incorrect because YANG does not perform routing or Layer 2 operations. Candidates might confuse YANG’s role with actual network services instead of recognizing it as a schema that defines how configuration and state data are structured and exchanged.

This misunderstanding can lead to selecting incorrect answers that describe network functions rather than data modeling purposes.

Why the other options are wrong

C

Option C is incorrect because YANG does not replace IP addressing on routed interfaces. IP addressing is a network-layer function, while YANG models the data representing such configurations but does not perform addressing itself.

D

Option D is wrong as YANG has no role in spanning-tree optimization or Layer 2 loop prevention. YANG is a data modeling language and does not influence protocol operations like STP.

When would these options actually be correct?

C

In a question about network automation tools that directly configure IP addresses on interfaces, an option stating 'It replaces IP addressing on routed interfaces' could be correct if the tool (e.g., a controller using YANG) abstracts away manual IP configuration, but YANG alone does not replace IP addressing.

D

In a question about spanning-tree enhancements, an option describing a mechanism that optimizes spanning-tree convergence (e.g., 'It is a spanning-tree optimization mechanism') could be correct if referring to a feature like PortFast, UplinkFast, or BackboneFast.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

C

Candidates may confuse YANG with a configuration protocol that directly sets IP addresses, or think that because YANG models interface configuration, it somehow replaces the need for IP addressing itself.

D

Candidates may confuse YANG with other network technologies or assume any 'optimization' term relates to YANG, especially if they have limited understanding of YANG's role in model-driven programmability.

865
MCQhard

A network engineer is troubleshooting connectivity issues for hosts in VLAN 10. Hosts in VLAN 10 are unable to ping the default gateway at 192.168.10.1. The engineer checks the switch configuration and notices that the SVI for VLAN 10 is configured with an IP address, but the interface is in a down/down state. What is the most likely cause of this issue?

A.The interface is administratively shut down.
B.VLAN 10 does not exist in the VLAN database.
C.The IP address is not in the correct subnet for VLAN 10.
D.The switch does not have a default gateway configured.
AnswerB

The SVI for VLAN 10 is down/down because the VLAN is not created. Once VLAN 10 is created with the 'vlan 10' command in global configuration mode, the SVI will come up if there is at least one active port in that VLAN.

Why this answer

An SVI (Switch Virtual Interface) will remain in a down/down state if the corresponding VLAN does not exist in the switch's VLAN database. Even if the SVI is configured with an IP address, the interface cannot come up because there is no Layer 2 VLAN to associate with it. This is a common cause of SVI down/down issues when the VLAN has not been created or has been deleted.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the distinction between an SVI being down due to a missing VLAN versus an administratively shutdown interface, leading candidates to mistakenly choose the administrative shutdown option when the interface status shows 'down/down' instead of 'administratively down'.

Why the other options are wrong

A

The running-config shows 'no shutdown', so this is not the cause.

C

The IP address and subnet mask are correctly configured for the VLAN.

D

The SVI status is not affected by the presence or absence of a default gateway.

866
Multi-Selectmedium

Which TWO statements are true regarding VLAN configuration, 802.1Q trunking, and the native VLAN?

Select 2 answers
A.On an 802.1Q trunk, frames in the native VLAN are always tagged with a VLAN ID.
B.The native VLAN should be changed from the default VLAN 1 to an unused VLAN for security reasons.
C.802.1Q is a Cisco proprietary trunking protocol.
D.802.1Q supports up to 4094 VLANs (VLAN IDs 1–4094).
E.The native VLAN must be the same on both ends of an 802.1Q trunk for the trunk to operate.
AnswersB, D

Changing the native VLAN from the default VLAN 1 to an unused VLAN is a Cisco-recommended hardening step because VLAN 1 is well-documented and often carries control-plane traffic such as CDP, VTP, and PAgP. Attackers can exploit the default native VLAN to launch double-tagging (VLAN hopping) attacks, so moving native VLAN to a dedicated unused VLAN reduces the risk of layer 2 traffic being intercepted or misforwarded. Additionally, using an unused VLAN ensures that no legitimate user traffic is accidentally sent untagged on the trunk, which prevents VLAN misclassification.

Why this answer

Changing the native VLAN from the default VLAN 1 to an unused VLAN is a recommended security best practice to prevent VLAN hopping attacks. Option D is correct because 802.1Q uses a 12-bit VLAN ID field, allowing VLAN IDs from 1 to 4094 (0 and 4095 are reserved). Option A is false: on an 802.1Q trunk, frames in the native VLAN are typically sent untagged.

Option C is false: 802.1Q is an IEEE standard, not Cisco proprietary (ISL is Cisco proprietary). Option E is false: the native VLAN does not have to match on both ends; mismatched native VLANs can cause traffic to be misclassified but the trunk will still operate.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the misconception that 802.1Q is proprietary (it is not) and that native VLAN frames are always tagged (they are untagged by default), leading candidates to incorrectly select options A or C.

Why the other options are wrong

A

The native VLAN is specifically the VLAN that does not get a tag; all other VLANs are tagged.

C

802.1Q is an open standard, whereas ISL was Cisco proprietary.

E

Mismatched native VLANs can lead to security vulnerabilities and misrouting, but the trunk itself may still come up.

867
PBQhard

You are connected to R1. Configure AAA with a RADIUS server at 10.0.0.2 using key 'cisco123' for authentication. Then troubleshoot why 802.1X on interface GigabitEthernet0/1 remains in unauthorized state. Ensure that the default login authentication uses RADIUS first, then local fallback, and fix any configuration issues that prevent 802.1X from working.

Network Topology
G0/010.0.0.1/3010.0.0.2/30linkG0/1linkR1RADIUS ServerClient PC

Hints

  • Check the AAA authentication method for dot1x — it currently uses 'local' but no local users exist.
  • The default login authentication also uses 'local' — you need to add RADIUS as primary method.
  • Ensure the RADIUS server's IP and key are correct — but the issue is the authentication method list, not connectivity.
A.Configure 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius' and 'aaa authentication login default group radius local' and ensure the RADIUS server is reachable with the correct key.
B.Configure 'aaa authentication dot1x default local' and 'aaa authentication login default local' and create a local user with the same credentials as the RADIUS server.
C.Configure 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius' and 'aaa authentication login default local' and ensure the RADIUS server key is 'cisco123'.
D.Configure 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius' and 'aaa authentication login default group radius local' and change the RADIUS server key to 'cisco'.
AnswerA
solution
! R1
configure terminal
aaa authentication login default group radius local
aaa authentication dot1x default group radius
end
write memory

Why this answer

The 802.1X port is stuck in UNAUTHORIZED because AAA authentication for dot1x is set to 'local' but there is no local user database configured. Additionally, the RADIUS server is configured but not used for dot1x or login. The fix is to change 'aaa authentication dot1x default' to use group radius, and 'aaa authentication login default' to group radius local for fallback.

Also ensure the RADIUS server is reachable and the key matches the server.

Exam trap

Candidates often forget that 802.1X requires a RADIUS server for authentication, not local, and that the login authentication method list must also be configured correctly. They may also overlook the need for the RADIUS key to match exactly.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The specific factual error is that 802.1X should use RADIUS for authentication, not local, and the login default should have RADIUS as the primary method.

C

The specific factual error is that the login default should be 'group radius local' to meet the requirement of RADIUS first then local fallback.

D

The specific factual error is that the key must match exactly; changing it to 'cisco' would break communication with the RADIUS server.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates might think that since RADIUS is configured, using 'local' would fall back to RADIUS, but 'local' means local user database only, not RADIUS.

C

Candidates might focus only on 802.1X and overlook the login authentication requirement, thinking local is sufficient for login.

D

Candidates might think the key can be any value as long as it's consistent, but the question specifies the key is 'cisco123', so it must be used as given.

868
PBQhard

You are connected to a multilayer switch MLS1. Configure Root Guard on the designated port facing another switch SW2 to prevent it from becoming root, configure Loop Guard on the uplink port to the core, and configure BPDU Guard on a PortFast-enabled access port. After configuration, a superior BPDU arrives on the designated port—confirm it is blocked by Root Guard. Then, simulate a BPDU on the access port to verify it goes err-disabled due to BPDU Guard.

Hints

  • Root Guard is configured per interface under the interface configuration mode.
  • Loop Guard uses the same command but with 'loop' keyword.
  • BPDU Guard on PortFast ports can be enabled globally or per interface; use per-interface for this task.
A.Root Guard on Gi0/2, Loop Guard on Gi0/1, BPDU Guard on Gi0/0
B.Root Guard on Gi0/1, Loop Guard on Gi0/2, BPDU Guard on Gi0/0
C.Root Guard on Gi0/0, Loop Guard on Gi0/1, BPDU Guard on Gi0/2
D.Root Guard on Gi0/2, Loop Guard on Gi0/0, BPDU Guard on Gi0/1
AnswerA
solution
! MLS1
interface GigabitEthernet0/2
spanning-tree guard root
exit
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
spanning-tree guard loop
exit
interface GigabitEthernet0/0
spanning-tree bpduguard enable
exit

Why this answer

First, Root Guard was applied on Gi0/2 (the designated port) with 'spanning-tree guard root' to prevent SW2 from becoming root. Second, Loop Guard was applied on the uplink Gi0/1 with 'spanning-tree guard loop' to protect against unidirectional links. Third, BPDU Guard was applied on the PortFast-enabled access port Gi0/0 with 'spanning-tree bpduguard enable'.

When a superior BPDU arrives on Gi0/2, Root Guard transitions it to a root-inconsistent (blocked) state. If a BPDU is received on Gi0/0, BPDU Guard err-disables the port. Verification shows the blocked state on Gi0/2 and err-disabled on Gi0/0.

Exam trap

Do not confuse the purposes of Root Guard, Loop Guard, and BPDU Guard. Root Guard blocks superior BPDUs on designated ports; Loop Guard prevents loops on root/alternate ports; BPDU Guard err-disables PortFast ports upon BPDU reception. Pay attention to port roles: designated, root, and access.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Root Guard is intended for ports that should not become root; applying it on the uplink would block legitimate superior BPDUs from the core. Loop Guard on the designated port would not protect against unidirectional links on the uplink.

C

Root Guard on an access port is unnecessary and would not prevent the switch from becoming root via other ports. BPDU Guard on the designated port would disable it instead of blocking the BPDU.

D

Loop Guard on an access port does not protect against unidirectional links on the uplink. BPDU Guard on the uplink would err-disable the core connection if a BPDU is received, which is undesirable.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates may confuse which port is designated versus uplink, or think Root Guard should be on all ports.

C

Candidates might think Root Guard is a general protection and apply it to all ports, or confuse the functions of Root Guard and BPDU Guard.

D

Candidates may misplace Loop Guard and BPDU Guard due to misunderstanding of where unidirectional links or BPDU threats occur.

869
MCQmedium

A host can reach other devices on its local subnet, but it cannot reach remote networks. The host has a valid IP address and subnet mask. Which missing item is the strongest suspect?

A.Default gateway information
B.STP priority information
C.A voice VLAN setting
D.An OSPF process ID
AnswerA

A host reaches its local subnet because it can ARP for those destinations, but for any address outside that subnet, it must forward the packet to a router. Without a default gateway, the host has no next-hop IP address, so it drops or returns an error for all off-subnet traffic. The default gateway is the router interface on the host's subnet, and missing it precisely matches the symptom of local reachability but remote unreachability.

Why this answer

The strongest suspect is a missing default gateway. In practical terms, the host can still identify and reach local addresses because it has its own IP and subnet mask. But without a default gateway, it has no next hop for destinations outside the local subnet. That is why local communication works while remote communication fails.

This is one of the most common host-configuration troubleshooting patterns on the exam and in real networks.

Exam trap

A common exam trap is selecting options related to routing protocols like OSPF or Layer 2 technologies such as STP or VLANs when the issue is actually a missing default gateway. Candidates might incorrectly assume that the host needs an OSPF process ID or STP priority to reach remote networks. However, hosts do not run routing protocols and do not participate in STP decisions.

The real problem is the absence of default gateway information, which prevents the host from forwarding packets beyond its local subnet. Misunderstanding this leads to incorrect answers that focus on advanced protocols rather than basic IP configuration.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Incorrect because STP priority is a Layer 2 switch parameter that does not affect host IP routing or the ability to reach remote networks. Hosts do not participate in STP decisions.

C

Incorrect because voice VLAN settings relate to Layer 2 segmentation for voice traffic and do not impact the host’s IP routing or default gateway configuration needed for remote communication.

D

Incorrect because hosts do not run routing protocols like OSPF and do not require an OSPF process ID. Routing protocols are configured on routers, not end hosts.

When would these options actually be correct?

B

In a scenario where the question asks about issues related to Layer 2 network topology and redundancy, a question could state that a network is experiencing broadcast storms or connectivity issues due to improper STP configuration. In that case, the STP priority information would be the correct focus for troubleshooting.

C

In a question asking about issues with voice traffic on a network, where a host can communicate locally but experiences problems with voice quality or connectivity, a missing voice VLAN setting could be the correct answer if the question specifies that voice traffic is not being prioritized or routed correctly.

D

In a question where a network administrator is troubleshooting routing issues on a router and needs to ensure that OSPF is correctly configured, a missing or incorrect OSPF process ID could prevent the router from participating in OSPF routing, leading to connectivity issues with remote networks.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates may be tempted by this option because they recognize STP as a critical component of network design and may mistakenly associate it with connectivity issues, thinking that any Layer 2 setting could impact Layer 3 communication.

C

Candidates may confuse VLAN settings with routing issues, thinking that if local communication is fine, VLAN configurations could still impact overall network performance, especially in environments where voice traffic is critical.

D

Candidates may be tempted by this option because OSPF is a well-known routing protocol, and they might mistakenly associate it with connectivity issues, thinking that any routing-related configuration could be relevant to the problem presented.

870
Drag & Dropmedium

Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to troubleshoot a suspected duplex mismatch and CRC errors on a Cisco switch interface using CLI commands.

Drag steps to the numbered slots on the right, or tap a step then tap a slot.

Steps
Order
1Step 1
2Step 2
3Step 3
4Step 4

Why this order

Start by examining current interface stats, then fix the mismatch, and finally clear and recheck counters.

Exam trap

The trap is that candidates often clear counters before fixing the issue, thinking they need a clean baseline. However, you must first see the errors to confirm the problem. Also, some may try to fix before inspecting, which is not systematic troubleshooting.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates might think clearing counters is a necessary first step to get a clean baseline, but you need to see the current errors first.

C

Candidates may think clearing counters after inspection but before the fix is acceptable, but the correct sequence is to fix first, then clear, then verify.

D

Candidates might think that since duplex mismatch is suspected, they can go straight to fixing it, but proper troubleshooting requires verification first.

871
MCQhard

After enabling Dynamic ARP Inspection on VLAN 20, a network engineer notices that some hosts lose connectivity. The affected hosts have correct IP addresses and MAC addresses, but they cannot ping the default gateway. All other hosts on the same VLAN work fine. Further investigation reveals that the non-functioning hosts are using static IP configurations, while the working hosts are DHCP clients. What is the most likely cause?

A.The DHCP snooping binding table is exhausted and cannot accept new bindings for the static hosts.
B.IP Source Guard is also enabled on VLAN 20 and is blocking traffic from hosts that have no DHCP snooping binding.
C.DAI is dropping ARP packets from the static hosts because they do not have a corresponding entry in the DHCP snooping binding table.
D.The switch is detecting ARP spoofing from the static hosts and has shut down their switchport interfaces for security.
AnswerC

When DAI is enabled, it checks every ARP packet on untrusted ports against the DHCP snooping binding table. Since the static hosts have no DHCP lease, no binding exists, and DAI drops their ARP packets, preventing them from learning the gateway MAC address and causing loss of connectivity.

Why this answer

Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) relies on the DHCP snooping binding table to validate ARP packets. When a host uses a static IP address, it does not have an entry in that table, so DAI treats its ARP packets as invalid and drops them. This prevents the static host from resolving the default gateway's MAC address, breaking connectivity even though the IP and MAC are correct.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the dependency of DAI on DHCP snooping, and the trap here is that candidates assume DAI validates based on the actual IP/MAC correctness rather than requiring a binding table entry.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Candidates may think that a large number of untrusted hosts could overwhelm the binding table, but static hosts do not interact with DHCP and would not fill the table or be rejected.

B

Candidates often confuse DAI and IP Source Guard since both use DHCP snooping; however, DAI specifically validates ARP packets, which matches the symptom of connectivity loss due to ARP resolution failure.

D

Some candidates might associate ARP security features with port shutdown, but standard DAI operation does not disable ports, and the symptom does not indicate interface down events.

872
Multi-Selectmedium

Which three of the following are benefits of integrating AI into network operations? (Choose three.)

Select 3 answers
.Reduced mean time to repair (MTTR) through faster incident diagnosis
.Improved accuracy in capacity planning by predicting traffic trends
.Automated enforcement of security policies based on real-time risk analysis
.Complete elimination of network downtime
.Zero configuration required for new network devices
.Total removal of human network engineers from operations

Why this answer

AI reduces mean time to repair (MTTR) by rapidly diagnosing incidents through automated correlation of telemetry and logs. It improves capacity planning by analyzing traffic patterns and predicting future demands, enabling proactive scaling. Automated security policy enforcement uses real-time risk analysis to adjust rules dynamically.

The three distractors are wrong because AI cannot guarantee complete elimination of network downtime (unexpected hardware failures still occur), zero configuration for new devices (initial setup and integration still require human input), or total removal of human engineers (AI augments but does not replace strategic oversight and complex problem-solving).

Exam trap

Candidates often mistake AI's ability to automate specific tasks for a complete replacement of human roles or an unrealistic promise of absolute network reliability—AI enhances operations, it does not make them foolproof.

Why the other options are wrong

D

AI-driven operations can minimize downtime but cannot eliminate it entirely due to unpredictable hardware failures and external factors.

E

New network devices still require initial configuration and policy assignment; AI may assist but cannot achieve zero configuration.

F

Human engineers remain essential for strategic planning, complex troubleshooting, and overseeing AI-driven processes.

873
MCQhard

Why is a northbound API especially useful in a controller-based network architecture?

A.It allows external software to interact programmatically with the controller.
B.It is the cable standard used to connect access points.
C.It replaces all need for authentication and authorization.
D.It makes VLAN tagging unnecessary.
AnswerA

This is correct because northbound APIs provide the application-facing interface into the controller.

Why this answer

A northbound API is especially useful because it gives external applications and automation tools a defined way to communicate with the controller. In plain language, it allows software above the controller to request information, apply policies, or trigger changes without manual per-device interaction. That is one of the main reasons controller-based networking fits well with orchestration and automation.

Option C is incorrect because a northbound API does not replace authentication and authorization; it is an interface that uses existing security mechanisms. Option D is incorrect because VLAN tagging is a data‑plane function unaffected by the northbound API; the API does not eliminate the need for VLANs. The controller is the centralized system, and the northbound API is the software-facing interface that exposes it.

The correct answer is the one centered on application integration rather than on physical connectivity or device forwarding.

Exam trap

Avoid confusing northbound APIs with hardware configuration or physical connectivity functions.

Why the other options are wrong

C

A northbound API does not replace authentication or authorization; it relies on those mechanisms to secure API access.

D

VLAN tagging is a data‑plane feature independent of the northbound API; the API does not make VLAN tagging unnecessary.

When would these options actually be correct?

B

If the question were about the physical infrastructure of a network and asked about the standards for connecting devices like access points, then option B could be correct in identifying a specific cable standard, such as Ethernet or Cat5.

C

In a different context, a question might ask about the benefits of a hypothetical API that operates without any security measures, focusing on ease of integration. In that case, the answer could be that it replaces the need for authentication and authorization, making it suitable for rapid prototyping or internal tools.

D

If the exam question were to ask about a network architecture that uses a single flat network without segmentation requirements, such as a small home network or a very basic setup, then this option could be considered correct as VLAN tagging might not be necessary.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates might choose this option due to a misunderstanding of network architecture concepts, conflating the role of APIs with physical connectivity standards, which can lead to confusion about their respective functions.

C

Candidates may be drawn to this option due to a misunderstanding of API functions, conflating ease of use with security, leading them to believe that a simplified API would inherently bypass security requirements.

D

Candidates may find this option tempting because they might confuse the simplification of network management in a controller-based architecture with the elimination of fundamental networking concepts like VLAN tagging.

874
PBQhard

You are connected to R1 via console. R1 and R2 are directly connected via GigabitEthernet0/0. Configure OSPF process 1 on both routers so that they form a full adjacency. R1's router-id must be 1.1.1.1, and R2's router-id must be 2.2.2.2. Use network statements to advertise the direct link. Ensure that R1 does not send OSPF hellos out of its GigabitEthernet0/1 interface. The current configuration on R1 has mismatched hello and dead timers, and an incorrect network type, preventing adjacency. Fix all issues.

Network Topology
G0/0192.0.2.1/30G0/0192.0.2.2/30linkR1R2

Hints

  • Check the hello and dead timer values on R1 vs R2 using show ip ospf interface.
  • The default hello timer for broadcast networks is 10 seconds, dead timer 40 seconds.
  • Use interface configuration mode to change OSPF timers.
A.On R1, configure 'ip ospf hello-interval 10' and 'ip ospf dead-interval 40' under interface GigabitEthernet0/0, and ensure network type is broadcast. On R2, configure 'router-id 2.2.2.2' under router ospf 1. Also, on R1, add 'passive-interface GigabitEthernet0/1' under router ospf 1.
B.On R1, configure 'ip ospf hello-interval 30' and 'ip ospf dead-interval 120' under interface GigabitEthernet0/0, and set network type to point-to-point. On R2, configure 'router-id 2.2.2.2' under router ospf 1. Also, on R1, add 'passive-interface default' under router ospf 1.
C.On R1, configure 'ip ospf hello-interval 10' and 'ip ospf dead-interval 40' under interface GigabitEthernet0/0, and set network type to point-to-point. On R2, configure 'router-id 2.2.2.2' under router ospf 1. Also, on R1, add 'passive-interface GigabitEthernet0/1' under router ospf 1.
D.On R1, configure 'ip ospf hello-interval 10' and 'ip ospf dead-interval 40' under interface GigabitEthernet0/0, and ensure network type is broadcast. On R2, configure 'router-id 2.2.2.2' under router ospf 1. Also, on R1, add 'network 10.0.0.0 0.255.255.255 area 0' under router ospf 1.
AnswerA
solution
! R1
interface GigabitEthernet0/0
ip ospf hello-interval 10
ip ospf dead-interval 40

Why this answer

The adjacency was failing because R1 had incorrect hello (30) and dead (120) timers, while R2 used defaults (10/40). Additionally, R1’s network type was set to a non-broadcast type, causing a mismatch. To fix, on R1’s GigabitEthernet0/0, set hello-interval 10, dead-interval 40, and network type broadcast.

In OSPF process 1 on R1, configure passive-interface GigabitEthernet0/1 to suppress hellos on that interface. On R2, under router ospf 1, set router-id 2.2.2.2. Option A addresses all requirements.

Option B uses wrong timers and passive-interface default, which blocks hellos on all interfaces, breaking adjacency. Option C sets network type point-to-point, creating a type mismatch with R2’s broadcast, preventing adjacency. Option D omits the passive-interface command, failing to suppress hellos on GigabitEthernet0/1 as required.

Exam trap

The exam trap is that candidates may focus on the network type or extra network statements, but the primary issue is the timer mismatch. OSPF requires hello and dead timers to match for adjacency. Also, remember that 'passive-interface default' suppresses hellos on all interfaces, which would break the adjacency; use specific passive-interface commands.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Incorrect timers (30/120) break adjacency, and 'passive-interface default' suppresses hellos on all interfaces, including the transit link.

C

Network type point-to-point on R1 does not match R2's default broadcast, causing a type mismatch that prevents OSPF adjacency.

D

Omits the required 'passive-interface GigabitEthernet0/1' command, leaving hellos sending on that interface.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates might think that since R1 had mismatched timers, they should keep those values and adjust R2 instead, or they might confuse the default timers with the existing mismatched ones.

C

Candidates might think that point-to-point is more efficient or that it avoids DR/BDR elections, but for a simple direct link, broadcast works fine and is the default. They may also confuse the requirement to fix the network type with the timer issue.

D

Candidates might think that adding a network statement is necessary to advertise the link, but the question states to use network statements to advertise the direct link, implying a specific statement is already in place or should be configured. They may also confuse the requirement with the need to include all interfaces.

875
Drag & Dropmedium

Which of the following correctly describes the sequence of the TCP three-way handshake between a client and a server?

Drag steps to the numbered slots on the right, or tap a step then tap a slot.

Steps
Order
1Step 1
2Step 2
3Step 3
4Step 4

Why this order

The TCP three-way handshake establishes a reliable connection in three steps: the client sends a SYN, the server replies with SYN-ACK, and the client acknowledges with an ACK. Option A correctly depicts this. Option B omits the server's SYN, leaving synchronization incomplete.

Option C reverses the roles by having the server initiate, which never occurs in a standard handshake. Option D begins with a SYN-ACK, which is not a valid initial packet; the handshake must start with a SYN.

Exam trap

Do not confuse the roles: the client always initiates with a SYN, the server responds with SYN-ACK, and the client finishes with an ACK. Watch out for options that reverse the order or swap the flags.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates might confuse the roles, thinking the server only acknowledges the client's SYN and then the client sends a combined SYN-ACK.

C

Candidates may think the handshake is symmetric or confuse it with other protocols where the server initiates.

D

Candidates might misremember the order or think the client sends a SYN-ACK to propose parameters.

876
MCQhard

A host is configured as 10.20.30.95/27. Which address is the network address of its subnet?

A.10.20.30.32
B.10.20.30.64
C.10.20.30.95
D.10.20.30.96
AnswerB

The /27 prefix length means the subnet mask is 255.255.255.224, giving a block size of 32 addresses. The host address 10.20.30.95 falls within the range 10.20.30.64 through 10.20.30.95, making .64 the first address of that subnet. Since the network address is always the first address in the block, 10.20.30.64 is indeed the network for this host.

Why this answer

A /27 uses blocks of 32 addresses. In plain language, the ranges in the last octet are 0–31, 32–63, 64–95, 96–127, and so on. Since the host address ends in 95, it belongs to the 64–95 block. The first address in that block is the network address, which is 10.20.30.64.

This is a classic subnet-boundary question because it tests whether you can identify the containing block and then choose the first address in that block as the network address.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is mistaking the host IP address for the network address or incorrectly identifying the subnet block boundaries. Candidates often select the host IP itself or the next block's starting address as the network address. For example, choosing 10.20.30.95 or 10.20.30.96 instead of 10.20.30.64.

This happens because the subnet mask’s block size (32 addresses for /27) is overlooked, leading to confusion about which block the host belongs to. Misunderstanding this can cause incorrect subnetting and routing errors in real networks.

Why the other options are wrong

A

10.20.30.32 is incorrect because the host IP 10.20.30.95 does not fall within the 32–63 subnet block. This address belongs to a different subnet block and cannot be the network address for the given host.

C

10.20.30.95 is incorrect because it is the host IP address itself, not the network address. The network address must be the first address in the subnet block, not a host address.

D

10.20.30.96 is incorrect because it is the first address of the next subnet block (96–127). The host IP 10.20.30.95 belongs to the previous block, so 10.20.30.96 cannot be its network address.

When would these options actually be correct?

A

In a different question setup where the subnet mask is /26 instead of /27, the address 10.20.30.32 could be the correct network address for the subnet containing 10.20.30.95.

C

In a different question, if it asked for the specific address assigned to the host within its subnet, then 10.20.30.95 would be the correct answer. For example, 'What is the IP address assigned to the host in the subnet 10.20.30.64/27?' would make this option correct.

D

In a different question setup where the subnet mask is changed to /26, the network address would be 10.20.30.64, and the first usable host address would then be 10.20.30.65, making 10.20.30.96 a valid host address in that context.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

A

Candidates may be tempted by option A because it is a lower address within the range and might mistakenly associate it with a common subnet calculation, especially if they misinterpret the subnet mask.

C

Candidates may choose this option because it is the address provided in the question, leading to confusion between the host address and the network address.

D

Candidates may choose this option because they misinterpret the subnetting rules and mistakenly believe that any address immediately following the network address can be considered a network address.

877
PBQmedium

You are connected to R1 via the console. R1 is a router that connects to the internet via GigabitEthernet0/0 (198.51.100.1/30) and to the internal network via GigabitEthernet0/1 (10.1.1.1/24). You need to implement a security policy that permits HTTP traffic (port 80) from the internal network to a web server at 10.1.1.100, and denies all other traffic from internal hosts to the internet. The ACL should be named 'INTERNET-FILTER' and applied inbound on GigabitEthernet0/1.

Network Topology
G0/110.1.1.1/24G0/0198.51.100.1/30Web ServerInternalR1ISPInternet

Hints

  • The ACL should be applied to the interface facing the internal network.
  • The permit statement must be before the deny statement.
  • Use the 'eq' keyword to specify port 80.
A.ip access-list extended INTERNET-FILTER permit tcp 10.1.1.0 0.0.0.255 host 10.1.1.100 eq 80 deny ip 10.1.1.0 0.0.0.255 any ! interface GigabitEthernet0/1 ip access-group INTERNET-FILTER in
B.ip access-list standard INTERNET-FILTER permit 10.1.1.0 0.0.0.255 ! interface GigabitEthernet0/1 ip access-group INTERNET-FILTER in
C.ip access-list extended INTERNET-FILTER permit tcp host 10.1.1.100 10.1.1.0 0.0.0.255 eq 80 deny ip any any ! interface GigabitEthernet0/1 ip access-group INTERNET-FILTER in
D.ip access-list extended INTERNET-FILTER permit tcp 10.1.1.0 0.0.0.255 host 10.1.1.100 eq 80 deny ip any any ! interface GigabitEthernet0/0 ip access-group INTERNET-FILTER in
AnswerA
solution
! R1
ip access-list extended INTERNET-FILTER
permit tcp 10.1.1.0 0.0.0.255 host 10.1.1.100 eq 80
deny ip 10.1.1.0 0.0.0.255 any
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
ip access-group INTERNET-FILTER in

Why this answer

The named extended ACL filters traffic based on source, destination, and protocol. The permit allows HTTP from internal to the web server. The deny blocks all other internal-to-internet traffic.

Applying it inbound on the internal interface filters traffic as it enters the router.

Exam trap

Watch out for the direction of the ACL application: inbound on the internal interface filters traffic entering the router from the internal network. Also, remember that extended ACLs are needed when filtering by destination or port.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Standard ACLs cannot match destination IP addresses or port numbers; they only match source IP addresses.

C

The ACL entry incorrectly specifies the web server as the source and the internal network as the destination, which is the opposite of the required direction.

D

Applying the ACL inbound on the external interface filters traffic entering from the internet, not traffic from the internal network. The correct placement is inbound on the internal interface.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates might think a standard ACL is sufficient because they only need to permit the internal network, but they overlook the need to restrict to a specific destination and port.

C

Candidates may confuse source and destination when writing ACL entries, especially when focusing on the web server as the target of the policy.

D

Candidates might think that applying the ACL on the external interface is more secure, but they forget that the direction of traffic must match the policy intent.

878
Drag & Dropmedium

Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to plan, configure, and apply an extended ACL that permits web traffic from the 10.1.1.0/24 network to the server 192.168.2.10 while blocking all other traffic inbound on GigabitEthernet0/1.

Drag steps to the numbered slots on the right, or tap a step then tap a slot.

Steps
Order
1Step 1
2Step 2
3Step 3
4Step 4

Why this order

ACL configuration requires defining permit/deny statements first, then applying to the interface inbound, and finally verification.

Exam trap

A common trap is to think that you can apply an ACL to an interface before defining it, or that verification should be done before application. Always remember: define, apply, then verify.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates might think that applying the ACL first and then defining it is acceptable because they confuse the order of operations with other configuration steps where the interface is selected first.

C

Candidates might think verification should be done before applying to catch errors early, but in practice, verification of ACLs involves checking the applied configuration and testing traffic flow.

D

Candidates might be confused by the sequence and think that applying and verifying first is a way to test the interface, but they overlook the necessity of having the ACL defined first.

879
Multi-Selectmedium

Which TWO DHCP snooping trust states are valid on a Cisco switch? (Choose two.)

Select 2 answers
A.Trusted
B.Untrusted
C.Secure
D.Authorized
E.Relay
AnswersA, B

A trusted port is configured using 'ip dhcp snooping trust' and is allowed to forward all DHCP messages, including server responses. This is typically applied to ports connecting to DHCP servers or upstream relay agents.

Why this answer

DHCP snooping is a security feature that filters untrusted DHCP messages on a switch. The only two valid trust states are 'trusted' and 'untrusted'. A trusted port is typically an uplink to a legitimate DHCP server, while an untrusted port is a downstream port where DHCP client messages are expected and server-originated messages are blocked.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the exact terminology of DHCP snooping trust states, and the trap here is that candidates confuse 'trusted' and 'untrusted' with other security terms like 'secure' or 'authorized' from different features (e.g., port security or 802.1X).

Why the other options are wrong

C

This is a distractor term that does not exist in the DHCP snooping configuration. The correct states are trusted and untrusted.

D

This term is borrowed from other security contexts and is not applicable to DHCP snooping trust states.

E

This confuses the DHCP relay agent feature with DHCP snooping trust states. They are different mechanisms.

880
MCQhard

Based on the exhibit, why is traffic to 192.168.40.200 using the default route instead of the intended static route?

A.The static route next hop is unreachable or invalid for forwarding.
B.Default routes always override static routes.
C.The destination must be configured as a /16, not a /24.
D.Static routes can be used only if OSPF is disabled.
AnswerA

The IPv4 routing table installs a static route only when the next-hop address is reachable via a valid connected or static interface route. If the next hop is unreachable—for example, no directly connected network matches it or the recursive lookup fails—the route is not inserted into the RIB, and traffic to 192.168.40.200 falls back to the default route. Therefore, the static route next hop being unreachable or invalid correctly explains why the destination is not using the static path.

Why this answer

The intended static route is not being used because the next hop for that static route is not reachable from the current routing table. In practical terms, a route can be configured, but the router still needs a way to resolve and forward to the next-hop address. If that next hop is unreachable, the route may not be installed or usable, so traffic falls back to the default route instead.

This is a realistic troubleshooting pattern because the configuration line alone can look correct until you compare it with actual reachability.

Exam trap

Be cautious of confusing administrative distance with reachability issues. Always verify the next hop's reachability.

Why the other options are wrong

B

This option is incorrect because static routes do not inherently get overridden by default routes; rather, the routing table prioritizes routes based on their specificity and administrative distance.

C

This option is incorrect because the subnet mask of the destination IP does not affect the functionality of static routes in this context; static routes can operate with various subnet masks without being limited to /16 or /24.

D

This option is incorrect because static routes can coexist with dynamic routing protocols like OSPF; they do not require OSPF to be disabled to function properly.

When would these options actually be correct?

B

In a different scenario where the question states that the routing protocol is configured to prioritize default routes over static routes due to specific administrative distance settings, option B could be correct. For example, if a network is designed to always prefer default routes for certain traffic types, this option would apply.

C

In a different scenario where a question specifies that a static route must match the subnet mask of the destination network exactly, and the configured static route is /24 while the destination is /16, this option would be correct as it would indicate a misconfiguration preventing traffic from routing properly.

D

In a different scenario, if a question specifies that a network is configured to use OSPF exclusively and that static routes are not permitted due to policy or design constraints, then this option would be correct.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates might choose this option due to a common misconception that default routes always take precedence over static routes, leading to confusion about route prioritization in routing protocols.

C

Candidates may find this option appealing due to a common misconception that subnet mask mismatches directly impact routing decisions, leading them to believe that the specific mask is critical to route functionality.

D

Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of routing protocols, believing that static routes are incompatible with dynamic protocols like OSPF, leading to confusion about their operational relationship.

881
MCQhard

An administrator notices that hosts in VLAN 30 on SW1 cannot communicate with hosts in VLAN 30 on SW2, even though both switches are connected via an 802.1Q trunk. Traffic for VLANs 10 and 20 passes without issues across the same trunk. The trunk is configured to allow all VLANs, and the allowed VLAN list explicitly includes VLAN 30. What is the most likely cause of the problem?

A.The native VLAN is mismatched between SW1 and SW2, and VLAN 30 is the native VLAN on one side.
B.The trunk encapsulation is set to ISL on one switch and 802.1Q on the other.
C.Spanning Tree Protocol has placed VLAN 30 in a blocking state on the trunk link.
D.The switched virtual interface (SVI) for VLAN 30 on SW1 is administratively down.
AnswerA

A native VLAN mismatch causes one switch to send untagged frames for VLAN 30 while the other expects tagged frames, so the receiving switch cannot associate the untagged traffic with VLAN 30, leading to a communication failure only for that VLAN.

Why this answer

The most likely cause is a native VLAN mismatch. When the native VLAN is mismatched on an 802.1Q trunk, traffic for the native VLAN is not tagged, so frames from VLAN 30 on one switch are received as untagged frames on the other switch and placed into the switch's configured native VLAN. If the native VLAN on one side is VLAN 30 and on the other side is a different VLAN (e.g., VLAN 1), the hosts in VLAN 30 cannot communicate because the frames are interpreted as belonging to different VLANs.

Traffic for VLANs 10 and 20 passes because they are not the native VLAN and are properly tagged.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the native VLAN mismatch scenario by describing a trunk that works for most VLANs but fails for one specific VLAN, leading candidates to incorrectly suspect STP blocking or SVI issues instead of recognizing the native VLAN mismatch.

Why the other options are wrong

B

This would cause a complete trunk failure, not a failure limited to a single VLAN.

C

STP would not randomly block one VLAN on a point-to-point trunk while the rest are forwarding; this is not a typical behavior.

D

Layer 2 switching within the same VLAN does not require an SVI; an SVI is only needed for routing between VLANs or management.

882
MCQhard

Exhibit: A switch interface connected to an IP phone and PC is configured as an access port in VLAN 10. The PC works, but the phone does not register. What additional configuration is most likely needed?

A.switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
B.switchport voice vlan <voice-vlan-id>
C.channel-group 1 mode active
D.ip helper-address on the switchport
AnswerB

This command configures a dedicated voice VLAN on an access port connected to an IP phone. It allows the phone to tag voice traffic with the specified VLAN ID while the attached PC remains untagged in the access VLAN, enabling separate QoS policies and subnets for voice and data. This is the standard Cisco configuration for a single switchport carrying both phone and PC traffic.

Why this answer

An IP phone commonly requires a voice VLAN so tagged voice traffic is separated from the data VLAN used by the attached PC. Without a voice VLAN, the PC can still work on the access VLAN while the phone fails to register properly.

Exam trap

Don't confuse portfast or trunk mode with the need for a voice VLAN. Focus on the specific requirements of IP phones.

Why the other options are wrong

A

This option is incorrect because the question specifies an access port configuration, which does not require trunk encapsulation. Access ports do not use trunking protocols like dot1q, as they are meant for single VLAN traffic only.

C

This option is wrong because the channel-group command is used for configuring EtherChannel, which is not relevant to the issue of the IP phone not registering on an access port. The problem lies in the VLAN configuration for voice traffic, not in link aggregation.

D

The 'ip helper-address' command is used to forward DHCP requests from clients to a DHCP server, but it does not address the registration issue of the IP phone in this scenario, which is related to VLAN configuration.

When would these options actually be correct?

A

In a scenario where the question involves a switch port configured as a trunk, and the requirement is to ensure proper encapsulation for multiple VLANs, this option would be correct. For example, if the question asked about a trunk port connecting to a router or another switch, specifying trunk encapsulation would be necessary.

C

In a different scenario where the question involves configuring multiple switches for load balancing and redundancy, the option 'channel-group 1 mode active' would be correct if the exam asked about setting up an EtherChannel between two switches to aggregate bandwidth and ensure high availability.

D

In a question where a network administrator is troubleshooting DHCP issues for multiple devices on a subnet, and the devices are unable to obtain IP addresses, the correct answer would involve configuring 'ip helper-address' on the switchport to direct DHCP requests to the appropriate server.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

A

Candidates may find this option tempting because they might associate VLAN configurations with trunking, especially if they have experience with mixed VLAN environments where trunking is common.

C

Candidates may find this option tempting because they might confuse the need for proper link configuration with the requirement for voice VLANs, thinking that channel aggregation could somehow resolve connectivity issues for devices on the same port.

D

Candidates might choose this option because they associate 'ip helper-address' with network connectivity issues, mistakenly thinking it could resolve any problem related to device registration or connectivity.

883
MCQhard

Two directly connected routers, R1 and R2, are configured with single-area OSPF in Area 0. The administrator notices that they are not forming a full OSPF neighbor adjacency. The exhibit displays relevant portions of the running configurations. What is the most likely cause of the problem?

A.The network command on R1 does not include the correct subnet mask.
B.R1's passive-interface default prevents OSPF hello packets from being sent on GigabitEthernet0/0.
C.The GigabitEthernet0/0 interface on R2 is administratively down.
D.The routers are configured with different OSPF area IDs.
AnswerB

R1's configuration includes `passive-interface default`, which makes all OSPF-enabled interfaces passive by default. A passive interface does not send or process OSPF hello packets, so R1 never establishes a neighbor relationship on GigabitEthernet0/0. Unless a `no passive-interface GigabitEthernet0/0` statement is present, hellos are suppressed even though the interface is up and the network statement matches.

Why this answer

The passive-interface default command on R1 sets all interfaces to passive by default, which prevents OSPF hello packets from being sent out GigabitEthernet0/0. Without hello packets, R1 cannot discover R2 or form a neighbor adjacency, even though the network command is correctly configured. This is the most likely cause because the exhibit shows R1's configuration includes passive-interface default without a corresponding no passive-interface GigabitEthernet0/0 statement.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the passive-interface default command as a trap, because candidates may overlook that it applies to all interfaces unless explicitly overridden, leading them to incorrectly focus on network command mismatches or area ID issues.

Why the other options are wrong

A

The network statement is syntactically correct and covers the interface IP address, so it does enable OSPF process on that interface (subject to the passive-interface setting).

C

The configuration shows 'no shutdown', indicating the interface is enabled. Administrative down would require the 'shutdown' command or lack of 'no shutdown'.

D

The output clearly shows 'area 0' in both routers' OSPF configurations, so area mismatch is not the cause.

884
MCQhard

A network engineer is troubleshooting intermittent connectivity on an access switch port connected to a server. The output of 'show interfaces gigabitEthernet 1/0/24' shows an increasing number of runts and giants, but no CRC errors. The 'show interfaces status' command indicates the port is in 'err-disabled' state every few hours and must be manually re-enabled. What is the most likely cause of this issue?

A.Duplex mismatch between the switch port and the server NIC
B.Faulty cable or connector causing physical layer errors
C.Incorrect VLAN configuration on the switch port
D.Speed mismatch between the switch port and the server NIC
AnswerB

Runts and giants without CRC errors often indicate physical layer issues like a bad cable, connector, or excessive noise. The cable length at maximum (100 meters) and MDIX off suggest potential signal degradation, leading to intermittent flapping and err-disabled state.

Why this answer

Runts and giants without CRC errors indicate a physical-layer issue that corrupts the frame preamble or interframe gap but not the actual data payload. A faulty cable or connector can cause signal degradation leading to these framing errors. The intermittent err-disabled state is typically triggered by link-flap (repeated link up/down events) caused by the unstable physical connection, not directly by alignment or frame-check error counters.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the distinction between CRC errors (data corruption) and runts/giants (framing errors) to mislead candidates into thinking duplex mismatch is the cause, but duplex mismatch produces CRC errors and collisions, not runts/giants without CRC errors.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Duplex mismatch would cause CRC errors and late collisions, which are not present in the exhibit.

C

VLAN mismatch does not cause runts or giants; it causes Layer 2 issues like no connectivity.

D

Speed mismatch would prevent the link from coming up or cause CRC errors, but the link is up at 1000 Mb/s.

885
MCQhard

Exhibit: A client can ping 8.8.8.8 but cannot browse to www.example.com. Which service is most likely failing?

A.NTP
B.DNS
C.DHCP snooping
D.HSRP
AnswerB

The client can ping 8.8.8.8, proving IP connectivity and routing are operational, but it cannot browse to www.example.com. Browsing requires resolving the hostname to an IP address via DNS. Since the ping to a public IP succeeds, the failure is isolated to name resolution, meaning the DNS query is failing, the DNS server is unreachable, or the client's DNS settings are incorrect.

Why this answer

The client has IP connectivity because it can reach 8.8.8.8 directly. The problem appears only when using a hostname, which points to a DNS resolution issue rather than a routing issue.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is assuming that successful ping to an IP address means all network services are functioning correctly. Candidates often overlook that ping uses numeric IP addresses and does not test DNS resolution. This leads to the incorrect conclusion that the network is fully operational, causing them to eliminate DNS as a problem.

The trap is reinforced by the presence of other options like DHCP snooping or HSRP, which are unrelated to hostname resolution but may seem plausible. Recognizing that DNS specifically enables hostname-to-IP translation is essential to avoid this mistake.

Why the other options are wrong

A

NTP (Network Time Protocol) synchronizes clocks across devices but does not affect the ability to resolve domain names or browse websites. Since the client can ping an IP address, time synchronization issues are unlikely to cause the browsing failure.

C

DHCP snooping is a security feature that prevents rogue DHCP servers but does not directly impact DNS resolution or hostname-based browsing. The client already has IP connectivity, so DHCP snooping is not the issue.

D

HSRP provides gateway redundancy and failover but does not influence DNS or hostname resolution. Since the client can reach an external IP, the default gateway is functioning, so HSRP failure is unlikely.

When would these options actually be correct?

A

If the question were about a scenario where a device is unable to synchronize its time with an NTP server, and this time discrepancy causes issues with time-sensitive applications or protocols, then NTP would be the correct answer. For example, if a client can access IP addresses but fails to authenticate to a time-sensitive service due to incorrect timestamps, NTP would be the failing service.

C

If the question were framed to ask about a network where clients are unable to obtain IP addresses due to DHCP snooping being misconfigured, leading to connectivity issues, then selecting DHCP snooping would be correct. For example, if clients could ping known IPs but not access any domain names due to IP assignment issues, it would fit.

D

If the question were framed around a scenario where a client is unable to reach a default gateway due to a failure in HSRP, such as when two routers are configured for HSRP and one fails, causing loss of redundancy, then HSRP would be the correct answer.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

A

Candidates may confuse the importance of synchronized time in network operations with general connectivity issues, leading them to incorrectly associate NTP with browsing problems when they see a network-related question.

C

Candidates might confuse DHCP snooping with general connectivity issues, thinking that any network-related problem could be attributed to DHCP configurations, especially if they have limited experience with DNS and its role in name resolution.

D

Candidates may confuse HSRP with general network connectivity issues, thinking that if redundancy fails, it could impact the ability to access web resources, leading them to select this option.

886
MCQhard

Based on the exhibit, what is the strongest explanation for why clients can browse by IP address but not by hostname?

A.Name resolution is failing even though IP connectivity works.
B.The client has the wrong default gateway.
C.The switch trunk native VLAN is wrong.
D.The server must run PPP before hostnames can work.
AnswerA

This is correct because the difference between IP success and hostname failure points to DNS.

Why this answer

The strongest explanation is a DNS failure or DNS configuration problem. In practical terms, successful browsing by IP address shows that the client can already reach the destination over the network path. When the same service fails only by hostname, the issue is much more likely in name resolution than in routing, switching, or raw connectivity.

This is one of the most useful support patterns because it quickly separates path problems from naming problems.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is assuming that if hostname resolution fails, the problem must be with routing or VLAN configurations such as the default gateway or switch trunk native VLAN. However, since clients can browse by IP address, these path elements are functioning correctly. Misattributing the failure to routing or VLAN issues wastes time and leads to incorrect answers.

The key mistake is not recognizing that DNS operates at a higher layer and that name resolution failures are distinct from IP connectivity problems.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Option B is incorrect because the client can already reach the server by IP address, proving the default gateway is functioning properly and not the cause of hostname resolution failure.

C

Option C is wrong since a switch trunk native VLAN mismatch would cause broader connectivity issues, not just hostname resolution failures. The symptom is specific to name-based access, not total path failure.

D

Option D is incorrect because PPP is unrelated to DNS or hostname resolution in this context. PPP is a WAN protocol and does not affect LAN-based DNS name resolution.

When would these options actually be correct?

B

In a different scenario where a client is unable to connect to any external resources, including both IP and hostname, the question might ask why the client cannot access the internet. In that case, if the default gateway is misconfigured, it would be the correct answer as it would block all traffic.

C

In a different scenario, if the question involved a network where clients are unable to communicate across VLANs due to misconfigured trunk settings, and the context indicated that hostname resolution relies on inter-VLAN routing, then this option could be correct.

D

In a scenario where the question asks about the necessity of specific protocols for establishing network connections, such as a question about how to configure a network for dial-up connections, this option could be correct if it stated that PPP is required for establishing a connection before DNS queries can be made.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates may choose this option because they associate default gateway issues with connectivity problems, leading them to mistakenly believe it could affect hostname resolution despite existing IP connectivity.

C

Candidates might choose this option due to a misunderstanding of how VLANs and trunking affect network communication, mistakenly believing that improper VLAN configurations could impact hostname resolution.

D

Candidates might find this option tempting due to a misunderstanding of the relationship between network protocols and name resolution, leading them to incorrectly associate PPP with hostname functionality.

887
MCQmedium

A small office network uses a single public IP address on its router's WAN interface. The network administrator needs to allow all internal hosts to access the internet, but must also ensure that an internal web server with a private IP address is reachable from the internet. Which NAT configuration should the administrator implement to meet both requirements?

A.Configure dynamic NAT with a pool of public IPs and static NAT for the web server.
B.Configure PAT (overload) for internal hosts and static NAT for the web server.
C.Configure only PAT (overload) for all internal hosts including the web server.
D.Configure static NAT for the web server and use only the public IP for internal hosts.
AnswerB

This is correct because PAT (overload) allows all internal hosts to share the single public IP for outbound traffic by multiplexing sessions through unique source ports. Simultaneously, a static NAT entry maps the web server's private address to the same public IP (or a dedicated global address) to create a permanent one-to-one relationship. That permanent mapping lets Internet clients initiate inbound connections to the web server, while PAT handles all other internal hosts' outbound requests. Together, they maximize the use of the limited public address space while providing both outbound and inbound connectivity.

Why this answer

PAT (Port Address Translation), also known as NAT overload, allows multiple internal hosts to share a single public IP address by mapping each session to a unique port number, satisfying the requirement for internet access. Static NAT is then used to create a one-to-one mapping from the public IP (on a specific port) to the private IP of the internal web server, making it reachable from the internet. This combination meets both outbound connectivity for all hosts and inbound access to the web server without needing additional public IPs.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the misconception that PAT alone can handle inbound traffic, but the trap here is that PAT only translates outbound sessions unless a static entry is explicitly configured for the server, leading candidates to incorrectly select option C.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Only one public IP is available, so a pool cannot be created.

C

Inbound access to the web server would not be possible without a static mapping.

D

Internal hosts would not be able to access the internet because they lack public IP assignments.

888
MCQhard

A host is physically connected to switch port Gi0/3. The technician runs 'show mac address-table' but does not find the host's MAC address for Gi0/3. The port status shows 'up/up', and the host was connected only a few minutes ago. What should the technician do next?

A.Clear the MAC address table with 'clear mac address-table dynamic' to force immediate relearning.
B.Verify the VLAN assignment on Gi0/3 using 'show vlan brief' or 'show interfaces Gi0/3 switchport'.
C.Check the STP state of Gi0/3 with 'show spanning-tree interface Gi0/3' to ensure it is not blocking.
D.Inspect the ARP cache with 'show ip arp' to check for duplicate IP addresses.
AnswerB

The switch learns MAC addresses per VLAN. If Gi0/3 is in an unexpected VLAN, the MAC address will be learned in that VLAN's table and not visible in the default or expected VLAN view. Checking the VLAN membership directly confirms whether the host is in the correct Layer 2 broadcast domain.

Why this answer

The most likely reason a newly connected host's MAC address does not appear in the MAC address table is that the switch port is in the wrong VLAN or is administratively configured as an access port in a VLAN that does not match the host's expected VLAN. The 'show vlan brief' command verifies VLAN existence and port membership, while 'show interfaces Gi0/3 switchport' confirms the operational VLAN assignment. Since the port is up/up and the host was connected only minutes ago, the switch should have learned the MAC address via normal flooding; its absence points to a VLAN mismatch or port configuration issue, not a stale table or STP blocking.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the misconception that a missing MAC address is due to STP blocking or a stale table, when in fact the port being 'up/up' and recently connected makes VLAN misconfiguration the most logical first step to troubleshoot.

Why the other options are wrong

A

This is a drastic action that does not address a VLAN mismatch; the same symptom would recur.

C

Jumping to STP before confirming basic Layer 2 VLAN membership is not the most efficient next step.

D

This option confuses Layer 2 MAC learning with Layer 3 ARP resolution, and does not help locate the MAC entry in the address table.

889
MCQhard

Refer to the exhibit. A network engineer is troubleshooting an OSPF adjacency issue between R1 and R2. The output of the show ip ospf neighbor command on R1 shows the neighbor relationship with R2 stuck in the EXSTART/DROTHER state. What is the most likely cause?

A.OSPF network type mismatch between R1 and R2, preventing full adjacency.
B.Duplicate OSPF Router IDs on R1 and R2, causing DBD packet rejection.
C.OSPF authentication mismatch on the link, causing DBD packets to be rejected.
D.MTU mismatch on the link between R1 and R2, causing DBD packets to be dropped.
AnswerD

The EXSTART/DROTHER state in the exhibit indicates that OSPF is stuck in the DBD exchange phase. This is a classic symptom of an MTU mismatch, where one side creates DBD packets larger than the other's MTU, leading to silent drops. The output directly confirms the neighbor is in EXSTART, not EXCHANGE or FULL.

Why this answer

The EXSTART/DROTHER state indicates that the routers have progressed beyond the 2-WAY state but are stuck during the Database Description (DBD) packet exchange phase. An MTU mismatch between R1 and R2 causes DBD packets to be dropped because the receiving router will reject packets larger than its configured interface MTU, preventing the routers from completing the master/slave election and database synchronization.

Exam trap

The trap here is that candidates often confuse the EXSTART/DROTHER state with authentication or network type mismatches, but Cisco specifically tests that MTU mismatches cause DBD packet drops during the database exchange phase, not earlier adjacency stages.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Candidates may confuse adjacency failures with DBD exchange problems, but network type mismatch leads to a different state (2-WAY).

B

Candidates think duplicate Router IDs might cause DBD exchange failure, but duplicate IDs prevent neighbor discovery entirely.

C

Many associate EXSTART with any adjacency issue, but authentication errors prevent the neighbor from being listed at all.

890
MCQhard

Exhibit: A script sends an API request and receives HTTP status code 401. What does that code indicate?

A.The requested resource was not found
B.The client is not authenticated successfully
C.The server completed the request successfully
D.The server rejected the request because the JSON body was too large
AnswerB

A 401 Unauthorized status code explicitly indicates that the HTTP request was received but the server could not authenticate the client's identity. This means the script failed to provide valid credentials, such as a missing API key, expired token, or malformed Authorization header. The server must verify who the client is before processing the request, and without valid authentication it responds with 401 rather than fulfilling the API call. Therefore, the client is not authenticated successfully.

Why this answer

HTTP 401 means the request was not accepted because authentication is required or the provided credentials or token were invalid. In practice, the first thing to check is the token, username, password, or auth header format.

Exam trap

Don't confuse authentication errors with server errors or resource availability issues. Focus on the specific meaning of each HTTP status code.

Why the other options are wrong

A

HTTP status code 401 specifically indicates unauthorized access due to missing or invalid authentication. A 'resource not found' is indicated by 404, not 401.

C

HTTP 401 indicates authentication failure, not successful completion. A 200-level code would indicate success.

D

HTTP 401 indicates authentication failure, not a request entity too large. The '413 Payload Too Large' status code is used when the request body exceeds the server's limit.

When would these options actually be correct?

A

If the question were 'What does HTTP status code 404 indicate?', then option A would be correct, as 404 means the requested resource was not found.

C

If the question asked 'What does HTTP status code 200 indicate?' or 'Which status code means the request succeeded?', then 'The server completed the request successfully' would be correct.

D

A question asks: 'A client sends a POST request with a JSON payload exceeding the server's maximum allowed size. Which HTTP status code would the server return?' In that scenario, D (413) would be correct.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

A

Candidates may confuse 401 with 404 because both are client error codes, and they might think 'not found' is a generic error for any failed request.

C

Candidates may confuse 401 with a successful response because they think 'unauthorized' means the request was processed but denied, or they misremember status code ranges.

D

Candidates may confuse 401 with 413 because both involve client errors, or they might think a large JSON body causes an authentication-like rejection due to server security policies.

891
PBQmedium

You are connected to R1 via console. R1 has three directly connected subnets: 192.168.1.0/24 (G0/0), 192.168.2.0/24 (G0/1), and 192.168.3.0/24 (G0/2). You need to configure a summary route to be advertised to a neighbor via a static route pointing to Null0 to prevent routing loops. The summary should cover all three subnets.

Hints

  • Determine the smallest subnet mask that can summarize the three /24 networks.
  • The summary route should be a single prefix that covers all three subnets.
  • Use Null0 as the next-hop to drop traffic that does not match a more specific route.
A.ip route 192.168.0.0 255.255.252.0 Null0
B.ip route 192.168.1.0 255.255.252.0 Null0
C.ip route 192.168.0.0 255.255.255.0 Null0
D.ip route 192.168.0.0 255.255.254.0 Null0
AnswerA
solution
! R1
ip route 192.168.0.0 255.255.252.0 Null0

Why this answer

The three subnets 192.168.1.0/24, 192.168.2.0/24, and 192.168.3.0/24 can be summarized as 192.168.0.0/22, which covers 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.3.255. A static route to Null0 ensures that traffic matching the summary but not a more specific route is dropped, preventing routing loops.

Exam trap

When summarizing, ensure the summary network address is the first address in the block (aligned to the subnet boundary) and the mask is calculated correctly. A common mistake is to start the summary at the first subnet address (192.168.1.0) instead of the network address (192.168.0.0). Also, verify the mask covers all subnets without including extra networks.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The network address is wrong; the summary must start at 192.168.0.0, not 192.168.1.0.

C

The subnet mask /24 is too small; it does not summarize the three subnets.

D

The subnet mask /23 is too specific; it only covers two of the three subnets.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates might think the summary should start at the first subnet (192.168.1.0) but forget that the summary network address must be aligned to the subnet boundary.

C

Candidates might confuse the summary route with a static route to a specific subnet, or think that using the first subnet's mask is sufficient.

D

Candidates might miscalculate the summary mask, thinking that /23 covers 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.3.255, but it actually only covers up to 192.168.1.255.

892
MCQmedium

A branch router learns a route to 10.20.30.0/24 from OSPF with metric 30 and also has a static route to the same prefix with an administrative distance of 5. Which route will appear in the routing table?

A.The OSPF route because metric 30 is lower than the static route metric
B.The static route because its administrative distance is lower
C.Both routes with equal preference because they point to the same prefix
D.Neither route until the router performs a full SPF recalculation
AnswerB

A static route is assigned an administrative distance of 1 by default in Cisco IOS, whereas an OSPF internal route has an AD of 110. Because the router always prefers the route with the lowest AD, it installs the static route in the routing table and uses it to forward traffic to 10.20.30.0/24. The OSPF route is retained in the OSPF database but not placed in the RIB.

Why this answer

The router installs the static route because administrative distance is compared before metric when two different routing sources advertise the same prefix. OSPF metric matters only against other OSPF choices, not against a lower-AD static route.

Exam trap

A common exam trap is to confuse the OSPF metric with administrative distance and assume the route with the lower metric is preferred. Since OSPF’s metric is 30 and the static route’s metric is not applicable or higher, candidates may incorrectly select the OSPF route. However, Cisco routers first compare administrative distance, which is a measure of route trustworthiness across different routing sources.

Because the static route has a lower administrative distance (5) than OSPF (110), the static route is preferred and installed in the routing table. Misunderstanding this leads to incorrect route selection and exam errors.

Why the other options are wrong

A

This option is incorrect because metric values are only compared among routes learned from the same routing protocol. The OSPF metric of 30 is irrelevant when compared to a static route, which is a different routing source with a lower administrative distance.

C

This option is incorrect because routers do not install multiple routes to the same prefix from different routing protocols unless they have equal administrative distance and are configured for load balancing. Here, the static route’s lower AD prevents the OSPF route from being installed.

D

This option is incorrect because the router does not delay route installation until a full SPF recalculation. Route selection is immediate based on administrative distance and metric rules. SPF recalculation only affects OSPF route selection, not cross-protocol comparisons.

When would these options actually be correct?

A

In a different scenario, if the question stated that the static route had an administrative distance of 200, the OSPF route would be selected due to its lower administrative distance, making option A correct. This would change the preference dynamics between the routes.

C

In a different question where both OSPF and static routes are configured for ECMP and have the same administrative distance, the routing table could show both routes as valid options for load balancing traffic to the same prefix.

D

In a scenario where a router is configured to only install routes after a full SPF recalculation is completed, such as during a network convergence event, this option could be correct. For example, if the router has just rebooted and is waiting for OSPF to converge, it might not install any routes until the SPF process is complete.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

A

Candidates may be misled by the metric comparison, mistakenly believing that a lower OSPF metric automatically makes it the preferred route, without considering the critical role of administrative distance in route selection.

C

Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of how routing protocols interact, assuming that multiple valid routes can coexist without considering administrative distance and routing table rules.

D

Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of how routing protocols interact with static routes, believing that OSPF must always recalculate before any routes are used, which is not the case with static routes.

893
MCQmedium

Hosts in VLAN 10 need to communicate with hosts in VLAN 20. What is required for that communication to work?

A.A DHCP server
B.A DNS server
C.A Layer 3 routing function
D.A second access switch
AnswerC

Layer 3 routing is the required mechanism because VLANs represent separate broadcast domains and distinct IP subnets. A router or multilayer switch must inspect the destination IP address, perform a route lookup, and rewrite the frame's MAC addresses before forwarding the packet to the destination VLAN. Without this IP-level forwarding decision, frames remain confined to their originating Layer 2 domain, so no traffic can cross the VLAN boundary.

Why this answer

Traffic between VLANs must be routed. A router or multilayer switch provides the Layer 3 function needed for inter-VLAN communication.

Exam trap

Do not confuse trunk links or access ports with routing functions; they serve different purposes in VLAN configurations.

Why the other options are wrong

A

A DHCP server is not required for communication between VLANs; it only assigns IP addresses to devices within a network. VLAN communication requires routing, which a DHCP server does not provide.

B

A DNS server is not required for VLAN communication, as DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses, which does not facilitate inter-VLAN routing. Communication between VLANs requires Layer 3 routing, not name resolution.

D

A second access switch is not required for VLAN communication; VLANs can communicate through a Layer 3 device such as a router or a Layer 3 switch. The existing switch infrastructure can handle VLANs without needing additional switches.

When would these options actually be correct?

A

If the question asked about enabling IP address assignment for hosts in VLAN 10 and VLAN 20, where both VLANs are on the same network segment, then a DHCP server would be necessary to ensure that devices in both VLANs receive valid IP addresses.

B

In a question asking about network services needed for host name resolution in a multi-VLAN environment, where hosts in different VLANs need to resolve each other's domain names, a DNS server would be essential for that purpose.

D

If the exam question specified that the network was experiencing performance issues due to too many VLANs being managed by a single switch, and suggested that adding a second access switch could help distribute the load and improve communication efficiency, then this option would be correct.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

A

Candidates may confuse the need for IP address assignment with the requirement for inter-VLAN communication, leading them to believe that a DHCP server is essential for connectivity between VLANs.

B

Candidates may confuse the need for network services in a multi-VLAN setup, mistakenly believing that DNS is necessary for communication, as it is often associated with network functionality and connectivity.

D

Candidates might choose this option because they associate VLANs with physical switch configurations and believe that additional hardware is necessary for inter-VLAN communication, overlooking the role of Layer 3 routing.

894
MCQhard

A multilayer switch must route traffic between VLAN 10 and VLAN 20. Which condition is required for that to happen?

A.SVIs for the VLANs plus Layer 3 routing enabled on the switch
B.All ports in both VLANs configured as trunks
C.A separate OSPF process on every access port
D.Port security disabled on every edge port
AnswerA

On a multilayer switch, inter-VLAN routing is accomplished by creating a Switch Virtual Interface (SVI) for each VLAN and assigning each SVI an IP address in its respective subnet. These SVIs act as the default gateway for hosts in their VLAN, and the switch must have IP routing globally enabled with 'ip routing' so it can forward packets between the SVIs at Layer 3. This is the standard method for inter-VLAN routing on a multilayer switch, as opposed to using an external router or router-on-a-stick.

Why this answer

Inter-VLAN routing on a multilayer switch depends on having functional Layer 3 gateway interfaces for the VLANs and routing enabled on the switch. In plain language, the switch needs a routed brain for each VLAN, usually in the form of SVIs, and it must actually be operating as a Layer 3 device rather than only as a pure Layer 2 switch. Without those conditions, traffic may switch inside a VLAN but cannot be routed between different VLANs.

This is a core CCNA design idea because people often assume creating VLANs alone automatically gives them inter-VLAN communication. In reality, VLANs create separation, and routing is what reconnects them under controlled conditions. A trunk between switches can carry VLAN traffic, but it does not itself perform Layer 3 routing between the VLANs. The correct answer is the requirement that makes the switch act as the gateway between VLANs.

Exam trap

Don't confuse trunking with routing; trunk ports carry VLAN traffic but don't route it.

Why the other options are wrong

B

This option is wrong because configuring all ports as trunks does not facilitate inter-VLAN routing; SVIs and Layer 3 routing are necessary for that functionality.

C

This option is wrong because OSPF is a routing protocol used for dynamic routing, and access ports do not participate in routing processes. Routing between VLANs requires SVIs and Layer 3 capabilities, not OSPF on access ports.

D

Port security being disabled on every edge port is not a requirement for routing traffic between VLANs; it pertains to security configurations rather than routing functionality. VLAN routing can occur regardless of port security settings.

When would these options actually be correct?

B

If the question asked about ensuring VLAN traffic can traverse between switches without specifying routing, and focused on the physical connection setup, then having all ports configured as trunks would be correct to allow VLAN tagging and traffic flow.

C

If the question asked about configuring a Layer 3 switch to support dynamic routing protocols for VLANs, and it specified that OSPF should be used for inter-VLAN routing, then having a separate OSPF process on every access port would be relevant to the configuration.

D

In a scenario where the question asks about ensuring that a switch can handle traffic without any security restrictions, such as in a lab environment where security is not a concern, the requirement to disable port security on edge ports would be correct.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates may choose this option because they associate trunking with VLAN communication and may overlook the requirement for Layer 3 routing to enable inter-VLAN traffic.

C

Candidates may find this option tempting because they associate OSPF with routing and may incorrectly believe that it is necessary for VLANs to communicate, overlooking the need for SVIs and Layer 3 routing instead.

D

Candidates may confuse the need for proper VLAN configurations with security settings, mistakenly believing that disabling port security is essential for routing capabilities, especially if they associate VLANs with access control measures.

895
MCQhard

A network engineer is troubleshooting a link between two Cisco Catalyst 9300 switches that are connected via a 10GBASE-SR SFP+ module on each end over OM3 multimode fiber. The link is up, but the interface counters show a high number of CRC errors and runts. The engineer runs 'show interfaces Gi1/0/1' and 'show interfaces Gi1/0/1 transceiver details'. What is the most likely cause of the errors?

A.The SFP+ module is faulty and needs replacement.
B.The fiber patch cables are too long, exceeding the 300-meter distance limit for 10GBASE-SR over OM3 fiber.
C.The interface speed is mismatched; the switch interface shows 1000Mb/s but the SFP+ is 10GBASE-SR.
D.The receive optical power is too low, indicating a fiber or connector issue.
AnswerD

The receive power of -15.1 dBm is below the typical receive sensitivity for 10GBASE-SR (about -12.6 dBm). This causes bit errors that appear as CRC errors and runts. The transmit power is normal, so the issue is on the receive side, likely dirty connectors or a damaged fiber.

Why this answer

The high CRC errors and runts on a 10GBASE-SR link over OM3 fiber, combined with the 'show interfaces transceiver details' command, point to a physical-layer issue. Low receive optical power (below the receiver sensitivity threshold) causes bit errors that manifest as CRC errors and runts, even though the link is up. This is the most common cause when the fiber and transceivers are otherwise compatible.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the misconception that CRC errors always indicate a faulty transceiver or cable length issue, when in reality low optical power from dirty or damaged connectors is a more common and subtle cause on fiber links.

Why the other options are wrong

A

The transceiver diagnostics show no fault flags, and the module is reporting nominal bit rate and other values within range.

B

The distance itself is within spec; the issue is the receive power being too low, not the distance exceeding the limit.

C

This is a configuration mismatch, but it does not directly cause CRC errors. The CRC errors are due to low receive power.

896
PBQhard

You are connected to R1 via console. The network consists of R1, R2, and a multilayer switch MLS1. R1's GigabitEthernet0/0 connects to MLS1's GigabitEthernet1/0/1 (VLAN 10), and MLS1's GigabitEthernet1/0/2 connects to R2's GigabitEthernet0/0. The goal is to enable IPv6 communication between R1 and R2 across the layer-3 switch. Currently, R1 and R2 cannot ping each other's IPv6 addresses. Configure R1's G0/0 with the IPv6 prefix 2001:db8:1:10::/64 using EUI-64, and R2's G0/0 with static IPv6 address 2001:db8:1:10::2/64. Also ensure MLS1 has IPv6 routing enabled and an IPv6 address on VLAN 10 (2001:db8:1:10::3/64). Troubleshoot and fix any layer-2 or layer-3 issues preventing connectivity.

Network Topology
G0/0G1/0/1G1/0/1G0/0SiMLS1R1R2

Hints

  • R1's G0/0 has no IPv6 address configured.
  • The correct command uses the 'eui-64' keyword to generate the interface ID from the MAC.
  • After configuration, R1 should be able to ping the other IPv6 addresses.
A.Configure 'ipv6 address 2001:db8:1:10::/64 eui-64' on R1's G0/0 interface.
B.Enable IPv6 routing on R1 with 'ipv6 unicast-routing'.
C.Configure 'ipv6 address 2001:db8:1:10::1/64' on R1's G0/0 interface (without EUI-64).
D.Change the VLAN on MLS1's G1/0/1 to match R1's VLAN.
AnswerA
solution
! R1
interface GigabitEthernet0/0
ipv6 address 2001:db8:1:10::1/64 eui-64
end

Why this answer

R1 has no IPv6 address configured on G0/0. The required prefix is 2001:db8:1:10::/64 using EUI-64, which generates the interface ID from the MAC address. The command 'ipv6 address 2001:db8:1:10::/64 eui-64' must be entered in interface configuration mode.

Additionally, MLS1 has IPv6 routing enabled (as seen by the connected route), but R1's interface is missing the IPv6 address. After configuration, R1 will be able to ping R2 and MLS1. No other changes are needed because R2 and MLS1 are correctly configured.

Exam trap

Do not confuse global IPv6 routing enablement with interface address configuration. The presence of a connected route indicates routing is enabled; the missing piece is the interface address. Also, pay attention to specific requirements like EUI-64.

Why the other options are wrong

B

IPv6 unicast-routing is already enabled; the problem is at the interface level.

C

The requirement specifies EUI-64; omitting it results in a static address that does not match the intended configuration.

D

The VLAN configuration is correct; no change is needed.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates often assume that IPv6 routing must be enabled globally, but in this scenario it is already configured.

C

Candidates might think a static address is sufficient, but the question mandates EUI-64.

D

Candidates might suspect a layer-2 issue, but the problem is at layer 3 on R1.

897
PBQhard

You are connected to switch SW1. The network uses Rapid-PVST+ and SW1 has been accidentally configured with a low spanning-tree priority, causing it to become the root bridge for VLAN 10 even though it should not be. Additionally, an edge port connected to a server is repeatedly receiving BPDUs, causing it to go into err-disabled state. Configure SW1 so that it is never the root bridge for VLAN 10, and configure the edge port so that it automatically recovers from err-disabled state after 300 seconds. Finally, verify that SW1 is not the root bridge for VLAN 10.

Network Topology
Gi0/0Gi0/0Gi0/1SW1SW2Server

Hints

  • To prevent a switch from becoming root, set its priority to a value higher than the current root's priority (e.g., 32768).
  • The errdisable recovery cause command enables automatic recovery; the interval command sets the timeout.
  • After configuration, verify with 'show spanning-tree vlan 10' that the bridge ID priority is not the lowest.
A.spanning-tree vlan 10 priority 36864; errdisable recovery cause bpduguard; errdisable recovery interval 300; show spanning-tree vlan 10
B.spanning-tree vlan 10 priority 4096; errdisable recovery cause bpduguard; errdisable recovery interval 300; show spanning-tree vlan 10
C.spanning-tree vlan 10 root secondary; errdisable recovery cause bpduguard; errdisable recovery interval 300; show spanning-tree vlan 10
D.spanning-tree vlan 10 priority 32768; errdisable recovery cause all; errdisable recovery interval 300; show spanning-tree vlan 10
AnswerA
solution
! SW1
no spanning-tree vlan 10 priority 4096
spanning-tree vlan 10 priority 32768
errdisable recovery cause bpduguard
errdisable recovery interval 300

Why this answer

The issue is that SW1 has the spanning-tree priority for VLAN 10 set to 4096, which makes it the root bridge. To prevent this, you must set the priority higher than the current root bridge's priority (e.g., 32768 or higher). Additionally, the edge port (G0/1) is in err-disabled state because it received a BPDU while PortFast was enabled (BPDU Guard triggered).

To automatically recover from err-disabled, you need to configure errdisable recovery cause bpduguard and set the interval to 300 seconds. After configuration, verify with 'show spanning-tree vlan 10' that SW1 is no longer the root and 'show errdisable recovery' to confirm the recovery settings.

Exam trap

Students often confuse the priority values: lower priority is better to become root. To prevent a switch from becoming root, set its priority higher than the current root's. Also, remember that 'root secondary' sets a low priority (28672) and does not prevent root election.

For errdisable recovery, use the specific cause (bpduguard) rather than 'all'.

Why the other options are wrong

B

The priority 4096 is too low and would still result in SW1 being the root bridge.

C

The 'root secondary' command does not prevent the switch from becoming root; it only makes it the backup root.

D

Using 'cause all' is not the best practice; the requirement is to recover from bpduguard specifically.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates might think that since 4096 is the default for some switches, it is acceptable, but the goal is to prevent SW1 from becoming root, so a higher priority is needed.

C

Candidates may confuse 'root secondary' with a command that prevents root selection, but it actually sets a low priority for failover.

D

Candidates might think 'cause all' is acceptable because it includes bpduguard, but it is not the precise configuration asked for.

898
MCQhard

Refer to the exhibit. A network administrator runs the show vlan brief command on SW2. Interface GigabitEthernet0/2 is intended to be an access port in VLAN 10, but it does not appear in the output. What is the most likely cause?

A.The interface is configured with switchport mode dynamic auto and no trunk has been negotiated, causing it to be hidden.
B.The interface is administratively shut down, and down ports are excluded from the show vlan brief output.
C.The interface is configured as a trunk port and therefore does not appear under any VLAN in show vlan brief.
D.VLAN 10 is not active, so the port assigned to it is not displayed in the listing.
AnswerC

show vlan brief only displays ports that are in access mode. Trunk ports are not included because they belong to all VLANs allowed on the trunk. The output shows VLAN 10 with members Gi0/9–Gi0/11 but not Gi0/2, confirming it is not an access port.

Why this answer

The `show vlan brief` command displays only access ports and their assigned VLANs. Trunk ports, which carry multiple VLANs, are not listed in this output. If GigabitEthernet0/2 is configured as a trunk port (e.g., with `switchport mode trunk` or dynamically via DTP), it will not appear under any VLAN in the `show vlan brief` output, even if it is intended to be an access port in VLAN 10.

Exam trap

Cisco often tests the distinction between access and trunk port behavior in `show vlan brief` output, trapping candidates who assume all switchports appear in the VLAN listing regardless of mode.

Why the other options are wrong

A

Confusion about how dynamic trunking protocol (DTP) modes interact with VLAN membership display.

B

Misconception that only operational interfaces are shown in VLAN membership tables.

D

Overlooking the explicit 'active' status and port list for VLAN 10 in the output.

899
PBQmedium

You are connected to R1 via the console. R1 is a new router that connects to three subnets: 192.168.1.0/24 (connected to GigabitEthernet0/0), 192.168.2.0/24 (connected to GigabitEthernet0/1), and 192.168.3.0/24 (connected to GigabitEthernet0/2). R1 must be able to ping the loopback0 interface of R2 (192.168.100.1/32) which is reachable via R2's Serial0/0/0 interface (10.0.0.2/30). The link between R1 and R2 is 10.0.0.0/30, with R1's interface being 10.0.0.1/30. No dynamic routing protocols are configured. Configure R1 to reach the loopback address of R2 using a host-specific static route (not a default route).

Network Topology
G0/0192.168.1.1/24S0/0/010.0.0.2/30R1R2

Hints

  • The destination is a single host address.
  • Use the next-hop IP address of R2's serial interface.
  • The command starts with 'ip route'.
A.ip route 192.168.100.1 255.255.255.255 10.0.0.2
B.ip route 192.168.100.0 255.255.255.0 10.0.0.2
C.ip route 192.168.100.1 255.255.255.255 192.168.1.1
D.ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 10.0.0.2
AnswerA
solution
! R1
ip route 192.168.100.1 255.255.255.255 10.0.0.2

Why this answer

It configures a host route (mask /32) to destination 192.168.100.1 with next-hop 10.0.0.2, directly matching the loopback address and providing exact reachability. Option B is incorrect because it uses a /24 mask, which does not match the /32 loopback and would cause routing issues. Option C is incorrect because it uses next-hop 192.168.1.1, which is not the directly connected neighbor; packets would be forwarded to a local interface, not across the serial link.

Option D is incorrect because it creates a default route (0.0.0.0/0) rather than the required host-specific route, failing to meet the specific task requirement.

Exam trap

Pay close attention to the prefix length of the destination. The loopback is a /32 host route, so the mask must be 255.255.255.255. Also, ensure the next-hop IP is directly connected to R1.

Why the other options are wrong

B

Uses a /24 mask, which does not match the /32 loopback address, potentially leading to incorrect routing.

C

Uses next-hop 192.168.1.1, which is not directly reachable over the serial link to R2.

D

Creates a default route, which is not a host-specific static route as required.

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates often default to a classful or common subnet mask without considering the exact prefix length of the destination.

C

Candidates might confuse the next-hop with an IP address from one of R1's own subnets, but it must be the neighbor's IP on a shared link.

D

Candidates might think a default route is simpler and still works, but the question expects a precise static route to the destination.

900
MCQeasy

Which protocol is used to resolve a hostname such as www.example.com into an IP address?

A.DNS
B.DHCP
C.NTP
D.SNMP
AnswerA

DNS (Domain Name System) is the hierarchical distributed database that resolves human-readable hostnames like www.example.com to numerical IP addresses. It uses recursive and iterative queries across root, TLD, and authoritative name servers to return the correct address. DNS is the standard protocol specifically designed for hostname-to-IP resolution.

Why this answer

DNS resolves names to addresses. DHCP hands out addressing parameters, NTP synchronizes time, and SNMP is used for management and monitoring.

Exam trap

A frequent exam trap is mistaking DHCP for DNS because both protocols are essential IP services and often appear together in network configurations. Candidates may incorrectly select DHCP, thinking it resolves hostnames, but DHCP only assigns IP addresses and network parameters, not name resolution. Another trap is confusing NTP or SNMP with DNS due to their roles in network operations; however, NTP synchronizes time and SNMP manages devices, neither resolving hostnames.

Understanding that DNS specifically maps domain names to IP addresses prevents this common mistake.

Why the other options are wrong

B

DHCP is incorrect because it only leases IP addressing information and other network parameters to clients; it does not translate hostnames to IP addresses, which is the core function of DNS.

C

NTP is incorrect as it is used solely for synchronizing clocks across network devices and does not handle any form of hostname or IP address resolution.

D

SNMP is incorrect because it is a protocol for monitoring and managing network devices, not for resolving hostnames or IP addresses.

When would these options actually be correct?

B

A question asking which protocol automatically assigns IP addresses to hosts on a network, such as 'Which protocol is used to dynamically assign an IP address to a client?' would have DHCP as the correct answer.

C

In a question asking which protocol synchronizes time across network devices, NTP would be the correct answer. For example: 'Which protocol ensures consistent timestamps on logs from routers and switches?'

D

SNMP would be correct in a question like: 'Which protocol is used to monitor and manage network devices, such as routers and switches, by collecting and organizing information about their performance?'

Why candidates pick the wrong answer

B

Candidates may confuse DHCP with DNS because both involve IP addresses; DHCP assigns them, while DNS resolves names to them.

C

Candidates may confuse NTP with DNS because both involve network services and the acronyms are similar, or they might think time synchronization is needed for name resolution.

D

Candidates may confuse SNMP with DNS because both are network protocols, or they might think SNMP can resolve names due to its role in network management systems that often include name resolution features.

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