CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
A user reports they cannot access any network resources. A network administrator runs ipconfig on the user's Windows PC and sees an IPv4 address of 169.254.45.3/16. The administrator then pings the default gateway 10.0.0.1, which fails, and uses traceroute to 10.0.0.1, which shows only '1 * * * Request timed out.' What is the most likely cause of the problem?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between a link-local APIPA address and a 'Media disconnected' state; the trap here is that candidates may assume a physical issue (unplugged cable or disabled port) when the presence of an APIPA address actually proves the physical and data link layers are operational.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The DHCP server is unreachable.
The 169.254.45.3/16 address is an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address, assigned by Windows when a DHCP discovery fails. The failed ping and traceroute to the default gateway confirm that the PC has no IP connectivity to the network. Since the PC has an APIPA address, it was unable to reach a DHCP server to obtain a valid IPv4 address; the most likely cause is that the DHCP server is unreachable. The presence of an APIPA address also indicates the PC's NIC has a working physical and data-link connection, ruling out a disconnected cable or disabled switch port.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The PC's DNS server address is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
An incorrect DNS server address would only break name-to-IP resolution, not the assignment of an IP address. A PC with a 169.254.x.x APIPA address has already failed to obtain a valid DHCP lease, so even with a perfectly configured DNS server, it still lacks a routable IP and cannot ping or traceroute to any remote host by IP address. DNS errors produce 'server not found' messages, not a complete absence of IP connectivity.
- ✗
The switch port is in an administratively down state.
Why it's wrong here
If the switch port were administratively down, the physical link would be in a down state and the PC's NIC would not have an active connection to the switch. In that case, the ipconfig output would show 'Media disconnected' for the interface, not an APIPA 169.254.x.x address. An APIPA address is only generated after the interface successfully detects link and then fails to receive a DHCP offer, so an administratively disabled port does not match the symptom.
- ✗
The Ethernet cable is unplugged from the PC.
Why it's wrong here
An unplugged Ethernet cable physically severs the link between the PC and the switch, putting the interface into a 'disconnected' state. The NIC would not be able to send DHCP Discover messages because there is no carrier, so ipconfig would report 'Media disconnected' rather than displaying an APIPA address. In contrast, a 169.254.x.x address indicates the interface is up and operationally active but was unable to reach a DHCP server on the network.
- ✓
The DHCP server is unreachable.
Why this is correct
The 169.254.x.x APIPA address indicates that the PC is configured for DHCP but did not receive a DHCP offer. Because the address is not in the same subnet as the default gateway, all connectivity beyond the local link fails.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓The DHCP server is unreachable.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
The 169.254.x.x APIPA address indicates that the PC is configured for DHCP but did not receive a DHCP offer. Because the address is not in the same subnet as the default gateway, all connectivity beyond the local link fails.
✗The PC's DNS server address is incorrect.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
DNS misconfiguration would not prevent direct IP connectivity to the gateway.
✗The switch port is in an administratively down state.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
With the port down, the PC would not assign any IP address; APIPA assignment requires an active link.
✗The Ethernet cable is unplugged from the PC.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Physical disconnection prevents link establishment, so no IP address is assigned.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
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Troubleshoot: Missing or Wrong Default Gateway
Key term
DHCP server
A DHCP server is a network device or service that automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network, eliminating the need for manual configuration.
Key term
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) automatically assigns IP addresses and network settings to devices on a network, so they can communicate without manual configuration.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-301 exam.