- A
SNMPv2c is not enabled on the router.
Why wrong: Configuring an SNMP community string implicitly enables the SNMP agent for that version. The question states the community is configured, so the agent is active.
- B
The SNMP community 'public' has an access list that only permits host 10.1.1.100.
The ACL applied to the community string restricts inbound SNMP requests to the permitted IP address. Since the NMS is 10.1.1.200, the router discards its polls, preventing a response.
- C
The NMS is using the wrong community string.
Why wrong: Both the router and NMS use 'public', so the community string is correct. The ACL, not a mismatch, causes the polls to fail.
- D
The router's SNMP agent is not listening on the interface facing 10.1.1.200.
Why wrong: By default, the SNMP agent listens on all IP interfaces. No configuration indicates interface-specific restrictions, so this is unlikely.
Quick Answer
The answer is that an SNMP community ACL is filtering the NMS at 10.1.1.200. This happens because the SNMP community string 'public' has been bound to an access control list that explicitly permits only the host 10.1.1.100, so any polling request from 10.1.1.200 is silently dropped by the router. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that SNMPv2c community strings can be paired with a standard ACL to restrict which NMS hosts are allowed to poll the agent; the community string itself may be correct, but the ACL overrides access. A common trap is assuming a mismatched community string or disabled SNMP agent is the cause, but the real issue is the ACL denying the source IP. Remember the memory tip: “Community matches, but ACL catches”—always verify the ACL applied to the community before blaming the string or the version.
CCNA Network Services and Security Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network services and security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A network engineer notices that an NMS at 10.1.1.200 cannot poll a router that has SNMPv2c configured with community string 'public'. What is causing this issue?
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 SNMP community 'public' has an access list that only permits host 10.1.1.100.
The SNMP community 'public' has an ACL that permits only host 10.1.1.100, so the NMS at 10.1.1.200 is explicitly denied. No other condition explains the symptom because the community string matches, SNMPv2c is enabled by the configuration, and the agent listens on all interfaces by default.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
SNMPv2c is not enabled on the router.
Why it's wrong here
Configuring an SNMP community string implicitly enables the SNMP agent for that version. The question states the community is configured, so the agent is active.
- ✓
The SNMP community 'public' has an access list that only permits host 10.1.1.100.
- ✗
The NMS is using the wrong community string.
Why it's wrong here
Both the router and NMS use 'public', so the community string is correct. The ACL, not a mismatch, causes the polls to fail.
- ✗
The router's SNMP agent is not listening on the interface facing 10.1.1.200.
Why it's wrong here
By default, the SNMP agent listens on all IP interfaces. No configuration indicates interface-specific restrictions, so this is unlikely.
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 SNMP community 'public' has an access list that only permits host 10.1.1.100.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
The ACL applied to the community string restricts inbound SNMP requests to the permitted IP address. Since the NMS is 10.1.1.200, the router discards its polls, preventing a response.
✗SNMPv2c is not enabled on the router.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Many believe SNMP requires an additional global command to start; on Cisco IOS, a community string entry enables the agent.
✗The NMS is using the wrong community string.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Polling failures are often attributed to community string errors, but when the string matches, an ACL restriction produces identical symptoms.
✗The router's SNMP agent is not listening on the interface facing 10.1.1.200.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Candidates may assume the agent must be bound to an interface, but Cisco IOS SNMP agents respond on any interface unless limited by an ACL or VRF.
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?”
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 200-301 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Network Services and Security — This question tests Network Services and Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The SNMP community 'public' has an access list that only permits host 10.1.1.100. — The SNMP community 'public' has an ACL that permits only host 10.1.1.100, so the NMS at 10.1.1.200 is explicitly denied. No other condition explains the symptom because the community string matches, SNMPv2c is enabled by the configuration, and the agent listens on all interfaces by default.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 200-301 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 14, 2026
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