- A
Check ARP cache for the destination IP address
This is correct because the host first checks its local ARP cache to see if it already has the MAC address for the destination IP. If found, no broadcast is needed.
- B
Send an ARP request broadcast to all devices on the local network
This is incorrect because the ARP request is sent only if the destination MAC is not found in the ARP cache. The first step is always to check the cache.
- C
The destination host sends an ARP reply with its MAC address
This is incorrect because the ARP reply occurs after the request is broadcast and the target receives it. It is not the first step.
- D
The source host updates its ARP cache and sends the data frame directly
This is incorrect because updating the cache and sending data is the final step, not the first. It occurs after receiving the ARP reply.
CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network infrastructure and connectivity. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to describe the ARP resolution process when a host needs to send data to another host on the same Ethernet network.
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
Check ARP cache for the destination IP address
ARP resolution begins with checking the cache, then broadcasting a request if needed, the target replies with its MAC, and the source updates its cache to send data directly.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Check ARP cache for the destination IP address
Why this is correct
This is correct because the host first checks its local ARP cache to see if it already has the MAC address for the destination IP. If found, no broadcast is needed.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✓
Send an ARP request broadcast to all devices on the local network
- ✓
The destination host sends an ARP reply with its MAC address
- ✓
The source host updates its ARP cache and sends the data frame directly
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 200-301 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — This question tests Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check ARP cache for the destination IP address — ARP resolution begins with checking the cache, then broadcasting a request if needed, the target replies with its MAC, and the source updates its cache to send data directly.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 200-301 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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