- A
Check physical connectivity, then verify link status, then check IP configuration, then test DNS resolution, then attempt HTTP access.
This order follows the OSI bottom-up approach: Layer 1 (physical connectivity), Layer 2 (link status), Layer 3 (IP configuration), Layer 7 (DNS resolution), and finally Layer 7 (HTTP access). It systematically rules out lower-layer issues before moving to higher layers.
- B
Test DNS resolution first, then check IP configuration, then verify link status, then check physical connectivity, then attempt HTTP access.
This order starts at Layer 7 (DNS) instead of Layer 1, which violates the bottom-up methodology. Lower-layer issues could cause DNS failure, making this sequence inefficient.
- C
Check IP configuration first, then verify link status, then check physical connectivity, then test DNS resolution, then attempt HTTP access.
This order starts at Layer 3 (IP configuration) instead of Layer 1, skipping physical and data link layers. This can lead to wasted time if the issue is a loose cable or incorrect VLAN.
- D
Attempt HTTP access first, then test DNS resolution, then check IP configuration, then verify link status, then check physical connectivity.
This order is top-down, starting at Layer 7 (HTTP) and moving down. The bottom-up method requires starting at Layer 1 and moving up.
CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network infrastructure and connectivity. 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.
Drag and drop the following troubleshooting steps into the correct order to diagnose a client connectivity issue using the OSI bottom-up method. The client is unable to access a web server by its FQDN.
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 physical connectivity, then verify link status, then check IP configuration, then test DNS resolution, then attempt HTTP access.
The OSI bottom-up approach starts at Layer 1 (physical), then Layer 2 (data link), Layer 3 (network), and finally Layer 7 (application) for DNS/FQDN resolution. The given sequence follows this principle by checking physical connectivity and link status before IP configuration, then testing DNS and HTTP access.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 physical connectivity, then verify link status, then check IP configuration, then test DNS resolution, then attempt HTTP access.
Why this is correct
This order follows the OSI bottom-up approach: Layer 1 (physical connectivity), Layer 2 (link status), Layer 3 (IP configuration), Layer 7 (DNS resolution), and finally Layer 7 (HTTP access). It systematically rules out lower-layer issues before moving to higher layers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Test DNS resolution first, then check IP configuration, then verify link status, then check physical connectivity, then attempt HTTP access.
Why this is correct
This order starts at Layer 7 (DNS) instead of Layer 1, which violates the bottom-up methodology. Lower-layer issues could cause DNS failure, making this sequence inefficient.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Check IP configuration first, then verify link status, then check physical connectivity, then test DNS resolution, then attempt HTTP access.
Why this is correct
This order starts at Layer 3 (IP configuration) instead of Layer 1, skipping physical and data link layers. This can lead to wasted time if the issue is a loose cable or incorrect VLAN.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Attempt HTTP access first, then test DNS resolution, then check IP configuration, then verify link status, then check physical connectivity.
Why this is correct
This order is top-down, starting at Layer 7 (HTTP) and moving down. The bottom-up method requires starting at Layer 1 and moving up.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 200-301 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 200-301 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — study guide chapter
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Network Infrastructure and Connectivity practice questions
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check physical connectivity, then verify link status, then check IP configuration, then test DNS resolution, then attempt HTTP access. — The OSI bottom-up approach starts at Layer 1 (physical), then Layer 2 (data link), Layer 3 (network), and finally Layer 7 (application) for DNS/FQDN resolution. The given sequence follows this principle by checking physical connectivity and link status before IP configuration, then testing DNS and HTTP access.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which 200-301 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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.
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