- → Why each wrong option is wrong in this specific scenario
- → When each wrong option would be correct
- → Real-world analogy and exam trap analysis
- → Related glossary terms and similar practice questions
CCNA Practice Question: Which TWO statements are true regarding the…
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of 200-301 exam topics. 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.
Which TWO statements are true regarding the configuration and placement of standard and extended ACLs on a router?
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
Extended ACLs are typically placed closest to the source of the traffic.
Standard ACLs should be placed as close to the destination as possible to avoid unintended filtering, while extended ACLs should be placed as close to the source as possible to filter traffic early and conserve bandwidth. Wildcard masks determine which bits to match; a mask of 0.0.0.0 matches all bits, and 255.255.255.255 matches none.
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.
- ✗
Standard ACLs are typically placed closest to the source of the traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Standard ACLs filter only on source IP address, so placing them close to the source can block traffic that should be allowed to other destinations.
- ✓
Extended ACLs are typically placed closest to the source of the traffic.
Why this is correct
Extended ACLs can filter on source and destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols, so placing them near the source allows early filtering and conserves bandwidth.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✓
A wildcard mask of 0.0.0.0 in an ACL matches all bits of the IP address.
Why this is correct
A wildcard mask of 0.0.0.0 means 'check all bits,' so the IP address must match exactly. This is often used for host-specific entries.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
A wildcard mask of 255.255.255.255 in an ACL matches all bits of the IP address.
Why it's wrong here
A wildcard mask of 255.255.255.255 means 'ignore all bits,' so it matches any IP address (equivalent to 'any').
- ✗
Extended ACLs should be placed on the interface closest to the destination to filter traffic before it reaches the final segment.
Why it's wrong here
Extended ACLs are more effective when placed near the source to filter unwanted traffic early, not near the destination.
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.
✓Extended ACLs are typically placed closest to the source of the traffic.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
Extended ACLs can filter on source and destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols, so placing them near the source allows early filtering and conserves bandwidth.
✗Standard ACLs are typically placed closest to the source of the traffic.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Standard ACLs should be placed as close to the destination as possible to minimize unintended blocking, not close to the source.
✗A wildcard mask of 255.255.255.255 in an ACL matches all bits of the IP address.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The mask 255.255.255.255 matches none of the bits, meaning it matches all addresses. It does not match all bits.
✗Extended ACLs should be placed on the interface closest to the destination to filter traffic before it reaches the final segment.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Placing extended ACLs near the destination wastes bandwidth because unwanted traffic may already have traversed the network.
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: 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?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Extended ACLs are typically placed closest to the source of the traffic. — Standard ACLs should be placed as close to the destination as possible to avoid unintended filtering, while extended ACLs should be placed as close to the source as possible to filter traffic early and conserve bandwidth. Wildcard masks determine which bits to match; a mask of 0.0.0.0 matches all bits, and 255.255.255.255 matches none.
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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