- A
Client sends DNS query to configured recursive resolver (e.g., ISP or public DNS)
This is the first step in DNS resolution: the client initiates the process by sending a query to its configured recursive DNS server, which is typically provided via DHCP or statically configured.
- B
Recursive server queries root, TLD, and authoritative servers to resolve the name
This is incorrect because this step occurs after the client query is sent to the recursive resolver, but before the resolver returns the answer to the client. The correct order places this step after the client query.
- C
Authoritative DNS server returns the A-record to the recursive resolver
This is incorrect because the authoritative server response occurs after the recursive server has queried it, not before the client query. The correct order places this step after the recursive server's iterative queries.
- D
Client uses nslookup or dig to verify the resolved A-record
This is incorrect because diagnostic tools like nslookup or dig are used after the resolution is complete to verify the result, not as the first step. The correct order places this step last.
CCNA Network Services and Security Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network services and security. 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 sequence the DNS resolution process from a client query to receiving an A-record response, including the use of nslookup and dig for diagnosis.
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
Client sends DNS query to configured recursive resolver (e.g., ISP or public DNS)
DNS resolution starts with the client query, then recursive server lookups, authoritative response, caching and reply, and finally diagnostic tools like nslookup or dig to verify.
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.
- ✓
Client sends DNS query to configured recursive resolver (e.g., ISP or public DNS)
- ✓
Recursive server queries root, TLD, and authoritative servers to resolve the name
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because this step occurs after the client query is sent to the recursive resolver, but before the resolver returns the answer to the client. The correct order places this step after the client query.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Authoritative DNS server returns the A-record to the recursive resolver
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because the authoritative server response occurs after the recursive server has queried it, not before the client query. The correct order places this step after the recursive server's iterative queries.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Client uses nslookup or dig to verify the resolved A-record
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because diagnostic tools like nslookup or dig are used after the resolution is complete to verify the result, not as the first step. The correct order places this step last.
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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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Network Services and Security — This question tests Network Services and Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Client sends DNS query to configured recursive resolver (e.g., ISP or public DNS) — DNS resolution starts with the client query, then recursive server lookups, authoritative response, caching and reply, and finally diagnostic tools like nslookup or dig to verify.
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 →
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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