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Question 372 of 1,052
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CCNA Practice Question: A network administrator is configuring a new…
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of 200-301 exam topics. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 administrator is configuring a new Windows workstation on a small office network that uses IPv4 addressing. The workstation must be able to communicate with devices on other subnets and resolve hostnames via a company DNS server at 10.10.10.5. The administrator has already set the IP address to 10.10.10.10 and the subnet mask to 255.255.255.0. Which additional parameter must be configured to meet both requirements?
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
✓
Configure a default gateway of 10.10.10.1 and a DNS server of 10.10.10.5.
The correct answer is B because the default gateway is required to route traffic to other subnets, and the DNS server address is needed for hostname resolution. Option A only provides DNS, not inter-subnet communication. Option C is incorrect because the subnet mask is already set correctly. Option D is incorrect because the default gateway must be on the same subnet as the host.
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.
- ✓
Configure a default gateway of 10.10.10.1 and a DNS server of 10.10.10.5.
Why this is correct
This provides both the default gateway for routing to other subnets and the DNS server for name resolution.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
Configure only a DNS server of 10.10.10.5.
Why it's wrong here
This provides DNS resolution but does not allow the workstation to reach devices on other subnets because there is no default gateway.
- ✗
Change the subnet mask to 255.255.0.0 to allow communication across subnets.
Why it's wrong here
Changing the subnet mask to a larger network (e.g., /16) would group many addresses into one subnet, but it does not provide a path to other subnets; it may also cause routing issues.
- ✗
Configure a default gateway of 10.10.20.1 and a DNS server of 10.10.10.5.
Why it's wrong here
The default gateway 10.10.20.1 is not on the same subnet as the host (10.10.10.0/24), so the host cannot reach it directly; this configuration would fail.
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.
✓Configure a default gateway of 10.10.10.1 and a DNS server of 10.10.10.5.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This provides both the default gateway for routing to other subnets and the DNS server for name resolution.
✗Configure only a DNS server of 10.10.10.5.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Missing the default gateway prevents communication outside the local subnet.
✗Change the subnet mask to 255.255.0.0 to allow communication across subnets.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The subnet mask defines the network boundary, not the route to other networks; a default gateway is still needed.
✗Configure a default gateway of 10.10.20.1 and a DNS server of 10.10.10.5.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The default gateway must be in the same IP subnet as the host to be reachable.
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 network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
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: Configure a default gateway of 10.10.10.1 and a DNS server of 10.10.10.5. — The correct answer is B because the default gateway is required to route traffic to other subnets, and the DNS server address is needed for hostname resolution. Option A only provides DNS, not inter-subnet communication. Option C is incorrect because the subnet mask is already set correctly. Option D is incorrect because the default gateway must be on the same subnet as the host.
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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