CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
Which TWO commands can a network technician use on a modern Linux host to verify the IP address configuration and test reachability to a remote server?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between Windows and Linux commands, so the trap here is that candidates may mistakenly select `tracert` (a Windows command) instead of recognizing that the Linux equivalent is `traceroute`, or they may choose `ifconfig` without knowing it is deprecated in favor of `ip addr`.
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
✓
ip addr
The `ip addr` command (option A) is the modern Linux utility for displaying IP address configuration, replacing the deprecated `ifconfig`. The `ping` command (option D) uses ICMP Echo Request/Reply messages to test Layer 3 reachability to a remote server. `ifconfig` (option B) is deprecated and not expected for current certification exams; `tracert` (option C) is a Windows command; `nslookup` (option E) performs DNS lookups but does not verify IP configuration or connectivity.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
ip addr
Why this is correct
ip addr, part of the iproute2 suite, is the modern replacement for ifconfig, displaying all interfaces, their IPv4/IPv6 addresses, MAC addresses, and administrative state. It only inspects local interface configuration; it does not generate any network traffic toward a remote host, so it cannot verify end-to-end reachability.
- ✗
ifconfig
Why it's wrong here
ifconfig is a legacy Unix tool for configuring and displaying network interfaces; it may be absent on modern Linux distributions that rely on iproute2. It shows local address and link status, but it never sends packets to a remote destination. Deprecated and often not installed by default, its interface display role is now superseded by 'ip addr'.
- ✗
tracert
Why it's wrong here
tracert is a Windows command that traces the path to a destination by sending ICMP packets with incrementally increasing TTL values and reporting intermediate routers. Linux uses 'traceroute' instead, typically with UDP or ICMP; the name and default behavior differ. It diagnoses routing paths, not basic connectivity, and may still show replies even if the final host rejects/doesn't respond to pings.
- ✓
ping
Why this is correct
ping generates ICMP Echo Request packets and listens for Echo Reply packets, measuring round-trip time and packet loss. It directly tests whether a remote IP address is reachable over the network, making it the go-to tool for basic connectivity verification. Any successful reply confirms that the local host, intervening routers, and the remote host's stack are functioning at the IP layer.
- ✗
nslookup
Why it's wrong here
nslookup queries DNS servers to resolve domain names to IP addresses or to retrieve DNS records like A, AAAA, MX, or NS. It tests the DNS resolution service, not IP connectivity; a successful query only proves the DNS server is reachable, not the target host. It is the wrong tool for checking whether a host is up, since it does not send any packets to the target host's IP address.
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.
✓ip addrCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
ip addr, part of the iproute2 suite, is the modern replacement for ifconfig, displaying all interfaces, their IPv4/IPv6 addresses, MAC addresses, and administrative state. It only inspects local interface configuration; it does not generate any network traffic toward a remote host, so it cannot verify end-to-end reachability.
✗ifconfigWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The `ifconfig` command is deprecated on Linux and may not be installed by default on many distributions. It lacks the advanced features and consistent output of `ip addr`, making it unreliable for verifying IP configuration in modern environments.
Why candidates choose this
Students often remember `ifconfig` from older Linux courses or Windows (where it is `ipconfig`). The similar name and historical use make it a common distractor, even though it is no longer the recommended tool.
✗tracertWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The `tracert` command is specific to Windows; the Linux equivalent is `traceroute`. Using `tracert` on Linux will result in a command not found error, so it cannot be used to test reachability.
Why candidates choose this
The similarity between `tracert` and `traceroute` leads students to believe they are interchangeable. Without knowing the OS-specific naming, a test-taker might incorrectly select this option.
✗nslookupWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
`nslookup` is used for DNS resolution, not for testing basic IP connectivity. It queries DNS servers to map domain names to IP addresses, but does not verify if the remote host is reachable via ICMP or other protocols.
Why candidates choose this
Students may confuse name resolution with connectivity testing, thinking that if a name resolves, the host is reachable. However, DNS resolution can succeed even if the host is down or unreachable.
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?”
Visual reference
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
IPv4 Addressing and Address Classes
Key term
ifconfig
ifconfig is a command-line tool used to configure and display network interface parameters on Unix-like operating systems.
Key term
IP address
An IP address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.