Question 255 of 1,389
CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
A network administrator is troubleshooting a Windows 10 client that cannot access a web server at 192.168.1.100. The client has an IP address of 192.168.1.50/24 and can ping its default gateway (192.168.1.1) successfully, but ping to 192.168.1.100 fails. Which command should the administrator run next to verify the client's current network connections and identify potential issues with active sessions?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between Layer 3 connectivity (ping/tracert) and Layer 4 session verification (netstat), trapping candidates who assume that successful ping implies full application-layer connectivity.
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
✓
netstat -a
The `netstat -a` command displays all active TCP/UDP connections and listening ports, which is the most direct way to verify current network sessions and identify issues such as blocked ports, half-open connections, or failed connection attempts. While ping failure could result from network-layer filtering (e.g., ACLs blocking ICMP), `netstat -a` reveals whether the client has initiated a TCP connection to 192.168.1.100 and its current state (e.g., SYN_SENT, ESTABLISHED, TIME_WAIT), helping to isolate transport-layer or application-layer problems.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
ipconfig /all
Why it's wrong here
ipconfig /all displays the client's IP addressing details, including IPv4 address, subnet mask, default gateway, DNS servers, and MAC address. It does not enumerate active TCP or UDP endpoints, so it cannot reveal whether a connection to the web server was established, is in SYN_SENT, or was reset. While it verifies Layer 3 configuration, it offers no visibility into transport-layer sessions or the server's listening state.
- ✓
netstat -a
Why this is correct
This command shows all active TCP connections and listening ports on the client, allowing the administrator to see if there are any established sessions to the web server or if the web server's port is being blocked or not responding.
- ✗
tracert 192.168.1.100
Why it's wrong here
Tracert performs a route trace to the destination, which requires that the destination is reachable at Layer 3; since ping already failed, tracert will likely also fail and does not provide information about active connections.
- ✗
ping -t 192.168.1.100
Why it's wrong here
ping -t 192.168.1.100 sends continuous ICMP echo requests, but ICMP is a distinct protocol from TCP. Even if the web server's TCP port 80 were accepting connections, ping would not reflect that; conversely, a failed ping does not prove the web service is down. This command only tests Layer 3 reachability and packet loss, and since the initial ping already failed, repeating it infinitely adds no new information about active connections or listening ports.
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.
✓netstat -aCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
This command shows all active TCP connections and listening ports on the client, allowing the administrator to see if there are any established sessions to the web server or if the web server's port is being blocked or not responding.
✗ipconfig /allWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The ipconfig /all command displays detailed IP configuration, including DNS servers and MAC addresses, but does not show active network connections or sessions. Since the client can ping the gateway, IP configuration is likely correct, and this command does not help identify issues with active sessions to the web server.
Why candidates choose this
Students often use ipconfig /all as a first step in troubleshooting network issues because it provides a comprehensive view of the client's network settings. However, it does not reveal connection states or listening ports, which are needed to diagnose why a specific web server is unreachable.
✗tracert 192.168.1.100Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The tracert command performs a route trace to the destination, which requires Layer 3 reachability. Since ping to 192.168.1.100 already failed, tracert will likely also fail and does not provide information about active connections or listening ports. It is useful for identifying where packets are dropped along the path, but not for verifying active sessions.
Why candidates choose this
Students may think tracert is the next logical step after a failed ping to see where the failure occurs. However, the question specifically asks about verifying current network connections and active sessions, which tracert does not show.
✗ping -t 192.168.1.100Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The ping -t command sends continuous ICMP echo requests to test reachability over time, but it does not reveal connection states or listening ports. Since ping already failed, continuous pings will also fail and do not help identify issues with active TCP sessions to the web server.
Why candidates choose this
Students might use continuous ping to monitor if the server becomes reachable later, but this does not provide information about active connections or sessions. The question asks for a command to verify current network connections, which ping does not do.
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
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 11, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.