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- → When each wrong option would be correct
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Question 865 of 1,052
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CCNA Practice Question: A network technician is troubleshooting a…
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of 200-301 exam topics. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 technician is troubleshooting a connectivity issue where a host cannot communicate with a remote server. The technician notices that frames are being dropped at an intermediate switch. At which OSI model layer does the switch primarily operate, and what is the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) used at that layer?
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
✓
Layer 2; frames
Switches operate at Layer 2 (Data Link layer) of the OSI model, where they use frames to forward traffic based on MAC addresses. The PDU at this layer is called a frame.
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.
- ✗
Layer 1; bits
Why it's wrong here
Layer 1 (Physical) is concerned with raw bit transmission, not switching decisions based on MAC addresses.
- ✓
Layer 2; frames
Why this is correct
Switches operate at Layer 2 (Data Link) and use frames, which contain source and destination MAC addresses, to make forwarding decisions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Layer 3; packets
Why it's wrong here
Layer 3 (Network) uses packets (or datagrams) for routing based on IP addresses, but switches typically do not perform routing.
- ✗
Layer 4; segments
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.
✓Layer 2; framesCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
Switches operate at Layer 2 (Data Link) and use frames, which contain source and destination MAC addresses, to make forwarding decisions.
✗Layer 1; bitsWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Switches do not operate at Layer 1; hubs and repeaters do.
✗Layer 3; packetsWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
While some multilayer switches can route, the basic switch in this scenario operates at Layer 2.
✗Layer 4; segmentsWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Segments are used by transport layer protocols, not by switches.
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: 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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Layer 2; frames — Switches operate at Layer 2 (Data Link layer) of the OSI model, where they use frames to forward traffic based on MAC addresses. The PDU at this layer is called a frame.
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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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.