CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
Which TWO commands would a network administrator use to verify that a client has received a valid IP address from a DHCP server and can resolve domain names to IP addresses?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between verifying local IP stack functionality (ping 127.0.0.1) versus verifying DHCP address assignment and DNS resolution, leading candidates to mistakenly choose loopback or traceroute commands that do not validate the specific 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
✓
ipconfig /all
(ipconfig /all) is correct because it displays the full TCP/IP configuration for all network adapters, including whether DHCP is enabled, the assigned IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and the DHCP server address. This allows the administrator to confirm that the client received a valid IP address from the DHCP server. Option D (nslookup www.courseiva.com) is correct because it queries the configured DNS server to resolve the domain name to an IP address, verifying that name resolution is working. Option B (ping 127.0.0.1) only tests the local TCP/IP stack and does not verify DHCP assignment or DNS resolution. Option C (tracert 8.8.8.8) uses an IP address directly and does not test domain-name resolution. Option E (arp -a) displays the ARP cache, which is unrelated to DHCP or DNS.
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 this is correct
`ipconfig /all` provides comprehensive details about a client's network configuration. It explicitly displays the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and crucially, the DHCP server's IP address and lease information, directly confirming successful DHCP assignment. Furthermore, it lists the configured DNS server addresses, which are essential for the client's ability to resolve domain names to IP addresses. This command thus satisfies both verification requirements outlined in the question.
- ✗
ping 127.0.0.1
Why it's wrong here
ping 127.0.0.1 directs packets to the loopback adapter, which never leaves the local machine. It verifies that the TCP/IP protocol stack is installed and bound correctly to the operating system, but it does not send traffic to the network, contact a DHCP server, or query a DNS server. Therefore, it cannot confirm any DHCP-assigned parameters or domain name resolution.
- ✗
tracert 8.8.8.8
Why it's wrong here
tracert 8.8.8.8 traces the routed path to an external host by sending ICMP echo requests with increasing TTL values. Because the target is a literal IP address, no DNS name resolution occurs, and the output reveals only intermediate router hops, not the local DHCP lease, default gateway, or configured DNS servers. It can succeed even when DNS is completely broken, so it does not validate either of the two requirements.
- ✓
nslookup www.courseiva.com
Why this is correct
nslookup www.courseiva.com sends a DNS query to the name server currently configured on the client, asking it to resolve the domain to an IP address. A successful response proves that the client's DNS settings are functional and reachable, and because the DNS server address is frequently assigned by DHCP, it also indirectly confirms that DHCP-provided DNS parameters are in use. This directly satisfies the requirement to verify DNS resolution.
- ✗
arp -a
Why it's wrong here
arp -a displays the Address Resolution Protocol cache, which lists IP-to-MAC address mappings for other hosts on the same local network segment. These entries may include the default gateway, but the command does not show the client's own IP configuration, DHCP lease information, or DNS server addresses. It also never sends a DNS query, so it tests neither DHCP provisioning nor name resolution.
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.
✓ipconfig /allCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
`ipconfig /all` provides comprehensive details about a client's network configuration. It explicitly displays the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and crucially, the DHCP server's IP address and lease information, directly confirming successful DHCP assignment. Furthermore, it lists the configured DNS server addresses, which are essential for the client's ability to resolve domain names to IP addresses. This command thus satisfies both verification requirements outlined in the question.
✗ping 127.0.0.1Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The 'ping 127.0.0.1' command tests only the local TCP/IP stack by sending packets to the loopback address. It does not verify DHCP configuration or DNS resolution, as it does not involve any network communication beyond the local host.
Why candidates choose this
Students may mistakenly think that a successful ping to the loopback address confirms overall network connectivity, including DHCP and DNS. However, it only verifies that the TCP/IP protocol is installed and functioning on the local machine.
✗tracert 8.8.8.8Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
'tracert 8.8.8.8' traces the route to an external IP address, which can confirm IP connectivity but does not display the client's own IP configuration or test DNS resolution. It uses IP addresses, not domain names, so it bypasses DNS entirely.
Why candidates choose this
Since 'tracert' can show network path and connectivity, test-takers might assume it also verifies DHCP and DNS. However, it does not provide information about the client's IP address or DNS server settings.
✗arp -aWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
'arp -a' displays the ARP cache, which maps IP addresses to MAC addresses on the local network. It does not show DHCP-assigned IP configuration or DNS server information, and it does not test DNS resolution.
Why candidates choose this
Because ARP is involved in local network communication, some students might think it relates to IP address assignment or DNS. However, ARP operates at Layer 2 and is unrelated to DHCP or DNS functionality.
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?”
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Learn chapter
IPv4 Addressing and Address Classes
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.
Key term
TCP
TCP is a connection-oriented transport layer protocol that ensures reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data between applications over IP networks.
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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.