- A
The workstation has an incorrect default gateway configured.
The user can ping the default gateway (192.168.1.1) but cannot ping 8.8.8.8, indicating local connectivity works but external routing fails. If the actual network gateway is different (e.g., 192.168.1.254), the workstation's configured gateway would be incorrect, preventing traffic from being forwarded to external networks.
- B
The workstation has a duplicate IP address on the network.
Why wrong: A duplicate IP address would cause intermittent connectivity or inability to ping the gateway, but here the user can successfully ping the default gateway, ruling out a duplicate IP conflict.
- C
The workstation is connected to the wrong VLAN.
Why wrong: Being on the wrong VLAN would likely prevent the workstation from reaching the default gateway entirely, as the gateway is typically on the same VLAN. Since the user can ping the gateway, the VLAN assignment is likely correct.
- D
The workstation has a DNS misconfiguration.
Why wrong: DNS misconfiguration would affect name resolution, not the ability to ping an IP address directly. Since the user fails to ping 8.8.8.8 (an IP), DNS is not the cause.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the workstation has an incorrect default gateway configured. This is correct because the user can successfully ping 192.168.1.1, proving local Layer 3 connectivity to that device, but the failure to reach 8.8.8.8 indicates the traffic is being sent to a next-hop that cannot route externally. In this scenario, the device at 192.168.1.1 may be a switch or another host, not the actual router, while the real gateway likely sits at a different IP such as 192.168.1.254. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this question tests your ability to troubleshoot default gateway misconfiguration by distinguishing between local reachability and proper routing to external networks—a common trap where candidates assume a successful ping to the gateway IP confirms correct configuration. Remember the key diagnostic: if you can ping the gateway but not a public IP like 8.8.8.8, always verify that the gateway address matches the router’s interface. Memory tip: “Ping the gate, but not the fate? Check the gateway’s IP plate.”
CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network infrastructure and connectivity. 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 administrator receives a call from a user who cannot access any external websites from their wired workstation. The user can ping the default gateway successfully, but fails to ping 8.8.8.8. The administrator runs ipconfig /all on the workstation and sees an IP address of 192.168.1.50, subnet mask 255.255.255.0, and default gateway 192.168.1.1. What is the most likely cause of this issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
The workstation has an incorrect default gateway configured.
The user can successfully ping 192.168.1.1, proving local IP connectivity to that device. However, the device at 192.168.1.1 may not be the correct default gateway for reaching external networks; the actual gateway router might be at a different IP (e.g., 192.168.1.254). This misconfiguration explains why pings to 8.8.8.8 fail even though the local gateway responds, as the workstation sends external traffic to the wrong next-hop address.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The workstation has an incorrect default gateway configured.
Why this is correct
The user can ping the default gateway (192.168.1.1) but cannot ping 8.8.8.8, indicating local connectivity works but external routing fails. If the actual network gateway is different (e.g., 192.168.1.254), the workstation's configured gateway would be incorrect, preventing traffic from being forwarded to external networks.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
The workstation has a duplicate IP address on the network.
Why it's wrong here
A duplicate IP address would cause intermittent connectivity or inability to ping the gateway, but here the user can successfully ping the default gateway, ruling out a duplicate IP conflict.
- ✗
The workstation is connected to the wrong VLAN.
Why it's wrong here
Being on the wrong VLAN would likely prevent the workstation from reaching the default gateway entirely, as the gateway is typically on the same VLAN. Since the user can ping the gateway, the VLAN assignment is likely correct.
- ✗
The workstation has a DNS misconfiguration.
Why it's wrong here
DNS misconfiguration would affect name resolution, not the ability to ping an IP address directly. Since the user fails to ping 8.8.8.8 (an IP), DNS is not the cause.
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.
✓The workstation has an incorrect default gateway configured.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
The user can ping the default gateway (192.168.1.1) but cannot ping 8.8.8.8, indicating local connectivity works but external routing fails. If the actual network gateway is different (e.g., 192.168.1.254), the workstation's configured gateway would be incorrect, preventing traffic from being forwarded to external networks.
✗The workstation has a duplicate IP address on the network.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A duplicate IP would typically cause address conflict messages and prevent reliable communication with the gateway, but the user can ping the gateway successfully.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think duplicate IP causes general connectivity issues, but local connectivity would also be affected.
✗The workstation is connected to the wrong VLAN.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Wrong VLAN would usually result in no connectivity to the gateway, but here the gateway is reachable.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse VLAN misconfiguration with routing issues, but local connectivity to the gateway indicates correct VLAN membership.
✗The workstation has a DNS misconfiguration.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
DNS is used to resolve hostnames to IP addresses; pinging an IP address bypasses DNS entirely.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates often associate web access issues with DNS, but the problem here is with IP connectivity, not name resolution.
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: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
- Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
- Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
- Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
- Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
- Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 200-301 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — This question tests Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The workstation has an incorrect default gateway configured. — The user can successfully ping 192.168.1.1, proving local IP connectivity to that device. However, the device at 192.168.1.1 may not be the correct default gateway for reaching external networks; the actual gateway router might be at a different IP (e.g., 192.168.1.254). This misconfiguration explains why pings to 8.8.8.8 fail even though the local gateway responds, as the workstation sends external traffic to the wrong next-hop address.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 200-301 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 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.
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