The answer is to add a missing A record for 'fileserver' on the local DNS server at 203.0.113.10. This is correct because a DNS resolution failure for a specific hostname—while other names resolve fine—indicates the record itself is absent from the zone, not a connectivity or router configuration issue. The NXDOMAIN response confirms the DNS server is reachable and authoritative, but lacks the A record mapping 'fileserver.courseiva.local' to an IP address. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between client-side DNS configuration problems and server-side data issues; a common trap is trying to fix the router’s ip name-server or domain lookup settings when the real fault lies on the DNS server. Remember: if ping to the DNS server succeeds and other names resolve, the problem is always a missing or mistyped record, not the client. Memory tip: “One name fails? Check the A record’s trail.”
CCNA Network Services and Security Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network services and security. 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.
Network Topology
You are connected to R1, a Cisco IOS-XE router acting as the network's DNS client. The network uses a local DNS server at 203.0.113.10 for internal name resolution. Users report that the hostname 'fileserver.courseiva.local' cannot be resolved, while other names work fine. Diagnose and fix the DNS resolution failure so that 'fileserver.courseiva.local' resolves correctly.
R1# show running-config | section ip domain
ip domain lookup
ip domain name courseiva.local
ip name-server 203.0.113.10
!
R1# nslookup fileserver.courseiva.local
Server: 203.0.113.10
Address: 203.0.113.10#53
** server can't find fileserver.courseiva.local: NXDOMAIN
R1# nslookup webserver.courseiva.local
Server: 203.0.113.10
Address: 203.0.113.10#53
Name: webserver.courseiva.local
Address: 192.0.2.5
R1# dig fileserver.courseiva.local
; <<>> DiG 9.11.3 <<>> fileserver.courseiva.local
;; global options: +cmd
;; Got answer:
;; ->>HEADER<<- opcode: QUERY, status: NXDOMAIN, id: 12345
;; flags: qr aa rd ra; QUERY: 1, ANSWER: 0, AUTHORITY: 1, ADDITIONAL: 1
;; QUESTION SECTION:
;fileserver.courseiva.local. IN A
;; AUTHORITY SECTION:
courseiva.local. 86400 IN SOA ns1.courseiva.local. admin.courseiva.local. 2025032101 3600 900 86400 3600
;; Query time: 12 msec
;; SERVER: 203.0.113.10#53(203.0.113.10)
;; WHEN: Fri Mar 21 10:00:00 UTC 2025
;; MSG SIZE rcvd: 98
R1# ping 203.0.113.10
Type escape sequence to abort.
Sending 5, 100-byte ICMP Echos to 203.0.113.10, timeout is 2 seconds:
!!!!!
Success rate is 100 percent (5/5), round-trip min/avg/max = 1/2/4 ms
A
Add an A record for 'fileserver' on the DNS server.
The NXDOMAIN response indicates that the DNS server has no record for 'fileserver.courseiva.local'. Adding the correct A record on the DNS server resolves the issue. The router's DNS client configuration is correct, as other names resolve.
B
Configure the 'ip domain-lookup' command on R1 to enable DNS resolution.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because 'ip domain-lookup' is already enabled (other names resolve). The issue is a missing record on the DNS server, not a router configuration problem.
C
Change the DNS server address on R1 to 8.8.8.8.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the local DNS server at 203.0.113.10 is reachable and resolves other internal names. Changing to an external server would break resolution for internal hostnames.
D
Add a static host entry on R1 using 'ip host fileserver.courseiva.local 192.0.2.10'.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because while a static entry would resolve the hostname locally, it does not fix the underlying DNS server issue. The problem is a missing DNS record, and a static entry is a workaround, not a proper fix.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add an A record for 'fileserver' on the DNS server.
The DNS server is reachable (ping successful) and resolves other names (e.g., webserver.courseiva.local) correctly. However, 'fileserver.courseiva.local' returns NXDOMAIN, indicating the A record is missing from the DNS zone. Since the router is not the DNS server, the fix must be applied on the DNS server itself — not on R1. The candidate should understand that the problem is a missing DNS record, not a router configuration issue. The solution involves adding an A record for 'fileserver' (with the appropriate IP address) on the DNS server. On R1, verify connectivity to the DNS server and confirm that the domain lookup and name-server settings are correct, which they are. No router CLI changes are needed.
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.
✓
Add an A record for 'fileserver' on the DNS server.
Why this is correct
The NXDOMAIN response indicates that the DNS server has no record for 'fileserver.courseiva.local'. Adding the correct A record on the DNS server resolves the issue. The router's DNS client configuration is correct, as other names resolve.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Configure the 'ip domain-lookup' command on R1 to enable DNS resolution.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because 'ip domain-lookup' is already enabled (other names resolve). The issue is a missing record on the DNS server, not a router configuration problem.
✗
Change the DNS server address on R1 to 8.8.8.8.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the local DNS server at 203.0.113.10 is reachable and resolves other internal names. Changing to an external server would break resolution for internal hostnames.
✗
Add a static host entry on R1 using 'ip host fileserver.courseiva.local 192.0.2.10'.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because while a static entry would resolve the hostname locally, it does not fix the underlying DNS server issue. The problem is a missing DNS record, and a static entry is a workaround, not a proper fix.
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.
✓Add an A record for 'fileserver' on the DNS server.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
The NXDOMAIN response indicates that the DNS server has no record for 'fileserver.courseiva.local'. Adding the correct A record on the DNS server resolves the issue. The router's DNS client configuration is correct, as other names resolve.
✗Configure the 'ip domain-lookup' command on R1 to enable DNS resolution.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that 'ip domain-lookup' is a global command that enables DNS resolution; if it were disabled, no names would resolve.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think the router's DNS client is misconfigured, but the symptom of partial resolution points to a server-side issue.
✗Change the DNS server address on R1 to 8.8.8.8.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that the DNS server is functioning for other records; the problem is specific to one hostname, not the server address.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might assume the DNS server is faulty and try a public DNS server, but that would not resolve internal names and is unnecessary.
✗Add a static host entry on R1 using 'ip host fileserver.courseiva.local 192.0.2.10'.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that static entries bypass DNS but do not address the root cause; the DNS server should have the record for all clients.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may see this as a quick fix on the router, but the question asks to 'diagnose and fix' the DNS resolution failure, implying a proper solution on the DNS server.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 200-301 question in full detail.
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.
Network Services and Security — This question tests Network Services and Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add an A record for 'fileserver' on the DNS server. — The DNS server is reachable (ping successful) and resolves other names (e.g., webserver.courseiva.local) correctly. However, 'fileserver.courseiva.local' returns NXDOMAIN, indicating the A record is missing from the DNS zone. Since the router is not the DNS server, the fix must be applied on the DNS server itself — not on R1. The candidate should understand that the problem is a missing DNS record, not a router configuration issue. The solution involves adding an A record for 'fileserver' (with the appropriate IP address) on the DNS server. On R1, verify connectivity to the DNS server and confirm that the domain lookup and name-server settings are correct, which they are. No router CLI changes are needed.
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.
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