- A
Configure IP domain name, generate RSA key pair with 2048 bits, set SSH version 2, and configure vty lines to use SSH.
This is correct because SSH requires a domain name and RSA key pair. Setting SSH version 2 and restricting vty lines to SSH ensures secure remote access.
- B
Generate RSA key pair with 2048 bits, set SSH version 2, and configure vty lines to use SSH. Domain name is optional.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because a domain name is required before generating an RSA key pair for SSH; it is not optional.
- C
Configure IP domain name, generate RSA key pair with 2048 bits, and set SSH version 2. No need to configure vty lines.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because vty lines must be explicitly configured to use SSH (e.g., transport input ssh) to enable SSH access.
- D
Configure IP domain name, generate RSA key pair with 1024 bits, set SSH version 2, and configure vty lines to use SSH.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the question specifies 2048 bits, not 1024 bits. Using 1024 bits is less secure and not what was requested.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is the one that includes configuring the IP domain name, generating the RSA key pair with 2048 bits, setting SSH version 2, and restricting vty lines to SSH. This sequence is mandatory because SSH on a Cisco router requires a unique hostname and domain name to seed the RSA key generation process; without the `ip domain-name example.com` command, the `crypto key generate rsa general-keys modulus 2048` command will fail. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this configuration tests your understanding that SSH relies on asymmetric encryption and that the `general-keys` keyword is needed to avoid interactive prompts. A common trap is forgetting the domain name or the vty line restriction, which leaves the router vulnerable to Telnet access. Remember the mnemonic "Domain, Keys, Version, Lines" to recall the exact order: set the domain, generate the RSA keys, enable SSH version 2, then lock down the vty lines with `transport input ssh`.
CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network infrastructure and connectivity. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
You are connected to the console of R1. The network team wants to secure remote access. R1 currently has no SSH configuration. The domain name is 'example.com' and you need to generate an RSA key pair of 2048 bits and enable SSH version 2 on vty lines.
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
Configure IP domain name, generate RSA key pair with 2048 bits, set SSH version 2, and configure vty lines to use SSH.
SSH requires a hostname and domain name to generate RSA keys. Use 'ip domain-name example.com' then 'crypto key generate rsa general-keys modulus 2048' (the 'general-keys' keyword is required to avoid interactive prompts). Set SSH version 2 with 'ip ssh version 2' and restrict vty lines to SSH only with 'line vty 0 4' and 'transport input ssh'. Answer A includes all required steps correctly. Option B misses the domain name. Option C omits vty line configuration. Option D uses the wrong key size.
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.
- ✓
Configure IP domain name, generate RSA key pair with 2048 bits, set SSH version 2, and configure vty lines to use SSH.
Why this is correct
This is correct because SSH requires a domain name and RSA key pair. Setting SSH version 2 and restricting vty lines to SSH ensures secure remote access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Generate RSA key pair with 2048 bits, set SSH version 2, and configure vty lines to use SSH. Domain name is optional.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because a domain name is required before generating an RSA key pair for SSH; it is not optional.
- ✗
Configure IP domain name, generate RSA key pair with 2048 bits, and set SSH version 2. No need to configure vty lines.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because vty lines must be explicitly configured to use SSH (e.g., transport input ssh) to enable SSH access.
- ✗
Configure IP domain name, generate RSA key pair with 1024 bits, set SSH version 2, and configure vty lines to use SSH.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the question specifies 2048 bits, not 1024 bits. Using 1024 bits is less secure and not what was requested.
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.
✓Configure IP domain name, generate RSA key pair with 2048 bits, set SSH version 2, and configure vty lines to use SSH.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because SSH requires a domain name and RSA key pair. Setting SSH version 2 and restricting vty lines to SSH ensures secure remote access.
✗Generate RSA key pair with 2048 bits, set SSH version 2, and configure vty lines to use SSH. Domain name is optional.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: The domain name is mandatory for RSA key generation in SSH configuration.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates pick this because they may think SSH can work without a domain name, but the RSA key generation command requires it.
✗Configure IP domain name, generate RSA key pair with 2048 bits, and set SSH version 2. No need to configure vty lines.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: Vty lines require transport input ssh to allow SSH connections.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates pick this because they assume SSH is automatically enabled on vty lines after key generation, but it is not.
✗Configure IP domain name, generate RSA key pair with 1024 bits, set SSH version 2, and configure vty lines to use SSH.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: The key size must be 2048 bits as specified; 1024 bits is insufficient.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates pick this because 1024 bits is a common default or older standard, but the question explicitly requires 2048 bits.
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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Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — study guide chapter
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure IP domain name, generate RSA key pair with 2048 bits, set SSH version 2, and configure vty lines to use SSH. — SSH requires a hostname and domain name to generate RSA keys. Use 'ip domain-name example.com' then 'crypto key generate rsa general-keys modulus 2048' (the 'general-keys' keyword is required to avoid interactive prompts). Set SSH version 2 with 'ip ssh version 2' and restrict vty lines to SSH only with 'line vty 0 4' and 'transport input ssh'. Answer A includes all required steps correctly. Option B misses the domain name. Option C omits vty line configuration. Option D uses the wrong key size.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 7, 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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