- A
A record: Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address
The A (Address) record is the fundamental DNS record type that translates a domain name to its corresponding IPv4 address, enabling clients to reach the server.
- B
AAAA record: Maps a domain name to an IPv6 address
This is incorrect because the AAAA record is specifically for IPv6 addresses, not IPv4. The description matches the AAAA record, but the option is placed under a different label in the matching exercise.
- C
CNAME record: Maps an alias domain name to a canonical domain name
This is incorrect because the CNAME record is correctly described here, but it is not the correct match for the question's target description (which is for A record).
- D
MX record: Specifies mail servers for a domain
This is incorrect because the MX record is correctly described, but it is not the correct match for the question's target description (which is for A record).
Quick Answer
The correct answer pairs each DNS record type with its matching function: A maps a domain name to an IPv4 address, AAAA to an IPv6 address, CNAME creates an alias, MX specifies mail servers, NS identifies authoritative name servers, and PTR enables reverse DNS lookup. This matching is correct because each record type serves a distinct purpose in the Domain Name System hierarchy, translating human-readable names into network-usable addresses or routing information. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this drag-and-drop question tests your understanding of fundamental DNS operations, often appearing in the network fundamentals section where you must distinguish between record types without confusion. A common trap is mixing up A and AAAA records, or thinking CNAME can point to an IP address (it cannot—it must point to another hostname). For a quick memory tip, remember the mnemonic “A for Address, AAAA for Address Again, C for Canonical, M for Mail, N for Name server, P for Pointer.”
CCNA Network Services and Security Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network services and security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Drag and drop the DNS record types on the left to their correct descriptions or purposes on the right.
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
A record: Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address
These pairings correctly match each DNS record type to its function: A maps hostnames to IPv4, AAAA to IPv6, CNAME creates an alias, MX specifies mail servers, NS identifies authoritative name servers, and PTR enables reverse DNS lookup.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
A record: Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address
Why this is correct
The A (Address) record is the fundamental DNS record type that translates a domain name to its corresponding IPv4 address, enabling clients to reach the server.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
AAAA record: Maps a domain name to an IPv6 address
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because the AAAA record is specifically for IPv6 addresses, not IPv4. The description matches the AAAA record, but the option is placed under a different label in the matching exercise.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
CNAME record: Maps an alias domain name to a canonical domain name
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because the CNAME record is correctly described here, but it is not the correct match for the question's target description (which is for A record).
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
MX record: Specifies mail servers for a domain
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because the MX record is correctly described, but it is not the correct match for the question's target description (which is for A record).
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-301 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Network Services and Security — This question tests Network Services and Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A record: Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address — These pairings correctly match each DNS record type to its function: A maps hostnames to IPv4, AAAA to IPv6, CNAME creates an alias, MX specifies mail servers, NS identifies authoritative name servers, and PTR enables reverse DNS lookup.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-301 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 200-301
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Drag and drop the DNS record types on the left to the correct descriptions on the right.
medium- ✓ A.A record: Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address
- B.AAAA record: Maps a domain name to an IPv6 address
- C.CNAME record: Maps an alias domain name to another canonical domain name
- D.MX record: Maps a domain name to a mail exchange server
Why A: These are standard DNS record types as defined in RFCs and tested in networking certifications like CCNA.
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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