- A
Client sends DNS query to recursive resolver
This is the first step: the client initiates the DNS resolution by sending a query to its configured recursive resolver (e.g., ISP or public DNS).
- B
Recursive resolver queries root name server
This is incorrect because the recursive resolver first checks its cache; if not cached, it queries the root server. However, the correct order places the root query after the resolver receives the client query.
- C
Recursive resolver queries TLD name server
This is incorrect because the TLD query occurs after the root server responds with the TLD server's address.
- D
Recursive resolver queries authoritative name server
This is incorrect because the authoritative query is the fourth step, after the TLD server responds with the authoritative server's address.
Quick Answer
The correct order of the DNS resolution process begins with the recursive resolver querying the authoritative name server, not the client directly contacting the root. This sequence is correct because DNS uses a hierarchical delegation model: the client first sends its query to a recursive resolver (typically provided by the ISP), which then queries a root name server to locate the TLD server for the domain’s top-level domain (e.g., .com). Next, the resolver queries that TLD server to obtain the authoritative name server for the specific domain, and finally queries that authoritative server, which responds with the A record containing the IP address. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this drag-and-drop question tests your understanding of the step-by-step resolution order, not just the final answer; a common trap is placing the root query before the recursive resolver query or skipping the TLD server step. Remember the mnemonic “Root, TLD, Authoritative” to keep the delegation chain straight—each level only points downward, never directly stores the final record.
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 following steps into the correct order to trace the DNS resolution process from a client query to receiving an A-record response.
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
Client sends DNS query to recursive resolver
The client first sends its query to a recursive resolver (often provided by the ISP or a public DNS service). The resolver then queries a root name server to find the TLD server for the domain's top-level domain (e.g., .com). Next, the resolver queries the TLD server to learn the authoritative name server for the specific domain. Finally, the resolver queries that authoritative server, which responds with the A record containing the IP address. Each step depends on the previous one because higher-level servers only delegate to lower levels, not store final records. The resolver then caches the response and returns it to the client, completing the process. Nslookup and dig are diagnostic tools used after this resolution if records are missing or incorrect, but they are not part of the resolution steps themselves.
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.
- ✓
Client sends DNS query to recursive resolver
Why this is correct
This is the first step: the client initiates the DNS resolution by sending a query to its configured recursive resolver (e.g., ISP or public DNS).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Recursive resolver queries root name server
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because the recursive resolver first checks its cache; if not cached, it queries the root server. However, the correct order places the root query after the resolver receives the client query.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Recursive resolver queries TLD name server
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because the TLD query occurs after the root server responds with the TLD server's address.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Recursive resolver queries authoritative name server
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because the authoritative query is the fourth step, after the TLD server responds with the authoritative server's address.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
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: Client sends DNS query to recursive resolver — The client first sends its query to a recursive resolver (often provided by the ISP or a public DNS service). The resolver then queries a root name server to find the TLD server for the domain's top-level domain (e.g., .com). Next, the resolver queries the TLD server to learn the authoritative name server for the specific domain. Finally, the resolver queries that authoritative server, which responds with the A record containing the IP address. Each step depends on the previous one because higher-level servers only delegate to lower levels, not store final records. The resolver then caches the response and returns it to the client, completing the process. Nslookup and dig are diagnostic tools used after this resolution if records are missing or incorrect, but they are not part of the resolution steps themselves.
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
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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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