- A
Client sends DNS query to configured DNS server → DNS server checks cache and forwards query to root server → Root server directs to TLD server → TLD server directs to authoritative server → Authoritative server returns A-record to client → Client uses nslookup to verify → Client uses dig +trace for detailed path analysis
This sequence correctly follows the standard DNS resolution process: the client query goes to the configured DNS server, which then iteratively queries root, TLD, and authoritative servers to obtain the A-record. After resolution, nslookup is used for basic verification, and dig +trace provides detailed path analysis for troubleshooting.
- B
Client sends DNS query to root server → Root server directs to TLD server → TLD server directs to authoritative server → Authoritative server returns A-record to client → Client uses dig +trace → Client uses nslookup to verify
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the client does not send queries directly to root servers; it sends to its configured DNS server. Also, the troubleshooting order should start with nslookup (basic) before dig +trace (detailed).
- C
Client sends DNS query to configured DNS server → DNS server checks cache and forwards query to root server → Root server directs to TLD server → TLD server directs to authoritative server → Authoritative server returns A-record to client → Client uses dig +trace → Client uses nslookup to verify
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the troubleshooting steps are reversed: nslookup should be used first for basic checks, then dig +trace for detailed analysis.
- D
Client sends DNS query to configured DNS server → DNS server checks cache and returns A-record from cache → If not cached, server forwards query to root server → Root server directs to TLD server → TLD server directs to authoritative server → Authoritative server returns A-record to client → Client uses nslookup → Client uses dig +trace
Why wrong: This is incorrect because it includes an unnecessary step about returning from cache before the full iterative query. The standard process does not include a separate cache check step that returns the record before forwarding; the cache check is part of the DNS server's logic but not a separate step in the resolution sequence.
Quick Answer
The correct sequence begins with the client sending a DNS query to its configured DNS server, followed by the server checking its cache and forwarding the query to a root server, which directs it to a TLD server, then to an authoritative server, which finally returns the A-record to the client; for troubleshooting, the client first uses nslookup to verify the record, then dig +trace for detailed path analysis. This order is correct because DNS resolution is inherently hierarchical and iterative—each step moves the query closer to the authoritative source, and the troubleshooting workflow mirrors that hierarchy by starting with a basic query tool before escalating to a trace that reveals each hop. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this drag-and-drop task tests your understanding of both the standard resolution flow and the diagnostic sequence, with a common trap being to place nslookup before the resolution completes or to swap the root and TLD server roles. A reliable memory tip is to think of the resolution as a ladder: client, cache, root, TLD, authoritative, then answer—and for troubleshooting, remember “nslookup first, dig +trace last.”
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.
Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to sequence the DNS resolution process from a client query to receiving an A-record response, followed by the diagnostic workflow using nslookup and dig to identify a missing or incorrect A-record.
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 configured DNS server → DNS server checks cache and forwards query to root server → Root server directs to TLD server → TLD server directs to authoritative server → Authoritative server returns A-record to client → Client uses nslookup to verify → Client uses dig +trace for detailed path analysis
The standard DNS resolution sequence ends with the client receiving the A-record. Troubleshooting uses nslookup first for basic checks, then dig +trace for detailed path analysis.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 configured DNS server → DNS server checks cache and forwards query to root server → Root server directs to TLD server → TLD server directs to authoritative server → Authoritative server returns A-record to client → Client uses nslookup to verify → Client uses dig +trace for detailed path analysis
Why this is correct
This sequence correctly follows the standard DNS resolution process: the client query goes to the configured DNS server, which then iteratively queries root, TLD, and authoritative servers to obtain the A-record. After resolution, nslookup is used for basic verification, and dig +trace provides detailed path analysis for troubleshooting.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
Client sends DNS query to root server → Root server directs to TLD server → TLD server directs to authoritative server → Authoritative server returns A-record to client → Client uses dig +trace → Client uses nslookup to verify
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the client does not send queries directly to root servers; it sends to its configured DNS server. Also, the troubleshooting order should start with nslookup (basic) before dig +trace (detailed).
- ✗
Client sends DNS query to configured DNS server → DNS server checks cache and forwards query to root server → Root server directs to TLD server → TLD server directs to authoritative server → Authoritative server returns A-record to client → Client uses dig +trace → Client uses nslookup to verify
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the troubleshooting steps are reversed: nslookup should be used first for basic checks, then dig +trace for detailed analysis.
- ✗
Client sends DNS query to configured DNS server → DNS server checks cache and returns A-record from cache → If not cached, server forwards query to root server → Root server directs to TLD server → TLD server directs to authoritative server → Authoritative server returns A-record to client → Client uses nslookup → Client uses dig +trace
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because it includes an unnecessary step about returning from cache before the full iterative query. The standard process does not include a separate cache check step that returns the record before forwarding; the cache check is part of the DNS server's logic but not a separate step in the resolution sequence.
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.
✓Client sends DNS query to configured DNS server → DNS server checks cache and forwards query to root server → Root server directs to TLD server → TLD server directs to authoritative server → Authoritative server returns A-record to client → Client uses nslookup to verify → Client uses dig +trace for detailed path analysisCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
This sequence correctly follows the standard DNS resolution process: the client query goes to the configured DNS server, which then iteratively queries root, TLD, and authoritative servers to obtain the A-record. After resolution, nslookup is used for basic verification, and dig +trace provides detailed path analysis for troubleshooting.
✗Client sends DNS query to root server → Root server directs to TLD server → TLD server directs to authoritative server → Authoritative server returns A-record to client → Client uses dig +trace → Client uses nslookup to verifyWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The client's initial query is to its configured DNS server, not directly to a root server. Additionally, nslookup is typically used before dig for basic verification.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think the client directly queries root servers, or they may confuse the order of troubleshooting tools.
✗Client sends DNS query to configured DNS server → DNS server checks cache and forwards query to root server → Root server directs to TLD server → TLD server directs to authoritative server → Authoritative server returns A-record to client → Client uses dig +trace → Client uses nslookup to verifyWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The standard troubleshooting workflow starts with nslookup (basic) and then dig +trace (detailed). Reversing them is not the recommended order.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think dig +trace is more powerful and should be used first, but nslookup is simpler and should be the initial diagnostic step.
✗Client sends DNS query to configured DNS server → DNS server checks cache and returns A-record from cache → If not cached, server forwards query to root server → Root server directs to TLD server → TLD server directs to authoritative server → Authoritative server returns A-record to client → Client uses nslookup → Client uses dig +traceWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The DNS server's cache check is implicit and not a separate step in the resolution flow. The sequence should show the query being forwarded to root servers if not cached, without an intermediate return step.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may overcomplicate the process by explicitly including cache behavior, but the question expects the standard iterative resolution steps without extra detail.
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: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 200-301 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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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 — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Client sends DNS query to configured DNS server → DNS server checks cache and forwards query to root server → Root server directs to TLD server → TLD server directs to authoritative server → Authoritative server returns A-record to client → Client uses nslookup to verify → Client uses dig +trace for detailed path analysis — The standard DNS resolution sequence ends with the client receiving the A-record. Troubleshooting uses nslookup first for basic checks, then dig +trace for detailed path analysis.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 200-301 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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
2 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 following steps into the correct order to sequence the DNS resolution process from a client query to receiving an A-record response, followed by the nslookup and dig diagnostic workflow for troubleshooting missing or wrong DNS records.
medium- ✓ A.Client sends DNS query to local resolver; server responds with A-record; client uses IP address; then nslookup for basic query; then dig for detailed diagnostics.
- B.Client sends DNS query to local resolver; server responds with A-record; client uses IP address; then dig for detailed diagnostics; then nslookup for basic query.
- C.Client sends DNS query to local resolver; client uses IP address; server responds with A-record; then nslookup for basic query; then dig for detailed diagnostics.
- D.Client sends DNS query to local resolver; server responds with A-record; then nslookup for basic query; then dig for detailed diagnostics; then client uses IP address.
Why A: The DNS resolution process starts with the client query, server response, and client use. Troubleshooting follows with nslookup for basic queries and dig for detailed diagnostics.
Variation 2. Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to sequence the DNS resolution process from a client query to receiving an A-record response, including the use of nslookup and dig for diagnosis.
medium- ✓ A.Client sends DNS query to configured recursive resolver (e.g., ISP or public DNS)
- ✓ B.Recursive server queries root, TLD, and authoritative servers to resolve the name
- ✓ C.Authoritative DNS server returns the A-record to the recursive resolver
- ✓ D.Client uses nslookup or dig to verify the resolved A-record
Why A: DNS resolution starts with the client query, then recursive server lookups, authoritative response, caching and reply, and finally diagnostic tools like nslookup or dig to verify.
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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