The answer is a routing or NAT issue beyond the local network. This is correct because PC1 can successfully ping its default gateway and the next-hop router (203.0.113.2), but fails to reach 8.8.8.8, proving that local IP configuration, DNS, and the first hop are all working. The fault must therefore lie in the ISP’s routing table or NAT translation, which is outside the scope of PC1 and R1. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this scenario tests your ability to isolate a problem by verifying each layer of connectivity—if the client and local router are clean, the issue is external. A common trap is to waste time reconfiguring PC1 or R1 when the real culprit is upstream. Remember the memory tip: “If you can ping the next hop but not the internet, the problem is beyond your router’s control.”
CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network infrastructure and connectivity. 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.
You are connected to R1 via the console. The network administrator reports that PC1 (connected to R1's GigabitEthernet0/1) cannot reach the internet. Troubleshoot the issue step by step. The current configuration and show outputs are provided.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the scenario states that PC1 can ping the default gateway, which confirms the gateway is correctly configured and reachable.
B
R1 is missing a default route to the ISP.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the scenario indicates that R1 can reach the next-hop router (203.0.113.2), which implies a default route or equivalent is in place.
C
routing or NAT issue beyond the local network
This is correct because PC1 can reach the local gateway and the next-hop router but cannot reach 8.8.8.8, indicating the problem lies beyond the local network, likely with ISP routing or NAT.
D
PC1 has a DNS resolution issue.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the problem is with pinging 8.8.8.8, which is an IP address, not a hostname. DNS is not involved in IP-based pings.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
routing or NAT issue beyond the local network
The issue is that PC1 cannot reach the internet despite having correct IP, gateway, and DNS. PC1 can ping the default gateway and even the next-hop router (203.0.113.2), but fails to ping 8.8.8.8. This indicates that the problem is beyond the local network — likely a routing or NAT issue on the ISP side. However, the task requires troubleshooting client connectivity; the provided outputs show no misconfiguration on PC1 or R1. The fault is external (ISP not routing or no NAT), but the candidate must verify that client configuration is correct and then escalate or check the ISP link. For the PBQ, the candidate should confirm that PC1's IP, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS are correct, and that R1 has a default route and can reach the next hop. No configuration changes are needed on R1 or PC1; the problem is outside the scope of the local network.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
PC1 has an incorrect default gateway configured.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the scenario states that PC1 can ping the default gateway, which confirms the gateway is correctly configured and reachable.
✗
R1 is missing a default route to the ISP.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the scenario indicates that R1 can reach the next-hop router (203.0.113.2), which implies a default route or equivalent is in place.
✓
routing or NAT issue beyond the local network
Why this is correct
This is correct because PC1 can reach the local gateway and the next-hop router but cannot reach 8.8.8.8, indicating the problem lies beyond the local network, likely with ISP routing or NAT.
This is incorrect because the problem is with pinging 8.8.8.8, which is an IP address, not a hostname. DNS is not involved in IP-based pings.
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.
✓routing or NAT issue beyond the local networkCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because PC1 can reach the local gateway and the next-hop router but cannot reach 8.8.8.8, indicating the problem lies beyond the local network, likely with ISP routing or NAT.
✗PC1 has an incorrect default gateway configured.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that a reachable gateway implies correct configuration; if the gateway were wrong, pinging it would fail.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates often assume that internet connectivity issues are due to a misconfigured gateway, but the ability to ping the gateway rules this out.
✗R1 is missing a default route to the ISP.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that reachability to the next hop requires a route; if R1 were missing a default route, it could not forward packets to the next hop.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates often suspect missing default routes when internet access fails, but the ability to ping the next hop confirms routing is working.
✗PC1 has a DNS resolution issue.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that DNS is only needed for name resolution; pinging an IP address bypasses DNS entirely.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates often confuse internet connectivity issues with DNS problems, but the use of an IP address eliminates DNS as a factor.
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: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
This is incorrect because the scenario states that PC1 can ping the default gateway, which confirms the gateway is correctly configured and reachable.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 200-301 question in full detail.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 200-301 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — This question tests Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: routing or NAT issue beyond the local network — The issue is that PC1 cannot reach the internet despite having correct IP, gateway, and DNS. PC1 can ping the default gateway and even the next-hop router (203.0.113.2), but fails to ping 8.8.8.8. This indicates that the problem is beyond the local network — likely a routing or NAT issue on the ISP side. However, the task requires troubleshooting client connectivity; the provided outputs show no misconfiguration on PC1 or R1. The fault is external (ISP not routing or no NAT), but the candidate must verify that client configuration is correct and then escalate or check the ISP link. For the PBQ, the candidate should confirm that PC1's IP, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS are correct, and that R1 has a default route and can reach the next hop. No configuration changes are needed on R1 or PC1; the problem is outside the scope of the local network.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 200-301 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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