- A
DNS: Converts domain names to IP addresses
Why this is correct: DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-readable domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate resources on the network.
- B
DNS: Automates IP address assignment to hosts
Why wrong: This is incorrect because DNS does not assign IP addresses; it resolves domain names to IPs. DHCP is the service that automates IP address assignment.
- C
DNS: Maps private IP addresses to public IP addresses
Why wrong: This is incorrect because DNS does not perform address translation; NAT (Network Address Translation) maps private IPs to public IPs for internet access.
- D
DNS: Resolves IP addresses to MAC addresses
Why wrong: This is incorrect because DNS resolves domain names to IPs, not IPs to MACs. ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) performs IP-to-MAC resolution.
Quick Answer
The answer is DNS converts domain names to IP addresses, while DHCP automates IP configuration, NTP synchronizes clocks across devices, and Syslog centralizes event and log reporting for monitoring and troubleshooting. This mapping is correct because each service fulfills a distinct, foundational role in network operations: DNS resolves human-readable names into routable addresses, DHCP dynamically assigns IPs and other parameters, NTP ensures consistent timestamps for logs and authentication, and Syslog aggregates system messages for centralized analysis. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this matching question tests your understanding of core network services roles, often appearing in the “Network Access” or “IP Connectivity” sections. A common trap is confusing Syslog with SNMP—remember Syslog is for log collection, not polling or traps. For a quick memory tip, think of the acronym D.N.S. as “Domain Name Service,” D.H.C.P. as “Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol,” N.T.P. as “Network Time Protocol,” and Syslog as “System Log.”
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. A key principle to apply: dNS resolves human-readable hostnames into IP addresses, enabling devices to communicate using domain names instead of numeric IPs.. 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.
Match each basic networking service to its most accurate role.
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
DNS: Converts domain names to IP addresses
DNS converts domain names to IP addresses; DHCP automates IP configuration; NTP synchronizes clocks across devices; Syslog centralizes event and log reporting for monitoring and troubleshooting.
Key principle: DNS resolves human-readable hostnames into IP addresses, enabling devices to communicate using domain names instead of numeric IPs.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
DNS: Converts domain names to IP addresses
Why this is correct
Why this is correct: DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-readable domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate resources on the network.
- ✗
DNS: Automates IP address assignment to hosts
- ✗
DNS: Maps private IP addresses to public IP addresses
- ✗
DNS: Resolves IP addresses to MAC addresses
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.
✓DNS: Converts domain names to IP addressesCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
Why this is correct: DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-readable domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate resources on the network.
✗DNS: Automates IP address assignment to hostsWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: Confusing DNS with DHCP, which is responsible for dynamic IP allocation.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates pick this because both services are commonly used together and both involve IP addresses, leading to a mix-up of their roles.
✗DNS: Maps private IP addresses to public IP addressesWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: Attributing NAT functionality to DNS.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates pick this because both DNS and NAT are involved in internet connectivity, and the term 'mapping' is used in both contexts.
✗DNS: Resolves IP addresses to MAC addressesWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: Confusing DNS with ARP, which operates at Layer 2 for local network communication.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates pick this because both involve resolution, and the phrase 'resolve' is used for both DNS and ARP, causing confusion.
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
Cisco exams often test the specific function of each service. Do not confuse DNS with DHCP, or NTP with Syslog. Remember: DNS = name-to-IP, DHCP = IP assignment, NTP = clock sync, Syslog = logging.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Basic networking services like DNS, DHCP, NTP, and Syslog are essential for network operation and management. DNS (Domain Name System) resolves human-readable hostnames into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate each other on the network. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automates IP address assignment, reducing manual configuration errors and simplifying network administration. NTP (Network Time Protocol) ensures all devices maintain synchronized clocks, which is critical for accurate logging and time-sensitive operations. Syslog centralizes event messages from network devices, facilitating monitoring and troubleshooting. Each service operates with distinct protocols and purposes. DNS uses UDP port 53 to respond to hostname queries, while DHCP uses UDP ports 67 and 68 to lease IP addresses dynamically. NTP communicates over UDP port 123 to synchronize time across devices, ensuring consistency in logs and security protocols. Syslog typically uses UDP port 514 to transmit log messages to a centralized server, enabling administrators to analyze network events efficiently. Understanding these protocols helps in recognizing symptoms related to each service during troubleshooting or exam scenarios. A frequent exam trap is mixing up these services due to overlapping concepts like addressing or logging. For example, confusing DHCP’s role in IP assignment with DNS’s role in name resolution can lead to incorrect answers. Similarly, overlooking the importance of NTP in time synchronization can cause misinterpretation of log timestamps. In practical Cisco networking, correctly identifying these services supports effective network design, troubleshooting, and security auditing, making their roles fundamental knowledge for the CCNA exam.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- DNS resolves human-readable hostnames into IP addresses, enabling devices to communicate using domain names instead of numeric IPs.
- DHCP dynamically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices, reducing manual configuration errors.
- NTP synchronizes the clocks of network devices to a common time source, ensuring accurate timestamps for logs and security protocols.
- Syslog centralizes event messages from multiple network devices, allowing administrators to monitor and troubleshoot network issues efficiently.
- DNS uses UDP port 53 to handle hostname resolution queries and responses within IP networks.
- DHCP operates using UDP ports 67 and 68 to lease IP addresses and configuration details to clients automatically.
- NTP communicates over UDP port 123 to maintain time synchronization across all network devices.
- Syslog transmits log messages typically over UDP port 514 to a centralized logging server for event correlation and analysis.
TExam Day Tips
- 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
DNS resolves human-readable hostnames into IP addresses, enabling devices to communicate using domain names instead of numeric IPs.
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. DNS resolves human-readable hostnames into IP addresses, enabling devices to communicate using domain names instead of numeric IPs. 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.
Review dNS resolves human-readable hostnames into IP addresses, enabling devices to communicate using domain names instead of numeric IPs., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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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 — DNS resolves human-readable hostnames into IP addresses, enabling devices to communicate using domain names instead of numeric IPs..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DNS: Converts domain names to IP addresses — DNS converts domain names to IP addresses; DHCP automates IP configuration; NTP synchronizes clocks across devices; Syslog centralizes event and log reporting for monitoring and troubleshooting.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review dNS resolves human-readable hostnames into IP addresses, enabling devices to communicate using domain names instead of numeric IPs., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
DNS resolves human-readable hostnames into IP addresses, enabling devices to communicate using domain names instead of numeric IPs.
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Last reviewed: Apr 12, 2026
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