The answer is DNS, which resolves domain names to IP addresses, making it the correct match for hostname resolution. This works because DNS servers maintain distributed databases that translate human-readable names like cisco.com into the numerical addresses routers use to forward traffic. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, network infrastructure services roles are tested through matching or scenario-based questions that require you to distinguish each service’s primary function. A common trap is confusing Syslog with SNMP: remember that Syslog passively collects and centralizes log messages for monitoring and troubleshooting, while SNMP actively polls devices and sends traps for management. For DHCP, think automatic IP configuration; for NTP, think clock synchronization across devices. To lock in these roles, use the mnemonic “DNS Does Names, DHCP Delivers IPs, NTP Never Ticks Wrong, Syslog Sends Logs.”
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 domain names into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate network resources by name.. 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 common infrastructure service to its most accurate role.
DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-readable domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate resources on a network.
B
DNS - Assigns IP addresses to devices dynamically
Why wrong: This is incorrect because dynamic IP address assignment is the role of DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), not DNS.
C
DNS - Synchronizes clocks across network devices
Why wrong: This is incorrect because clock synchronization is performed by NTP (Network Time Protocol), not DNS.
D
DNS - Provides secure remote access to network devices
Why wrong: This is incorrect because secure remote access is provided by SSH (Secure Shell), not DNS.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DNS - Resolves domain names to IP addresses
DNS resolves hostnames to IP addresses (hostname resolution). DHCP automatically assigns IP configurations to devices (automatic IP configuration). NTP synchronizes clocks across network devices (clock synchronization). Syslog collects and centralizes logs from network devices for monitoring and troubleshooting (centralized event and log reporting). A common mistake is confusing Syslog with SNMP: Syslog sends log messages, while SNMP is used for polling and traps for device management.
Key principle: DNS resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate network resources by name.
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 - Resolves 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 a network.
Related concept
DNS resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate network resources by name.
✗
DNS - Assigns IP addresses to devices dynamically
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because dynamic IP address assignment is the role of DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), not DNS.
✗
DNS - Synchronizes clocks across network devices
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because clock synchronization is performed by NTP (Network Time Protocol), not DNS.
✗
DNS - Provides secure remote access to network devices
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because secure remote access is provided by SSH (Secure Shell), not DNS.
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 - Resolves domain names to IP addressesCorrect answer▾
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 a network.
✗DNS - Assigns IP addresses to devices dynamicallyWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is confusing the function of DNS with that of DHCP.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates pick this because both DNS and DHCP are essential network services and often mentioned together, leading to role confusion.
✗DNS - Synchronizes clocks across network devicesWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is assigning the time synchronization role to DNS.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates pick this because they may associate 'synchronization' with DNS updates, but DNS does not handle time.
✗DNS - Provides secure remote access to network devicesWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is attributing remote access functionality to DNS.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates pick this because they may think DNS is involved in secure connections, but DNS only resolves names.
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
The exam often tests your ability to distinguish between DNS and DHCP, as both are foundational services. Remember: DNS resolves names, DHCP assigns addresses. Do not confuse their roles.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DNS is a hierarchical naming system that resolves domain names to IP addresses, allowing users and devices to use memorable names instead of numeric IPs. In Cisco networks, DNS is crucial for services like router hostname resolution and internet access. Cisco IOS devices can be configured to use DNS for name resolution, which simplifies management and troubleshooting by allowing commands to use hostnames instead of IP addresses.
DHCP automates IP address allocation and network parameter distribution such as subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS servers. Cisco routers and switches can act as DHCP servers or relay agents, facilitating dynamic IP assignment in LAN environments. This automation reduces configuration errors and supports scalable network growth by eliminating the need for manual IP address management.
NTP synchronizes device clocks across the network, which is vital for timestamping logs, coordinating security protocols, and ensuring consistent time-based operations. Cisco devices support NTP client and server roles, allowing them to synchronize with authoritative time sources. Syslog collects and forwards log messages from network devices to a centralized server, enabling efficient monitoring and troubleshooting. Accurate timestamps from NTP enhance the usefulness of syslog data by correlating events across devices and time.
KKey Concepts to Remember
DNS resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate network resources by name.
DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses and network configuration parameters to hosts, simplifying network management and reducing errors.
NTP synchronizes clocks across network devices to ensure consistent timestamps for logs and time-sensitive operations.
Syslog centralizes log messages from multiple devices, allowing network administrators to monitor and troubleshoot network events efficiently.
Cisco IOS devices can be configured to use DNS for hostname resolution, which aids in command-line management and network troubleshooting.
DHCP servers or relay agents in Cisco networks facilitate dynamic IP address allocation, supporting scalable network environments.
Accurate NTP synchronization is critical for reliable syslog timestamps, which help correlate events across devices.
Misunderstanding the distinct roles of DNS, DHCP, NTP, and syslog can lead to configuration errors and exam mistakes.
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 domain names into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate network resources by name.
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 domain names into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate network resources by name. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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 dNS resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate network resources by name., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — This question tests Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — DNS resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate network resources by name..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DNS - Resolves domain names to IP addresses — DNS resolves hostnames to IP addresses (hostname resolution). DHCP automatically assigns IP configurations to devices (automatic IP configuration). NTP synchronizes clocks across network devices (clock synchronization). Syslog collects and centralizes logs from network devices for monitoring and troubleshooting (centralized event and log reporting). A common mistake is confusing Syslog with SNMP: Syslog sends log messages, while SNMP is used for polling and traps for device management.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review dNS resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate network resources by name., 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 domain names into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate network resources by name.
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