Match each IPv6 concept to its most accurate description.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common exam trap is confusing IPv6 address types and their scopes, such as mistaking a link-local address for a global unicast address. Candidates often incorrectly assume that link-local addresses can be routed beyond the local network segment, which they cannot. Another frequent mistake is mixing up SLAAC, a host self-configuration method, with routing protocols like OSPFv3, which manage routing tables rather than address assignment. This confusion leads to incorrect matching of IPv6 concepts to their descriptions, especially under time pressure.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
IPv6 introduces several key concepts that differ significantly from IPv4, including address types, configuration methods, and routing protocols. A global unicast address in IPv6 is a unique address assigned to a device that can be routed across the internet or large-scale networks, similar to a public IPv4 address. In contrast, a link-local address is automatically assigned to an interface and is only valid within the local network segment; it cannot be routed beyond that link. This distinction is fundamental for understanding IPv6 addressing and communication scope. Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC) is a mechanism that allows IPv6 hosts to configure their own addresses automatically without requiring a DHCP server. SLAAC uses Router Advertisement messages sent by routers to inform hosts about network prefixes and other configuration parameters. This method simplifies host configuration and supports plug-and-play networking. Meanwhile, OSPFv3 is the version of the OSPF routing protocol designed to support IPv6 networks. Unlike SLAAC, OSPFv3 manages routing information and path selection rather than host address configuration. A frequent source of confusion in Cisco CCNA exams is mixing these concepts due to their simultaneous appearance in IPv6 scenarios. For example, candidates might incorrectly associate SLAAC with routing or think that link-local addresses can be used for global communication. Understanding that address scope (global unicast vs. link-local), configuration method (SLAAC), and routing protocol (OSPFv3) serve distinct roles helps avoid these pitfalls. Practically, Cisco devices use link-local addresses for routing protocol neighbor discovery and management traffic, while SLAAC and global unicast addresses enable broader network communication.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- A global unicast IPv6 address is assigned to a device for routable communication across the internet or large networks.
- An IPv6 link-local address is automatically assigned and only valid within the local network segment, preventing routing beyond the link.
- SLAAC allows IPv6 hosts to self-configure their addresses using router advertisements without requiring DHCP servers.
- OSPFv3 is the IPv6-compatible version of the OSPF routing protocol that manages routing tables and path selection in IPv6 networks.
- IPv6 address types and configuration methods serve distinct roles and should not be confused during CCNA exam scenarios.
- Link-local addresses are essential for IPv6 routing protocol operations like neighbor discovery but are not used for global communication.
- Router advertisements in SLAAC provide prefix information enabling hosts to generate their own global unicast addresses.
- OSPFv3 uses link-local addresses for neighbor relationships but routes global unicast addresses for end-to-end communication.
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.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A router learns the same prefix from both OSPF and EIGRP. Which route is installed by default?
Question 2
A router shows this output: R1#show ip ospf neighbor Neighbor ID Pri State Dead Time Address Interface 10.1.1.2 1 FULL/DR 00:00:34 192.168.12.2 GigabitEthernet0/0 10.1.1.3 1 2WAY/DROTHER 00:00:39 192.168.12.3 GigabitEthernet0/0 Which statement is correct?
Question 3
What is the OSPF metric called?
Question 4
A non-root switch has two uplinks toward the root bridge. One path has a lower total STP cost than the other. What role will the lower-cost uplink have?
Question 5
A router interface applies this ACL inbound: 10 deny tcp any any eq 80 20 permit ip any any A user reports that web browsing to a server by IP address fails, but ping works. Which statement best explains the behavior?
Question 6
A router learns route 198.51.100.0/24 from OSPF with AD 110 and also has a static route to the same prefix configured with AD 150. Which route is installed?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
A global unicast IPv6 address is assigned to a device for routable communication across the internet or large networks.
What exam trap should I watch out for?
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword: A common exam trap is confusing IPv6 address types and their scopes, such as mistaking a link-local address for a global unicast address. Candidates often incorrectly assume that link-local addresses can be routed beyond the local network segment, which they cannot. Another frequent mistake is mixing up SLAAC, a host self-configuration method, with routing protocols like OSPFv3, which manage routing tables rather than address assignment. This confusion leads to incorrect matching of IPv6 concepts to their descriptions, especially under time pressure.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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