The answer is HTTP, which functions as the protocol for transferring web pages, while DNS resolves hostnames to IP addresses, DHCP automatically assigns IP addressing information, NTP synchronizes clocks across network devices, and Syslog forwards event messages to a central collector. This matching is correct because each service has a distinct primary purpose: DNS translates human-readable names into routable IPs, DHCP dynamically allocates addresses and configuration parameters, NTP ensures accurate timestamps for logs and authentication, and HTTP delivers hypertext content between clients and servers. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this type of matching question tests your ability to distinguish core network services without conflating their roles—a common trap is confusing Syslog with SNMP, but remember that SNMP manages devices using MIB objects while Syslog simply collects logs. For a quick memory tip, think of the acronym “D-D-N-H” for the four services: DNS (names), DHCP (addresses), NTP (time), and HTTP (web pages).
CCNA Network Services and Security Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network services and security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: dNS resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses to enable device communication within Cisco networks.. 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 service with the best operational purpose.
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-readable domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses, enabling network devices to locate resources.
B
DHCP: Automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network
This is incorrect because dynamic IP address assignment is the function of DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), not DNS.
C
NTP: Synchronizes clocks of computers over a network
This is incorrect because time synchronization is the purpose of NTP (Network Time Protocol), not DNS.
D
HTTP: Protocol for transferring web pages
This is incorrect because network monitoring and management are typically done using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), 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, DHCP automatically assigns IP addressing information, Syslog forwards event and log messages to a central collector, and SNMP monitors and manages network devices using managed objects. Each matching pair reflects the primary function of the service without introducing unrelated protocols.
Key principle: DNS resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses to enable device communication within Cisco networks.
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 network devices to locate resources.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
DNS resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses to enable device communication within Cisco networks.
✓
DHCP: Automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because dynamic IP address assignment is the function of DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), not DNS.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
DNS resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses to enable device communication within Cisco networks.
✓
NTP: Synchronizes clocks of computers over a network
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because time synchronization is the purpose of NTP (Network Time Protocol), not DNS.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
DNS resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses to enable device communication within Cisco networks.
✓
HTTP: Protocol for transferring web pages
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because network monitoring and management are typically done using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), not DNS.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
DNS resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses to enable device communication within Cisco networks.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Avoid confusing DNS with DHCP or other services. DNS resolves names; DHCP assigns IPs. Remember that each service has a unique primary purpose.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DNS (Domain Name System) is a critical IP service that resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate resources on a network or the internet. In Cisco environments, DNS is essential for name-based routing and management, allowing easier access to devices without memorizing IP addresses. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automates the assignment of IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to hosts, reducing manual configuration errors and simplifying network administration. DHCP leases addresses for a limited time, ensuring efficient IP address utilization.
Syslog is a centralized logging service that collects system messages from network devices, including routers and switches, for monitoring and troubleshooting. Cisco devices generate Syslog messages to report events, errors, and status changes, which are sent to a Syslog server for analysis. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) provides a standardized framework for monitoring and managing network devices by collecting performance data, device status, and configuration information. SNMP enables network administrators to proactively manage device health and performance.
Understanding these services' distinct roles helps avoid common exam pitfalls where candidates confuse their functions. For example, DHCP does not resolve names, and DNS does not assign IP addresses. In practical Cisco networking, these services often work together to maintain network stability and accessibility. Recognizing their operational purposes ensures correct configuration and troubleshooting, which is critical for CCNA exam success and real-world network management.
KKey Concepts to Remember
DNS resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses to enable device communication within Cisco networks.
DHCP dynamically assigns IP addresses and network configuration parameters to hosts, reducing manual setup errors.
Syslog centralizes logging by collecting system messages from Cisco devices for monitoring and troubleshooting purposes.
SNMP monitors and manages network devices by collecting performance and status data using standardized protocols.
Each IP service has a unique operational purpose that supports network functionality and management in Cisco environments.
Confusing DHCP with DNS or SNMP with Syslog leads to incorrect service matching and exam errors.
Cisco devices rely on these IP services to maintain efficient network operations and simplify administration.
Understanding the distinct roles of DNS, DHCP, Syslog, and SNMP is essential for accurate CCNA exam responses.
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 to enable device communication within Cisco networks.
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 to enable device communication within Cisco networks. 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 to enable device communication within Cisco networks., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Network Services and Security — This question tests Network Services and Security — DNS resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses to enable device communication within Cisco networks..
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, DHCP automatically assigns IP addressing information, Syslog forwards event and log messages to a central collector, and SNMP monitors and manages network devices using managed objects. Each matching pair reflects the primary function of the service without introducing unrelated protocols.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review dNS resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses to enable device communication within Cisco networks., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
DNS resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses to enable device communication within Cisco networks.
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