Quick Answer
The correct answer is to first verify the local IP configuration with ipconfig, then ping the loopback address, ping your own NIC address, ping the default gateway, ping the remote server’s IP, and if that fails, use traceroute to pinpoint the broken hop. This order follows Cisco’s bottom-up troubleshooting methodology, which isolates faults from the local host outward to the network, ensuring that each layer of the OSI model is verified before moving to the next. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this drag-and-drop task tests your ability to apply a structured, layer-by-layer approach to a real-world scenario where a client PC cannot connect to a remote server. A common trap is jumping straight to traceroute without first confirming local connectivity, which wastes time and obscures whether the problem is on the client itself. Remember the mnemonic “LIP-DG-RT” for Local IP, Default Gateway, Remote Traceroute to keep the sequence straight.
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.
Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to troubleshoot a client PC that cannot connect to a remote web server.
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
Run ipconfig /all to verify the PC's IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.
The correct order follows Cisco's bottom-up troubleshooting methodology: first verify local IP configuration with ipconfig, then confirm the local TCP/IP stack with a loopback ping, then verify the NIC and IP binding by pinging the assigned address. Next, test connectivity to the default gateway to ensure the local subnet and router are reachable. After that, attempt to reach the remote server's IP address with ping. If that fails, use traceroute to identify where along the path the packets are lost. This sequence efficiently isolates the fault domain from the local device to the internetwork.
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.
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.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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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 — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Run ipconfig /all to verify the PC's IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. — The correct order follows Cisco's bottom-up troubleshooting methodology: first verify local IP configuration with ipconfig, then confirm the local TCP/IP stack with a loopback ping, then verify the NIC and IP binding by pinging the assigned address. Next, test connectivity to the default gateway to ensure the local subnet and router are reachable. After that, attempt to reach the remote server's IP address with ping. If that fails, use traceroute to identify where along the path the packets are lost. This sequence efficiently isolates the fault domain from the local device to the internetwork.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 14, 2026
This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-301 exam.
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