Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Which protocol is preferred over Telnet for remote CLI management because it encrypts the session?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Distractor review
FTP
FTP is for file transfer, not secure CLI access.
B
Best answer
SSH
Correct. SSH secures the remote management session.
C
Distractor review
TFTP
TFTP is not an interactive management protocol.
D
Distractor review
SNMPv1
SNMPv1 is not a secure CLI protocol.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is selecting Telnet or other protocols like FTP or TFTP for remote CLI management because they are familiar or commonly mentioned in networking contexts. Telnet is often mistakenly chosen because it provides remote access, but it sends all data unencrypted, exposing credentials to attackers. FTP and TFTP are file transfer protocols and do not support interactive command-line management sessions. SNMPv1 is used for network monitoring, not secure CLI access, and lacks encryption. Candidates must recognize that only SSH encrypts the session, making it the secure and preferred protocol for remote management in Cisco environments.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
Secure Shell (SSH) is a network protocol that provides administrators with a secure method to access and manage network devices remotely. Unlike Telnet, which transmits data, including passwords, in plaintext, SSH encrypts the entire session, protecting sensitive information from interception or eavesdropping. SSH uses cryptographic techniques to authenticate users and establish an encrypted channel, making it the preferred protocol for remote CLI management in Cisco networks. In Cisco devices, SSH is enabled by generating cryptographic keys and configuring the device to accept SSH connections on the VTY lines. When a user initiates an SSH session, the device authenticates the user and encrypts all transmitted data, including commands and responses. This encryption prevents attackers from capturing login credentials or session data, which is a significant security improvement over Telnet. Cisco recommends SSH for all remote management tasks to comply with security best practices and exam standards. A common exam trap is confusing SSH with other protocols like FTP or TFTP, which serve different purposes such as file transfer and do not provide secure CLI access. Additionally, some may mistakenly believe SNMPv1 offers secure management, but it lacks encryption and is not used for interactive CLI sessions. Understanding the specific role of SSH in securing remote management helps avoid these pitfalls and ensures correct protocol selection in both exam scenarios and real-world Cisco network management.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- SSH encrypts all remote CLI management traffic, including user credentials, to prevent interception and unauthorized access.
- Telnet transmits data in plaintext, making it insecure and unsuitable for remote management in production Cisco networks.
- FTP and TFTP are file transfer protocols and do not provide interactive command-line interface access to network devices.
- SNMPv1 is a network monitoring protocol that lacks encryption and is not used for secure remote CLI management.
- Cisco devices require cryptographic key generation and VTY line configuration to enable SSH for secure remote access.
- SSH uses public-key cryptography to authenticate users and establish an encrypted session with Cisco network devices.
- The CCNA exam expects candidates to identify SSH as the preferred protocol for secure remote management over Telnet.
- Misunderstanding the role of protocols like FTP, TFTP, or SNMPv1 in remote management can lead to incorrect exam answers.
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?
SSH encrypts all remote CLI management traffic, including user credentials, to prevent interception and unauthorized access.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SSH — SSH encrypts credentials and management traffic, making it the standard secure replacement for Telnet.
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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