Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →- A
DNS
DNS maps hostnames to IP addresses.
- B
DHCP
Why wrong: DHCP leases addressing information.
- C
NTP
Why wrong: NTP is for time synchronization.
- D
SNMP
Why wrong: SNMP is for monitoring and management.
Question 1,231 of 1,819
CCNA Network Services and Security Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network services and security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. A key principle to apply: dNS resolves human-readable hostnames into IP addresses to enable network communication between devices.. 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.
Which protocol is used to resolve a hostname such as www.example.com into an IP address?
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
✓
DNS
DNS resolves names to addresses. DHCP hands out addressing parameters, NTP synchronizes time, and SNMP is used for management and monitoring.
Key principle: DNS resolves human-readable hostnames into IP addresses to enable network communication between devices.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is mistaking DHCP for DNS because both protocols are essential IP services and often appear together in network configurations. Candidates may incorrectly select DHCP, thinking it resolves hostnames, but DHCP only assigns IP addresses and network parameters, not name resolution. Another trap is confusing NTP or SNMP with DNS due to their roles in network operations; however, NTP synchronizes time and SNMP manages devices, neither resolving hostnames. Understanding that DNS specifically maps domain names to IP addresses prevents this common mistake.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Domain Name System (DNS) is a fundamental IP service that translates human-readable hostnames like www.example.com into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate and communicate with each other on a network. DNS operates in a hierarchical and distributed manner, using a series of DNS servers to resolve queries from local caches to root servers and authoritative name servers. This process is essential for internet and intranet connectivity, as IP addresses are required for routing packets, but users prefer memorable domain names. In Cisco networking and the CCNA context, understanding DNS is crucial because it supports name resolution for network devices and services. When a Cisco device or client needs to communicate with a hostname, it queries a configured DNS server to obtain the corresponding IP address. This differs from DHCP, which dynamically assigns IP addresses and other network parameters, NTP, which synchronizes device clocks, and SNMP, which manages and monitors network devices. Correctly identifying DNS as the protocol for hostname resolution is vital for troubleshooting and configuring IP services. A common exam trap is confusing DNS with DHCP due to their similar acronyms and both being IP services. DHCP assigns IP addresses and network configuration parameters but does not resolve hostnames. Another confusion arises with NTP and SNMP, which serve entirely different purposes. Practically, DNS failures lead to inability to reach domain names despite IP connectivity, while DHCP issues cause IP addressing problems. Recognizing these distinctions helps in both exam scenarios and real-world Cisco network troubleshooting.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- DNS resolves human-readable hostnames into IP addresses to enable network communication between devices.
- Cisco devices use DNS queries to translate domain names before initiating IP-based communication.
- DHCP assigns IP addresses and network configuration but does not perform hostname resolution.
- NTP synchronizes device clocks and does not participate in IP address or hostname resolution.
- SNMP provides network device monitoring and management, unrelated to resolving hostnames.
- DNS operates hierarchically, querying local caches, authoritative servers, and root servers to resolve names.
- Failure in DNS resolution results in inability to reach domain names despite underlying IP connectivity.
- Correctly distinguishing DNS from DHCP, NTP, and SNMP is critical for troubleshooting and exam accuracy.
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 hostnames into IP addresses to enable network communication between devices.
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 hostnames into IP addresses to enable network communication between devices. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review dNS resolves human-readable hostnames into IP addresses to enable network communication between devices., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Network Services and Security — This question tests Network Services and Security — DNS resolves human-readable hostnames into IP addresses to enable network communication between devices..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DNS — DNS resolves names to addresses. DHCP hands out addressing parameters, NTP synchronizes time, and SNMP is used for management and monitoring.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review dNS resolves human-readable hostnames into IP addresses to enable network communication between devices., 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 hostnames into IP addresses to enable network communication between devices.
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Last reviewed: May 17, 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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