Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Which protocol is used to resolve a hostname such as www.example.com into an IP address?
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
Best answer
DNS
DNS maps hostnames to IP addresses.
B
Distractor review
DHCP
DHCP leases addressing information.
C
Distractor review
NTP
NTP is for time synchronization.
D
Distractor review
SNMP
SNMP is for monitoring and management.
Common exam trap
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.
Technical deep dive
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.
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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?
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?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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