Question 1mediummulti select
Full question →mediummulti selectObjective-mapped
Which two statements accurately describe DNS in everyday network use?
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 helps resolve hostnames into IP-related information.
This is correct because name resolution is DNS’s core function.
B
Best answer
DNS makes services easier to use by allowing names instead of raw IP addresses.
This is correct because this is one of DNS’s main usability benefits.
C
Distractor review
DNS automatically assigns IP addresses to hosts.
This is wrong because DHCP assigns IP configuration.
D
Distractor review
DNS replaces the need for subnet masks.
This is wrong because subnet masks still define address scope.
E
Distractor review
DNS elects the STP root bridge.
This is wrong because DNS and STP are unrelated.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is mistaking DNS for DHCP or other network functions. Some candidates incorrectly believe DNS assigns IP addresses to hosts, but that role belongs to DHCP. Others confuse DNS with protocols like STP, which manages network topology but is unrelated to name resolution. This confusion arises because both DNS and DHCP are IP services, but they serve distinct purposes. Misunderstanding these roles can lead to incorrect answers and misconfiguration in real networks. Remember, DNS only resolves hostnames into IP-related information and does not handle IP address assignment or network path selection.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
The Domain Name System (DNS) is a fundamental IP service that translates human-readable hostnames into IP addresses and other related information. This translation allows users and applications to use easy-to-remember domain names instead of numeric IP addresses, which are difficult to memorize and manage. DNS operates through a distributed hierarchy of servers that respond to queries by resolving names to IP addresses or other resource records, enabling seamless network communication and service access. In Cisco and CCNA contexts, DNS is essential for simplifying network operations and user experience. When a device needs to communicate with another host, it queries DNS to resolve the hostname into an IP address before initiating communication. This process is distinct from DHCP, which dynamically assigns IP addresses to hosts. DNS does not assign IP addresses but only resolves names to IP-related information. Understanding this distinction is critical for correctly configuring and troubleshooting IP services in Cisco networks. A common exam trap is confusing DNS with DHCP or other network protocols like STP. DNS does not assign IP addresses or manage network topology; it solely resolves names to IP addresses or related data. Practically, DNS allows network administrators to change IP addresses without impacting users, as the hostname remains constant. This separation of naming and addressing is a key design principle that enhances network flexibility and usability.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- DNS resolves human-friendly hostnames into IP addresses or other IP-related information to enable network communication.
- DNS improves network usability by allowing users and applications to use names instead of memorizing numeric IP addresses.
- DNS operates as a distributed hierarchical system of servers that respond to queries for name resolution.
- DNS does not assign IP addresses; that function is performed by DHCP, which dynamically allocates IP configurations.
- DNS allows IP addresses to change without affecting users because the hostname remains consistent and resolvable.
- DNS and DHCP are separate IP services with distinct roles: DNS resolves names, DHCP assigns IP addresses.
- DNS does not participate in network topology decisions or protocol functions such as STP root bridge election.
- Understanding the difference between DNS and other IP services is critical to correctly configuring and troubleshooting Cisco networks.
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.
Related practice questions
Related 200-301 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
CCNA subnetting practice questions
Practise IPv4 subnetting, CIDR, masks, host ranges and subnet selection.
CCNA OSPF practice questions
Practise OSPF neighbours, router IDs, metrics, areas and routing-table interpretation.
CCNA VLAN practice questions
Practise VLANs, access ports, trunks, allowed VLANs and switching scenarios.
CCNA STP practice questions
Practise spanning tree, root bridge election, port roles and STP troubleshooting.
CCNA EtherChannel practice questions
Practise LACP, PAgP, port-channel behaviour and bundle requirements.
CCNA ACL practice questions
Practise standard and extended ACLs, permit/deny logic and traffic filtering.
CCNA NAT practice questions
Practise static NAT, dynamic NAT, PAT and inside/outside address translation.
CCNA DHCP practice questions
Practise DHCP scopes, relay, leases and troubleshooting.
CCNA show ip route practice questions
Practise routing-table output, longest-prefix match, AD and route selection.
CCNA show interfaces trunk practice questions
Practise trunk verification and VLAN forwarding across switches.
CCNA wireless security practice questions
Practise WLAN security, authentication and wireless architecture concepts.
CCNA IPv6 practice questions
Practise IPv6 addressing, routes, neighbour discovery and common IPv6 exam traps.
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-friendly hostnames into IP addresses or other IP-related information to enable network communication.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DNS helps resolve hostnames into IP-related information. — DNS is used to translate human-friendly names into IP-related information. In practical terms, it makes networks easier to use because people and applications can refer to systems by name instead of memorizing numeric IP addresses. This naming layer also makes changes easier because the underlying IP can change without forcing users to learn a new name. The wrong answers usually confuse DNS with DHCP or routing. The two correct answers are the ones focused on name resolution and usability.
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.
Discussion
Loading comments…
Sign in to join the discussion.