Question 1mediummulti select
Full question →mediummulti selectObjective-mapped
Which two statements accurately describe DNS in normal network operation?
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 the main purpose of DNS.
B
Best answer
DNS makes networks easier for humans to use by allowing names instead of raw IP addresses.
This is correct because DNS improves usability through naming.
C
Distractor review
DNS dynamically assigns host IP addresses like DHCP.
This is wrong because DHCP, not DNS, assigns host IP configuration.
D
Distractor review
DNS replaces the need for default gateways.
This is wrong because DNS does not remove routing requirements.
E
Distractor review
DNS is the spanning-tree protocol used on VLAN trunks.
This is wrong because DNS is unrelated to STP.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is mistaking DNS for DHCP or routing protocols. Some candidates incorrectly believe DNS dynamically assigns IP addresses like DHCP or that it replaces the need for default gateways. This confusion arises because both DNS and DHCP are IP services but serve fundamentally different roles. DNS strictly resolves hostnames to IP addresses and does not handle IP address allocation or routing decisions. Misinterpreting DNS’s function can lead to selecting incorrect answers that describe DHCP’s role or routing concepts, which do not apply to DNS.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
The Domain Name System (DNS) is a fundamental IP service that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate and communicate with each other on a network. DNS operates as a distributed database, where queries are resolved through a hierarchy of DNS servers, including root, top-level domain, and authoritative name servers. This system abstracts the complexity of IP addressing, allowing users and applications to use memorable names instead of numeric IP addresses. In Cisco networking and the CCNA context, DNS is essential for hostname resolution, which supports various network services and applications. When a device needs to communicate with a hostname, it sends a DNS query to a configured DNS server, which responds with the corresponding IP address. This process is distinct from DHCP, which dynamically assigns IP addresses to hosts. DNS does not assign IP addresses but rather maps names to existing IP addresses, facilitating easier network management and usability. A common exam trap is confusing DNS with DHCP or routing functions. DNS does not assign IP addresses or replace routing components like default gateways. Instead, it complements these services by providing name resolution. Practically, DNS allows network administrators to change the IP address of a service without affecting users, as the hostname remains constant. Understanding this distinction is crucial for correctly answering CCNA questions related to IP services and avoiding misconceptions about DNS capabilities.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- DNS resolves human-friendly hostnames into IP addresses to enable network communication using names instead of numeric IPs.
- DNS operates as a hierarchical distributed database that queries multiple DNS servers to find the authoritative IP address for a hostname.
- DNS does not assign IP addresses to hosts; that function is performed by DHCP, which dynamically configures IP settings.
- DNS improves network usability by allowing users and applications to use memorable names rather than raw IP addresses.
- DNS does not replace routing components such as default gateways, which are necessary for forwarding packets between networks.
- DNS queries typically use UDP port 53, and Cisco devices can be configured with DNS server addresses for hostname resolution.
- Confusing DNS with DHCP or routing protocols is a common exam mistake; each service has distinct roles in IP networking.
- DNS allows network administrators to change service IP addresses without affecting users by maintaining consistent hostnames.
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-friendly hostnames into IP addresses to enable network communication using names instead of numeric IPs.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DNS helps resolve hostnames into IP-related information. — DNS helps translate human-friendly names into IP-related information. In plain language, it allows users and applications to work with names instead of memorizing numeric addresses. It also means that a network can change the underlying IP address of a service while keeping the public-facing name the same. DNS is therefore both a usability service and an important abstraction layer. The wrong answers often confuse DNS with DHCP or routing protocols. The two correct answers are the ones that preserve its role in name resolution and human-friendly network use.
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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