Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Why is SSH preferred over Telnet for remote device administration?
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
SSH uses less bandwidth because it removes the TCP header
SSH still uses TCP and does not remove transport headers.
B
Best answer
SSH encrypts management traffic, while Telnet sends data in clear text
Correct. Encryption is the key reason SSH is preferred.
C
Distractor review
SSH works only on console ports, which are more secure
SSH is used over IP, not only on console ports.
D
Distractor review
SSH does not require user authentication
SSH absolutely can and typically does require authentication.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common exam trap is selecting answers that incorrectly claim SSH reduces bandwidth by removing TCP headers or that it only works on console ports. SSH still uses TCP and standard network ports (usually TCP 22) for communication, and it does not alter transport headers to save bandwidth. Another trap is thinking SSH does not require authentication; in reality, SSH mandates user authentication to establish a secure session. These misconceptions can mislead candidates into choosing technically incorrect options that confuse protocol behavior with security features.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
Secure Shell (SSH) is a network protocol that provides encrypted communication for remote device administration, replacing older protocols like Telnet that transmit data in clear text. SSH uses strong encryption algorithms to protect the confidentiality and integrity of management traffic, including usernames, passwords, and command data, preventing interception or tampering by attackers. This encryption is critical in Cisco networking environments to safeguard device access and configuration changes over untrusted networks. When choosing between SSH and Telnet for remote device management, Cisco devices prefer SSH because it authenticates users and encrypts all session data, ensuring secure communication. Telnet, by contrast, sends all data unencrypted, exposing sensitive credentials and commands to potential eavesdropping. Cisco IOS supports SSH configuration with cryptographic keys and user authentication, making SSH the standard for secure remote access in CCNA-level network administration. A common exam trap is confusing SSH’s encryption benefits with bandwidth or port usage characteristics. SSH does not reduce TCP overhead or operate only on console ports; it runs over IP networks and requires authentication. Understanding that SSH’s primary advantage is encryption helps avoid selecting incorrect options that focus on bandwidth or port types. Practically, network engineers must always enable SSH on Cisco devices to comply with security best practices and prevent credential exposure during remote management.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- SSH encrypts all remote management traffic, protecting usernames, passwords, and commands from interception during transmission.
- Telnet sends management data in clear text, making it vulnerable to eavesdropping and credential theft on untrusted networks.
- Cisco IOS devices prefer SSH over Telnet for remote administration because SSH provides secure authentication and encrypted sessions.
- SSH operates over TCP/IP networks and requires user authentication before granting remote device access.
- Telnet does not encrypt data and should be avoided for remote device management in secure Cisco network environments.
- SSH uses cryptographic keys to establish secure sessions, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity.
- Remote device administration using SSH prevents attackers from capturing sensitive configuration commands and login credentials.
- Enabling SSH on Cisco devices aligns with CCNA security fundamentals by enforcing secure remote access protocols.
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 management traffic, protecting usernames, passwords, and commands from interception during transmission.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SSH encrypts management traffic, while Telnet sends data in clear text — SSH protects credentials and management traffic by encrypting the session. Telnet does not provide encryption, so usernames, passwords, and commands can be exposed in transit.
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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