Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Why is Telnet generally discouraged for network 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
It cannot cross routed networks
Telnet can cross routed networks if connectivity exists.
B
Best answer
It sends credentials and commands in clear text
Correct. Lack of encryption is the key weakness.
C
Distractor review
It supports only local usernames
That is not the core security issue.
D
Distractor review
It works only from the console port
Telnet is a remote protocol, not a console-only method.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is assuming Telnet is discouraged because it cannot cross routed networks or only supports local usernames. Candidates might mistakenly focus on connectivity or user database limitations rather than the core security flaw. Telnet can indeed operate over routed networks and supports various authentication methods, but the real problem is that it transmits credentials and commands in clear text. This lack of encryption exposes sensitive information to interception, which is why Telnet is generally discouraged for network device administration in favor of secure protocols like SSH.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
Telnet is a legacy network protocol used for remote device management that transmits data, including usernames and passwords, in clear text without encryption. This lack of encryption means that anyone with access to the network path can intercept and read sensitive information, making Telnet inherently insecure for managing Cisco routers and switches. In contrast, secure alternatives like SSH encrypt session data, protecting credentials and commands from eavesdropping. In Cisco networking environments, the decision to avoid Telnet is based on security best practices and compliance with modern standards. Cisco devices support both Telnet and SSH, but SSH is preferred because it uses encryption algorithms to secure the management session. When configuring remote access, network administrators should disable Telnet and enable SSH to ensure confidentiality and integrity of administrative sessions, especially over untrusted or routed networks. A common exam trap is confusing Telnet’s capability to cross routed networks with its security limitations. While Telnet can function across routed networks if connectivity exists, the critical issue is that it sends all data in plain text. Practically, this means Telnet sessions are vulnerable to interception and credential theft, which is unacceptable in secure enterprise environments. Understanding this distinction helps avoid selecting incorrect answers that focus on connectivity rather than security.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Telnet transmits usernames, passwords, and commands in clear text, making it vulnerable to interception and eavesdropping on the network.
- Cisco devices support both Telnet and SSH, but SSH encrypts session data to protect administrative credentials and commands.
- Network administrators should disable Telnet and enable SSH to secure remote management of Cisco routers and switches.
- Telnet can operate across routed networks if connectivity exists, so its limitation is not related to routing capabilities.
- The primary security risk of Telnet is the lack of encryption, which exposes sensitive information to attackers on the network path.
- SSH uses encryption algorithms such as AES to ensure confidentiality and integrity of remote management sessions.
- Choosing Telnet over SSH in a Cisco environment increases the risk of credential theft and unauthorized device access.
- Understanding the difference between connectivity capabilities and security features is critical for Cisco CCNA exam success.
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?
Telnet transmits usernames, passwords, and commands in clear text, making it vulnerable to interception and eavesdropping on the network.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It sends credentials and commands in clear text — Telnet does not encrypt session data, 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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