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200-201 Practice Question: A host inside the network has a connection to a…
A host inside the network has a connection to a known malicious IP with TCP state TIME_WAIT. What is the most likely interpretation?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that TIME_WAIT implies ongoing activity or remote termination, when in fact it specifically indicates the local host has completed the connection closure.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The host has finished its communication
The TIME_WAIT TCP state indicates that the local host has initiated the closure of the connection and is waiting for any delayed packets to arrive before fully releasing the socket. This state is entered after the local host sends the final ACK in the four-way handshake, meaning the host has completed its communication with the remote IP. Therefore, the connection is finished, not ongoing.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The host has finished its communication
Why this is correct
Correct. TIME_WAIT means the local side has sent FIN and received ACK, waiting for potential retransmission.
- ✗
The connection was terminated by the remote host
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. If remote terminated, the local state would be CLOSE_WAIT.
- ✗
The host is being scanned
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Scanning shows many short-lived connections, not necessarily TIME_WAIT.
- ✗
The host is actively infected and communicating
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Active communication would show ESTABLISHED, not TIME_WAIT.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-201 exam.