This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of network fundamentals. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An application sends a packet with destination IP 10.0.0.10. The sending host's routing table has a default gateway of 10.0.0.1. The host's ARP cache is empty. What is the next step after the host determines the packet should go to the default gateway?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Sends an ARP request for 10.0.0.1
When the host determines that the destination IP (10.0.0.10) is not on the same subnet and must be sent to the default gateway (10.0.0.1), it needs the gateway's MAC address to encapsulate the packet in a Layer 2 frame. Since the ARP cache is empty, the host must send an ARP request for the IP address of the default gateway (10.0.0.1) to obtain its MAC address before the packet can be forwarded.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Sends an ARP request for 10.0.0.1
Why this is correct
The host needs the MAC of the gateway to encapsulate the packet.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Sends the packet to the DNS server
Why it's wrong here
DNS is not involved in the routing or ARP process.
✗
Sends the packet directly to 10.0.0.10
Why it's wrong here
The host does not know the MAC of 10.0.0.10 and cannot send the packet directly until it has the next-hop MAC.
✗
Sends an ARP request for 10.0.0.10
Why it's wrong here
10.0.0.10 is not on the same subnet; the destination is reached via the gateway, so the ARP is for the gateway.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that ARP is always used for the final destination IP, but the trap here is that when routing through a gateway, ARP is only performed for the next-hop router's IP, not the remote destination.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the host performs a logical AND of the destination IP with its subnet mask to determine if the destination is local or remote. If remote, the host uses the default gateway as the next hop and must resolve its MAC via ARP (RFC 826). A subtle behavior: if the destination were on the same subnet, the host would ARP for the destination IP directly, but here the subnet mask (not provided) implies a different subnet, forcing the gateway path.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Network Fundamentals — This question tests Network Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Sends an ARP request for 10.0.0.1 — When the host determines that the destination IP (10.0.0.10) is not on the same subnet and must be sent to the default gateway (10.0.0.1), it needs the gateway's MAC address to encapsulate the packet in a Layer 2 frame. Since the ARP cache is empty, the host must send an ARP request for the IP address of the default gateway (10.0.0.1) to obtain its MAC address before the packet can be forwarded.
What should I do if I get this 200-901 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This 200-901 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 200-901 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.