hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-901 Practice Question: An application sends a packet with destination IP…
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
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.
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
✓
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.
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.
- ✗
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.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.