200-901 Network Fundamentals Practice Question
An engineer sees that a DNS query for 'www.example.com' returns a CNAME record. What does this mean?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that a CNAME record directly provides an IP address, when in fact it only provides an alias that requires further resolution.
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 domain is an alias for another domain
A CNAME (Canonical Name) record maps an alias domain name to another canonical domain name. When a DNS query for 'www.example.com' returns a CNAME record, it means 'www.example.com' is an alias for another domain (e.g., 'example.com'), and the resolver must perform a second query to obtain the actual A or AAAA record. This is defined in RFC 1035 and is used to simplify domain management.
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 domain has multiple IP addresses
Why it's wrong here
That would be multiple A records.
- ✗
The domain uses IPv6
Why it's wrong here
IPv6 is indicated by AAAA records.
- ✗
The IP address is directly provided
Why it's wrong here
CNAME does not provide an IP; it provides an alias.
- ✓
The domain is an alias for another domain
Why this is correct
The CNAME points to the canonical name.
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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.