Quick Answer
The answer is `nslookup server.example.com`. This command is correct because it directly queries a DNS server to resolve a given hostname into its corresponding IP address, which is precisely what a technician needs to verify a remote server’s address on a Cisco IOS device. On the Cisco DevNet Associate 200-901 exam, this tests your understanding of basic network troubleshooting and DNS resolution within the IOS environment, often appearing in scenarios where you must distinguish between connectivity verification tools. A common trap is confusing `nslookup` with `ping` or `traceroute`; while those test reachability, only `nslookup` performs a dedicated DNS lookup to confirm the IP mapping. Remember the mnemonic: “Name Service Lookup” – if you need to find the IP from a name, `nslookup` is the game.
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of network fundamentals. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
A technician needs to verify the IP address of a remote server using DNS. Which command should be used on a Cisco IOS device?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
traceroute server.example.com
Why wrong: Traceroute uses DNS but does not explicitly show resolution.
show hosts server.example.com
Why wrong: Show hosts displays static entries, not dynamic lookup.
ping server.example.com
Why wrong: Ping uses DNS but does not show the resolved address.
nslookup server.example.com
Performs DNS lookup and returns IP address.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
nslookup server.example.com
The `nslookup` command is used to query DNS servers to resolve a hostname to an IP address. On a Cisco IOS device, `nslookup` sends a DNS query for the specified hostname and returns the corresponding IP address, making it the correct tool for verifying a remote server's IP via DNS.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
traceroute server.example.com
Why it's wrong here
Traceroute uses DNS but does not explicitly show resolution.
show hosts server.example.com
Why it's wrong here
Show hosts displays static entries, not dynamic lookup.
ping server.example.com
Why it's wrong here
Ping uses DNS but does not show the resolved address.
nslookup server.example.com
Why this is correct
Performs DNS lookup and returns IP address.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between commands that incidentally perform DNS resolution (like `ping` or `traceroute`) and commands specifically designed for DNS queries (`nslookup`), leading candidates to choose `ping` because it shows the resolved IP in its output.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Traceroute uses DNS but does not explicitly show resolution.
Detailed technical explanation
The `nslookup` command on Cisco IOS uses the device's configured DNS resolver to send a standard DNS query (typically A or AAAA record request) to the configured DNS server. It returns the resolved IP address(es) and can also perform reverse lookups. In real-world scenarios, `nslookup` is essential for troubleshooting DNS resolution issues, such as when a hostname resolves to an unexpected IP due to DNS caching or misconfigured records.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 200-901 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Network Fundamentals — This question tests Network Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: nslookup server.example.com — The `nslookup` command is used to query DNS servers to resolve a hostname to an IP address. On a Cisco IOS device, `nslookup` sends a DNS query for the specified hostname and returns the corresponding IP address, making it the correct tool for verifying a remote server's IP via DNS.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.
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