This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of network fundamentals. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which TWO of the following are examples of application layer protocols?
HTTP
HTTP is an application layer protocol used for web traffic.
IP
Why wrong: IP is a network layer protocol.
FTP
FTP is an application layer protocol for file transfer.
TCP
Why wrong: TCP is a transport layer protocol.
ARP
Why wrong: ARP is a data link/network layer protocol.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
HTTP
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) operates at the application layer (Layer 7) of the OSI model, enabling web browsers and servers to exchange hypertext documents. It defines how requests and responses are formatted and transmitted, relying on lower-layer protocols like TCP for reliable delivery.
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.
HTTP
Why this is correct
HTTP is an application layer protocol used for web traffic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
IP
Why it's wrong here
IP is a network layer protocol.
FTP
Why this is correct
FTP is an application layer protocol for file transfer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
TCP
Why it's wrong here
TCP is a transport layer protocol.
ARP
Why it's wrong here
ARP is a data link/network layer protocol.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between transport layer protocols (TCP/UDP) and application layer protocols, trapping candidates who confuse TCP's role in reliable delivery with application-specific functions like HTTP or FTP.
Detailed technical explanation
Application layer protocols like HTTP and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) use well-known port numbers (80 for HTTP, 21 for FTP control) and define specific message formats and state machines. FTP, for example, uses separate control and data connections, with the data connection dynamically negotiated via PORT or PASV commands, highlighting the complexity of application-layer design beyond simple request-response.
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: HTTP — HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) operates at the application layer (Layer 7) of the OSI model, enabling web browsers and servers to exchange hypertext documents. It defines how requests and responses are formatted and transmitted, relying on lower-layer protocols like TCP for reliable delivery.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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