hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A network administrator needs to determine the…
A network administrator needs to determine the exact model and firmware version of a switch located in a remote wiring closet without physically visiting the site. The switch is configured with an IP address on the management VLAN. Which tool can be used to query the switch's SNMP agent for this information?
⚠ Common exam trap
The exam often tests the distinction between passive monitoring tools (packet analyzers) and active management tools (SNMP managers), leading candidates to mistakenly choose Wireshark because they think it can 'query' a device, when in fact it only captures existing traffic.
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
✓
SNMP management tool
An SNMP management tool can query the switch's SNMP agent using GET requests to retrieve the exact model and firmware version from the system MIB (RFC 1213), specifically the sysDescr (1.3.6.1.2.1.1.1) and sysObjectID (1.3.6.1.2.1.1.2) OIDs. This allows remote, agent-based access without physical site visits, as the switch is reachable via its management VLAN IP address.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Packet analyzer (e.g., Wireshark)
Why it's wrong here
A packet analyzer captures network traffic for analysis but does not actively query SNMP agents unless combined with other tools.
- ✓
SNMP management tool
Why this is correct
An SNMP management tool can send GET requests to the switch's SNMP agent to retrieve device information such as model and firmware version.
- ✗
Port scanner (e.g., Nmap)
Why it's wrong here
A port scanner can detect open ports, including SNMP port 161, but it does not query SNMP for detailed device information without additional scripting.
- ✗
Wi-Fi analyzer
Why it's wrong here
A Wi-Fi analyzer is used for wireless signal analysis and is irrelevant for querying a wired switch's SNMP data.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 220-1201 exam.