Quick Answer
The answer is `tracert example.com`. This command is the correct choice because it traces the entire route packets take from your computer to the destination server, displaying each intermediate hop and the time taken. When a user can access other websites but not a specific one, the problem often lies somewhere along the network path, and `tracert` pinpoints exactly where packets stop being forwarded, revealing the failing router or firewall. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between basic network troubleshooting tools: `ping` only confirms reachability, `nslookup` resolves domain names, and `netstat` shows active connections—none of which map the route. A common trap is choosing `ping` because it seems faster, but it cannot show you where along the path the failure occurs. For a quick memory tip, think of “Trace Route” as “Track the Route”—if you need to see each step to the website, `tracert` is your map.
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows command-line tools. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 is troubleshooting a user's inability to access a specific website. The user can access other websites without issue. The technician wants to check the route packets take to the problematic server and identify where the connection fails. Which command should be used?
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.
ping -t example.com
Why wrong: Continuously pings the host but does not show the route.
tracert example.com
Traces the route and displays each hop, ideal for identifying where connectivity fails.
nslookup example.com
Why wrong: Resolves the hostname to an IP address but does not trace the route.
netstat -an
Why wrong: Shows active connections and listening ports, not the route.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
tracert example.com
The correct answer is `tracert`, which traces the route to a destination and shows each hop. This helps pinpoint where packets are being dropped. `ping` only tests reachability, `nslookup` resolves names, and `netstat` shows connections.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
ping -t example.com
Why it's wrong here
Continuously pings the host but does not show the route.
tracert example.com
Why this is correct
Traces the route and displays each hop, ideal for identifying where connectivity fails.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
nslookup example.com
Why it's wrong here
Resolves the hostname to an IP address but does not trace the route.
netstat -an
Why it's wrong here
Shows active connections and listening ports, not the route.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Continuously pings the host but does not show the route.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Windows Command-Line Tools — This question tests Windows Command-Line Tools — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: tracert example.com — The correct answer is `tracert`, which traces the route to a destination and shows each hop. This helps pinpoint where packets are being dropped. `ping` only tests reachability, `nslookup` resolves names, and `netstat` shows connections.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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