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FC0-U71 Practice Question: A technician is troubleshooting a network slowdown
A technician is troubleshooting a network slowdown. The technician suspects a loop in the network. Which of the following protocols would prevent such a loop?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that protocols like DNS or DHCP can solve layer 2 issues, but the trap here is that candidates confuse network services (DNS, DHCP) with layer 2 loop-prevention mechanisms, forgetting that STP is the only protocol among the options that operates at the data link layer to block redundant paths.
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
✓
STP
STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) is the correct answer because it is specifically designed to prevent network loops in Ethernet networks by dynamically blocking redundant paths. When a loop occurs, broadcast frames can circulate endlessly, causing a broadcast storm that degrades network performance. STP ensures a loop-free topology by placing some switch ports into a blocking state while maintaining redundant links for failover.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
STP
Why this is correct
STP prevents loops by disabling redundant paths.
- ✗
DNS
Why it's wrong here
DNS does not prevent loops.
- ✗
NAT
Why it's wrong here
NAT translates addresses but does not prevent loops.
- ✗
DHCP
Why it's wrong here
DHCP does not prevent loops.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This FC0-U71 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 FC0-U71 exam.