The answer is to change the DHCP scope option for the default gateway to 192.168.1.1. This is correct because the DHCP server is handing out its own IP address (192.168.1.10) as the default gateway, but that server is not configured to route traffic to the internet—only the cable modem at 192.168.1.1 can do that. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of DHCP scope options and how misconfigured gateway settings break internet access while leaving local connectivity intact. A common trap is assuming the server can act as a router just because it’s the DHCP server; in reality, the gateway must point to the device that connects to the outside network. For a quick memory tip: remember that the default gateway should always be the router’s IP, not the server’s—think “gateway goes to the gateway device.”
FC0-U61 IT Concepts and Terminology Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of it concepts and terminology. 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 small business has a single server running Windows Server 2019 that acts as a domain controller, file server, and DHCP server. The server has a single network interface with IP address 192.168.1.10/24. The office has 30 client computers running Windows 10. All clients obtain IP addresses automatically. The network uses a single unmanaged switch. The internet connection is provided by a cable modem with IP 192.168.1.1. The server is configured with a static IP of 192.168.1.10, and the DHCP scope is 192.168.1.100-192.168.1.200. Recently, users have reported that they cannot access the internet. The technician checks that the cable modem is online and that the server can ping the modem. The technician runs 'ipconfig /all' on a client and sees: IP: 192.168.1.101, Subnet: 255.255.255.0, Default Gateway: 192.168.1.10, DNS: 192.168.1.10. The client can ping the server (192.168.1.10) but cannot ping the modem (192.168.1.1). What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Change the DHCP scope option for the default gateway to 192.168.1.1
The correct answer is D. The DHCP scope is configured with the default gateway option set to 192.168.1.10 (the server's IP), but the actual default gateway for internet access is the cable modem at 192.168.1.1. Since clients receive their gateway via DHCP, they are sending all off-subnet traffic to the server, which is not configured to route to the internet. Changing the DHCP scope option for the default gateway to 192.168.1.1 will allow clients to route internet traffic through the modem.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Disable the Windows Firewall on the server to allow traffic
Why it's wrong here
Firewall is not the issue; clients can ping the server.
✗
Replace the cable modem as it is not routing traffic correctly
Why it's wrong here
The modem is reachable from the server, so it is working.
✗
Configure the DNS server to forward queries to 8.8.8.8
Change the DHCP scope option for the default gateway to 192.168.1.1
Why this is correct
Clients are getting the wrong gateway; they need the modem's IP.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume the server can act as a router because it is a domain controller and file server, but without enabling routing services (like RRAS), the server will not forward traffic between subnets or to the internet.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DHCP option 3 (Router) defines the default gateway for clients. In this scenario, the server is acting as a DHCP server but not as a router (it lacks IP forwarding enabled). When clients send traffic to 192.168.1.1, they use ARP to resolve the MAC address; if the gateway is set to the server, the server receives the packet but does not forward it because it is not configured as a router. In a real-world environment, a small business might use a single device (like a modem/router combo) as the gateway, and the DHCP scope must point to that device's IP.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
IT Concepts and Terminology — This question tests IT Concepts and Terminology — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Change the DHCP scope option for the default gateway to 192.168.1.1 — The correct answer is D. The DHCP scope is configured with the default gateway option set to 192.168.1.10 (the server's IP), but the actual default gateway for internet access is the cable modem at 192.168.1.1. Since clients receive their gateway via DHCP, they are sending all off-subnet traffic to the server, which is not configured to route to the internet. Changing the DHCP scope option for the default gateway to 192.168.1.1 will allow clients to route internet traffic through the modem.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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