The answer is a missing DNS server configuration. This is the most likely cause because when local resources are accessible but the internet fails, it indicates that the local network layer—including ARP and the default gateway—is functioning, but name resolution is broken. Without a correctly configured DNS server, the device cannot translate human-readable domain names like www.example.com into routable IP addresses, so internet access fails even though the IP and gateway settings are valid. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the DNS role in the TCP/IP model; a common trap is to suspect the gateway or DHCP first, but remember that local access proves the gateway is reachable. A helpful memory tip is “DNS for names, gateway for routes”—if you can ping an IP but not a URL, the DNS server is missing.
FC0-U61 Applications and Software Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of applications and software. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. A technician is troubleshooting a connectivity issue. The user can access local resources but cannot reach the internet. Based on the output, 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
✓
Missing DNS server configuration
The user can access local resources but cannot reach the internet, which indicates that local network communication (e.g., ARP, broadcast) is functioning, but name resolution is failing. The output likely shows that the DNS server configuration is missing or incorrect, preventing the resolution of internet domain names to IP addresses. Without a valid DNS server, the user cannot translate URLs like www.example.com into routable IP addresses, even if the default gateway and IP configuration are correct.
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.
No DNS server is shown; without DNS, internet hostnames cannot be resolved.
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
CompTIA often tests the distinction between a missing default gateway (which breaks all off-subnet traffic) and a missing DNS server (which breaks name resolution but allows IP-based access), and the trap here is that candidates assume internet access requires only a default gateway, overlooking that most internet access relies on DNS to resolve domain names.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DNS resolution uses UDP port 53 (or TCP for zone transfers) to query a DNS server for A/AAAA records. When a DNS server is missing or misconfigured, the operating system may fall back to NetBIOS or LLMNR for local name resolution, which explains why local resources (e.g., \\server\share) still work. In Windows, the `ipconfig /all` command displays the DNS server address; if it is blank or set to an unreachable IP, internet browsing fails while local network discovery succeeds.
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.
Applications and Software — This question tests Applications and Software — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Missing DNS server configuration — The user can access local resources but cannot reach the internet, which indicates that local network communication (e.g., ARP, broadcast) is functioning, but name resolution is failing. The output likely shows that the DNS server configuration is missing or incorrect, preventing the resolution of internet domain names to IP addresses. Without a valid DNS server, the user cannot translate URLs like www.example.com into routable IP addresses, even if the default gateway and IP configuration are correct.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This FC0-U61 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-U61 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.