The answer is that a firewall is blocking ICMP traffic, which prevents the ping command from reaching the target computer at 192.168.1.20. This is correct because while the user can browse the internet—confirming that DNS resolution, the default gateway, and the subnet mask are all functioning properly—the ping utility relies on Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) packets, which are often filtered by firewalls for security reasons. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how different protocols serve different functions: HTTP/HTTPS traffic uses TCP, while ping uses ICMP, and a firewall can selectively permit one while blocking the other. A common trap is assuming a network configuration error like a wrong gateway or DNS issue, but since web browsing works, the problem is protocol-specific. Remember the memory tip: “Ping is ICMP, web is TCP—if one works and the other doesn’t, check the firewall policy.”
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.
Refer to the exhibit. A user on this computer can browse the internet but cannot ping another computer at 192.168.1.20. 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
✓
A firewall is blocking ICMP traffic
The user can browse the internet, which confirms that the default gateway, DNS resolution, and subnet mask are correctly configured. However, the ping command fails specifically to 192.168.1.20, a local address. This indicates that ICMP traffic (used by ping) is being blocked, most likely by a firewall on the target computer or an intermediate device, while other traffic (HTTP/HTTPS) is permitted.
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.
✗
The default gateway is incorrect
Why it's wrong here
If gateway were wrong, internet access would fail.
Firewalls often block ping (ICMP) while allowing other traffic.
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.
✗
The subnet mask is wrong
Why it's wrong here
Wrong subnet mask would prevent communication with local devices.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume a failed ping always indicates a network connectivity problem, but CompTIA tests the understanding that ICMP can be selectively blocked by a firewall while other traffic continues to work.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Ping uses ICMP Echo Request and Echo Reply messages (protocol 1). Firewalls can be configured to block ICMP while allowing TCP/UDP traffic on ports 80/443, which is a common security practice to prevent network reconnaissance. The fact that internet browsing works (TCP/80 or TCP/443) but ping fails to a local IP strongly suggests an ICMP-specific filter, not a routing or addressing problem.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
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: A firewall is blocking ICMP traffic — The user can browse the internet, which confirms that the default gateway, DNS resolution, and subnet mask are correctly configured. However, the ping command fails specifically to 192.168.1.20, a local address. This indicates that ICMP traffic (used by ping) is being blocked, most likely by a firewall on the target computer or an intermediate device, while other traffic (HTTP/HTTPS) is permitted.
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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