The answer is that the network connection is down, as the ping failure to an IP address like 8.8.8.8 with 100% loss indicates no basic IP connectivity, while the subsequent DNS resolution error for google.com is a secondary symptom. When a ping fails to an IP, it means the device cannot reach any host on the network layer, ruling out DNS as the root cause—DNS only fails because the network is already unreachable. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between a network outage and a DNS-specific failure; a common trap is to blame DNS first when you see a name resolution error, but the simultaneous IP ping failure proves the issue is deeper. Remember the memory tip: “If the IP ping dies, DNS is just a side effect—check the cable or the router first.”
FC0-U61 Infrastructure Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
$ ping 8.8.8.8
PING 8.8.8.8 (8.8.8.8) 56(84) bytes of data.
--- 8.8.8.8 ping statistics ---
4 packets transmitted, 0 received, 100% packet loss
$ ping google.com
ping: google.com: Temporary failure in name resolution
Refer to the exhibit. A technician runs two ping commands. Based on the output, which of the following 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
✓
The network connection is down
Option B is correct. The ping to 8.8.8.8 (IP) fails, but the second failure to google.com says 'Temporary failure in name resolution', indicating DNS is not resolving. However, the first ping to an IP fails completely, suggesting no connectivity at all. But the key is that the DNS resolution failure is additional. Actually, the exhibit shows both pings fail. The ping to 8.8.8.8 fails with 100% loss, meaning no IP connectivity. The DNS error is secondary. The most likely cause is that the network is down entirely. Option A is wrong because DNS is not the primary issue since IP ping also fails. Option C is wrong because firewall would cause different errors. Option D is wrong because router is needed for routing.
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 unreachable
Why it's wrong here
Same as B, but B is more general. Since both fail, the network is down.
✓
The network connection is down
Why this is correct
Both pings fail, indicating no network connectivity.
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.
Firewall might block ping, but DNS failure would not occur.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 practitioner preparing for the FC0-U61 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which FC0-U61 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Infrastructure — This question tests Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The network connection is down — Option B is correct. The ping to 8.8.8.8 (IP) fails, but the second failure to google.com says 'Temporary failure in name resolution', indicating DNS is not resolving. However, the first ping to an IP fails completely, suggesting no connectivity at all. But the key is that the DNS resolution failure is additional. Actually, the exhibit shows both pings fail. The ping to 8.8.8.8 fails with 100% loss, meaning no IP connectivity. The DNS error is secondary. The most likely cause is that the network is down entirely. Option A is wrong because DNS is not the primary issue since IP ping also fails. Option C is wrong because firewall would cause different errors. Option D is wrong because router is needed for routing.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 question wrong?
Identify which FC0-U61 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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