- A
ip route
Why wrong: ip route shows the routing table, not the path to a host.
- B
mtr
Why wrong: mtr combines ping and traceroute but may require root for some features.
- C
ping
Why wrong: ping tests connectivity but does not show intermediate hops.
- D
tracepath
Correct: tracepath traces the path without requiring root.
Question 926 of 981
XK0-005 Troubleshooting Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which command is used to trace the network path to a destination host, showing each hop along the way, and is similar to traceroute but does not require root privileges by default?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"which command"Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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
✓
tracepath
tracepath is similar to traceroute but uses UDP probes and does not require root, making it more accessible.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
ip route
Why it's wrong here
ip route shows the routing table, not the path to a host.
- ✗
mtr
Why it's wrong here
mtr combines ping and traceroute but may require root for some features.
- ✗
ping
Why it's wrong here
ping tests connectivity but does not show intermediate hops.
- ✓
tracepath
Why this is correct
Correct: tracepath traces the path without requiring root.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
ip route shows the routing table, not the path to a host.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related XK0-005 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
- →
Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Troubleshooting practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All XK0-005 questions
981 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
XK0-005 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related XK0-005 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Security practice questions
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to Security.
Troubleshooting practice questions
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to Troubleshooting.
Scripting, Containers, and Automation practice questions
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to Scripting, Containers, and Automation.
System Management practice questions
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to System Management.
Scripting, Containers and Automation practice questions
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to Scripting, Containers and Automation.
XK0-005 fundamentals practice questions
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to XK0-005 fundamentals.
XK0-005 scenario practice questions
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to XK0-005 scenario.
XK0-005 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to XK0-005 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free XK0-005 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this XK0-005 question test?
Troubleshooting — This question tests Troubleshooting — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: tracepath — tracepath is similar to traceroute but uses UDP probes and does not require root, making it more accessible.
What should I do if I get this XK0-005 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related XK0-005 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This XK0-005 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 XK0-005 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.