Question 74 of 464
N10-009 Network Operations Practice Question
A network administrator needs to be notified immediately when the CPU utilization on a core router exceeds 90%. Which SNMP mechanism should be configured on the router?
⚠ Common exam trap
The N10-009 exam often tests the distinction between polling (get/walk) and event-driven notifications (trap/inform), and the trap here is that candidates confuse SNMP get with a proactive alert mechanism, forgetting that get requires the manager to initiate the request.
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
✓
SNMP trap
B is correct because SNMP traps are unsolicited notifications sent from an SNMP agent (the router) to the manager when a predefined condition occurs, such as CPU utilization exceeding 90%. This allows immediate notification without waiting for the manager to poll, which is essential for urgent alerts.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
SNMP get
Why it's wrong here
An SNMP Get operation is a polling mechanism where the Network Management System (NMS) actively queries a managed device for specific information, such as CPU utilization. The device responds with the requested data only when explicitly asked. It does not spontaneously notify the NMS of an event or threshold breach, making it unsuitable for immediate, unsolicited alerts.
- ✓
SNMP trap
Why this is correct
An SNMP Trap is an unsolicited message sent by a managed device to the NMS when a significant event or predefined threshold is crossed, such as high CPU utilization. This push mechanism allows the device to immediately alert administrators to critical conditions without the NMS constantly polling, ensuring prompt notification for urgent issues.
- ✗
SNMP walk
Why it's wrong here
An SNMP Walk is a series of GetNext requests used by the NMS to systematically retrieve all variables within a specified branch of the Management Information Base (MIB) tree. This operation is typically used for discovery or comprehensive data collection across a range of OIDs. It is a diagnostic or data retrieval tool initiated by the NMS, not an event-driven notification from the device.
When this WOULD be correct
An SNMP walk would be correct when an administrator needs to retrieve all values from a MIB subtree, such as when performing a full inventory of interface statistics or system parameters on a device for baseline monitoring.
- ✗
SNMP set
Why it's wrong here
The SNMP Set operation is used by the NMS to write or modify configuration parameters or operational states on a managed device. For instance, it can be used to change an interface's administrative status or adjust a threshold value. It is an action taken on the device, not a method for the device to report an event or alert to the NMS.
When this WOULD be correct
An SNMP set would be correct if the question asked: 'A network administrator needs to change the SNMP community string on a router remotely. Which SNMP mechanism should be used?'
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The N10-009 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓SNMP trapCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
An SNMP Trap is an unsolicited message sent by a managed device to the NMS when a significant event or predefined threshold is crossed, such as high CPU utilization. This push mechanism allows the device to immediately alert administrators to critical conditions without the NMS constantly polling, ensuring prompt notification for urgent issues.
✗SNMP walkWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
SNMP walk is used to retrieve a sequence of OID values from a MIB tree, not to send unsolicited notifications. The requirement is for immediate notification when CPU exceeds 90%, which requires an event-driven alert, not a polling mechanism.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
An SNMP walk would be correct when an administrator needs to retrieve all values from a MIB subtree, such as when performing a full inventory of interface statistics or system parameters on a device for baseline monitoring.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse SNMP walk with trap because both involve data retrieval, but walk is a polling operation that requires the manager to initiate the request, whereas trap is a push notification from the agent.
✗SNMP setWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
SNMP set is used to modify configuration parameters on a managed device, not to receive unsolicited notifications. The question requires immediate notification when CPU exceeds 90%, which is a trap condition, not a set operation.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
An SNMP set would be correct if the question asked: 'A network administrator needs to change the SNMP community string on a router remotely. Which SNMP mechanism should be used?'
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse SNMP set with trap because both involve sending data from the agent, but set is for writing values, not for alerting on threshold events.
Analysis generated from the official N10-009blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This N10-009 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 N10-009 exam.
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