The answer is 2001:db8::1, a valid global unicast IPv6 address because it falls within the 2000::/3 prefix range defined by RFC 4291 for globally routable, public internet traffic. Unlike link-local or unique local addresses, global unicast addresses are designed for end-to-end communication across the internet, and the 2001:db8::/32 block is specifically reserved for documentation and examples, making it a safe choice for study scenarios. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish global unicast from other IPv6 types—common traps include confusing it with the link-local fe80::/10 range or the unique local fc00::/7 range. A quick memory tip: think of the leading "2" in 2000::/3 as "2 the world"—global addresses always start with 2 or 3 in the first hextet.
N10-009 Networking Concepts Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of networking concepts. 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.
A network engineer is configuring IPv6 on a router interface. Which of the following is a valid global unicast IPv6 address?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
2001:db8::1
2001:db8::1 is a valid global unicast IPv6 address because it falls within the 2000::/3 range defined by RFC 4291 for global unicast addresses. The address is routable on the public internet, making it suitable for global communication.
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.
✗
fe80::1
Why it's wrong here
fe80::/10 is reserved for link-local addresses, which are only valid on a single link and cannot be routed globally.
✓
2001:db8::1
Why this is correct
2001:db8::/32 is reserved for documentation and examples, but it is within the global unicast range (2000::/3) and is a valid global unicast address.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
ff02::1
Why it's wrong here
ff00::/8 is reserved for multicast addresses. ff02::1 is the all-nodes link-local multicast address.
✗
::1
Why it's wrong here
::1 is the IPv6 loopback address, equivalent to 127.0.0.1 in IPv4. It is not a global unicast address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse link-local addresses (fe80::/10) with global unicast addresses, or they mistakenly think multicast addresses (ff00::/8) are unicast, because all three start with 'f' but have different scopes and purposes.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Global unicast addresses are assigned from the 2000::/3 prefix, with the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) allocating /23 blocks to Regional Internet Registries (RIRs). The 2001:db8::/32 prefix is reserved for documentation examples (RFC 3849) and should not be used in production; in real-world scenarios, addresses like 2001:db8::1 are only for testing or documentation purposes.
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 practitioner preparing for the N10-009 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this N10-009 question in full detail.
Networking Concepts — This question tests Networking Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 2001:db8::1 — 2001:db8::1 is a valid global unicast IPv6 address because it falls within the 2000::/3 range defined by RFC 4291 for global unicast addresses. The address is routable on the public internet, making it suitable for global communication.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 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.
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.