Match each network service to its description.
Drag a concept onto its matching description — or click a concept then click the description.
Automatically assigns IP addresses to devices
Resolves domain names to IP addresses
Translates private IP addresses to a public IP
Monitors and manages network devices
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
DHCP: Automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.
Common network services have specific functions: DHCP assigns IP addresses, DNS resolves names, HTTP serves web content, SMTP handles email, FTP transfers files, and SNMP manages networks. The distractors confuse these roles.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
DHCP: Automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.
Why this is correct
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a crucial network service that automates the assignment of IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server information to client devices. This eliminates the need for manual configuration, significantly simplifying network administration and reducing potential errors. It ensures that every device receives a unique, valid IP address, allowing it to communicate effectively on the network.
DNS: Resolves domain names to IP addresses.
Why this is correct
DNS (Domain Name System) is the internet's phonebook, translating human-friendly domain names, such as www.example.com, into machine-readable IP addresses like 192.0.2.1. This hierarchical and distributed naming system is fundamental for web browsing and email, enabling users to access resources without needing to memorize complex numerical addresses. Without DNS, navigating the internet would be impractical, as every connection would require direct IP address knowledge.
HTTP: Protocol used for web traffic.
Why this is correct
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the foundational protocol for data communication on the World Wide Web, enabling clients (web browsers) to request and receive resources from web servers. It operates on a client-server model, primarily used for transmitting HTML documents, images, videos, and other web content. While stateless, subsequent versions and related protocols like HTTPS enhance its capabilities for secure and dynamic web experiences.
SMTP: Protocol for sending email.
Why this is correct
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is specifically designed for sending email messages between mail servers and from a client's email application to an outgoing mail server. It handles the transmission of emails across the internet, ensuring they reach their intended destination server. While SMTP facilitates the sending process, separate protocols like POP3 or IMAP are used by clients to retrieve incoming emails from their mailboxes.
FTP: Protocol for sending email.
Why it's wrong here
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard network protocol used for the transfer of computer files between a client and server on a computer network. It employs separate control and data connections, typically on ports 21 and 20 respectively, to facilitate efficient and reliable file exchange. Therefore, stating that FTP is for sending email is incorrect; its sole purpose is file transfer, whereas SMTP handles email transmission.
SNMP: Resolves domain names to IP addresses.
Why it's wrong here
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a protocol used for monitoring and managing network devices, such as routers, switches, and servers, on an IP network. It allows network administrators to remotely collect information, modify device configurations, and receive alerts about network events. Attributing domain name resolution to SNMP is incorrect, as that function is exclusively performed by DNS, which translates domain names to IP addresses.
Visual reference
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Learn chapter
MPLS Network Implementation
Key term
DNS
DNS is the system that translates human-friendly domain names like example.com into machine-readable IP addresses so computers can find each other on a network.
Key term
FTP
FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between a client and a server over a TCP/IP network.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.