The answer is the command 'show mac address-table'. This is the correct choice because it displays the Content Addressable Memory (CAM) table on a Cisco switch, which maps each learned MAC address to a specific switch port and VLAN, exactly what a network administrator needs for inventory management of connected devices. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this question tests your understanding of switch operation and troubleshooting, often appearing in scenarios involving loop detection or unauthorized device identification. A common trap is confusing this with 'show mac address-table aging-time' or 'show arp', which serve different purposes—the former adjusts timers, the latter maps IP to MAC. Remember the memory tip: "MAC to port, that's the report" to recall that 'show mac address-table' directly links MACs to ports for inventory tasks.
N10-009 Network Operations Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network operations. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 administrator needs to generate a report of all MAC addresses learned on each switch port to assist with inventory management. Which command-line utility can be used to view the MAC address table on a switch?
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 the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
show mac address-table
The 'show mac address-table' command displays the MAC address table (also known as the Content Addressable Memory or CAM table) on a Cisco switch. This table maps each learned MAC address to the specific switch port and VLAN, which is exactly what the administrator needs for inventory management of devices connected to each port.
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.
✓
show mac address-table
Why this is correct
This command lists all dynamic MAC addresses learned on switch ports, along with VLAN and port information.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
show running-config
Why it's wrong here
This command displays the current running configuration, not the dynamic MAC address table.
✗
show ip interface
Why it's wrong here
This command shows IP interface parameters and status, not MAC address learning.
✗
show vlan
Why it's wrong here
This command shows VLAN information and port membership, but not the MAC addresses learned on ports.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between configuration commands (like 'show running-config') and operational commands (like 'show mac address-table'), leading candidates to mistakenly choose a configuration display command when the question asks for learned MAC address data.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This command displays the current running configuration, not the dynamic MAC address table.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The MAC address table is stored in the switch's CAM (Content Addressable Memory) for fast hardware forwarding. When a frame arrives on a port, the switch learns the source MAC address and associates it with the ingress port and VLAN; this entry is then used to forward future frames destined for that MAC address directly to the correct port, avoiding flooding. In real-world scenarios, an administrator might use 'show mac address-table dynamic' to filter only dynamically learned entries, excluding static or secure MAC addresses, to get a clean inventory of active devices.
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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this N10-009 question in full detail.
Network Operations — This question tests Network Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: show mac address-table — The 'show mac address-table' command displays the MAC address table (also known as the Content Addressable Memory or CAM table) on a Cisco switch. This table maps each learned MAC address to the specific switch port and VLAN, which is exactly what the administrator needs for inventory management of devices connected to each port.
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.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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