Quick Answer
The answer is SNMP, or Simple Network Management Protocol, because it is the standard protocol designed specifically for monitoring network device health and performance while generating link failure alerts. SNMP works by having managed devices run an agent that collects metrics like CPU load, interface status, and bandwidth usage, then reports this data to a central management system; when a link goes down, the agent can send an unsolicited trap message (such as the linkDown trap defined in RFC 3418) to immediately notify the administrator. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish SNMP from other protocols like ICMP (used for basic reachability) or Syslog (used for log collection), and a common trap is confusing SNMP traps with SNMP polling—remember that traps are event-driven alerts, while polling is the manager requesting data at intervals. A solid memory tip: think of SNMP as the “network’s health tracker” that both collects stats and shouts when a link breaks.
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network operations. 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 administrator needs to monitor the health and performance of network devices and receive alerts when link failures occur. Which of the following protocols should be implemented?
SNMP
SNMP allows monitoring and alerting for network device status and performance.
SMTP
Why wrong: SMTP is used for sending email, not network monitoring.
SSH
Why wrong: SSH provides secure command-line access, not automated monitoring.
TFTP
Why wrong: TFTP is used for transferring files, not monitoring.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
SNMP
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to monitor and manage network devices, collect performance metrics, and send traps or notifications when events like link failures occur. SNMP agents on devices report status to a management system, which can generate alerts based on thresholds or trap messages (e.g., linkDown traps per RFC 3418).
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
SNMP
Why this is correct
SNMP allows monitoring and alerting for network device status and performance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
SMTP
Why it's wrong here
SMTP is used for sending email, not network monitoring.
SSH
Why it's wrong here
SSH provides secure command-line access, not automated monitoring.
TFTP
Why it's wrong here
TFTP is used for transferring files, not monitoring.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse SNMP with SMTP because both can be involved in alerting, but SMTP is only a delivery mechanism for email-based alerts, not the protocol that actually monitors devices and detects link failures.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
SSH provides secure command-line access, not automated monitoring.
Detailed technical explanation
SNMP operates using a manager-agent model where the manager polls agents via GET requests and agents send unsolicited TRAPs or INFORMs for events like link failures. The SNMP MIB (Management Information Base) defines OIDs (Object Identifiers) such as ifOperStatus (OID 1.3.6.1.2.1.2.2.1.8) to track interface status, and the linkDown trap (OID 1.3.6.1.6.3.1.1.5.3) is a standard notification. In real-world deployments, SNMPv3 is preferred for its authentication and encryption, while SNMPv2c is still common but less secure.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Network Operations — This question tests Network Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: SNMP — SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to monitor and manage network devices, collect performance metrics, and send traps or notifications when events like link failures occur. SNMP agents on devices report status to a management system, which can generate alerts based on thresholds or trap messages (e.g., linkDown traps per RFC 3418).
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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