TFTP, or Trivial File Transfer Protocol, is the correct choice because it is a lightweight, connectionless UDP-based protocol operating on port 69, designed for simple file transfers with minimal overhead. This simplicity makes it the standard for automating router configuration backup across most network devices, as it can be easily scripted without the complexity of full authentication or encryption. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this question tests your understanding of practical network utility—TFTP is frequently the correct answer when the scenario emphasizes automation, broad device support, or low resource usage, but it is a trap if security is required. A common memory tip: think of TFTP as the “trivial” cousin of FTP—it does the job quickly and simply, but never trust it for sensitive data. Remember the port: 69, and that it uses UDP, so there is no handshake or guarantee of delivery, which is fine for a local backup script.
N10-009 Network Operations Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network operations. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 wants to automate the backup of configuration files from multiple routers and switches. Which protocol is commonly used for this purpose and is supported by most network devices?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
TFTP
TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) is the correct choice because it is a lightweight, connectionless UDP-based protocol (port 69) that is widely supported on network devices like routers and switches for automated configuration backups. Its simplicity and minimal overhead make it ideal for scripting backup operations, even though it lacks security features like authentication or encryption.
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.
✗
FTP
Why it's wrong here
FTP is full-featured but requires authentication and directory navigation; it is less commonly used for automated config backups than TFTP.
✓
TFTP
Why this is correct
TFTP is a lightweight, connectionless protocol that is ideal for transferring small files like configuration backups without complex setup.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
SFTP
Why it's wrong here
SFTP provides encryption and file management, but it is not as universally supported on low-end network devices as TFTP.
✗
HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP is not typically used for device configuration backups; it is more common for web-based management interfaces.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between TFTP and FTP/SFTP by emphasizing that TFTP is the simplest and most universally supported protocol for automated backups, even though it lacks security, leading candidates to incorrectly choose SFTP for its encryption without considering device support limitations.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
TFTP operates over UDP and uses a simple lock-step protocol (RFC 1350) where each data packet must be acknowledged before the next is sent, making it efficient for small file transfers but prone to issues on high-latency links. In real-world scenarios, network administrators often use a TFTP server with a script that loops through device IPs, issuing commands like 'copy running-config tftp:' to automate backups, but must be aware that TFTP has no built-in security, so it should only be used on isolated management networks.
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.
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: TFTP — TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) is the correct choice because it is a lightweight, connectionless UDP-based protocol (port 69) that is widely supported on network devices like routers and switches for automated configuration backups. Its simplicity and minimal overhead make it ideal for scripting backup operations, even though it lacks security features like authentication or encryption.
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.
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Question Discussion
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