The answer is to check the DNS server configuration on the laptop. This is correct because the laptop has a valid IP address and default gateway, proving Layer 3 connectivity to the network, yet it cannot resolve domain names—a classic symptom of a DNS misconfiguration. Since other users on the same Wi-Fi can access the internet, the issue is isolated to this single device, ruling out broader network or gateway problems. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between IP-level connectivity and name resolution failures; a common trap is to immediately suspect the DHCP server or gateway when the real culprit is a static or incorrect DNS entry. Remember the mnemonic “IP works, web fails, check the DNS trails”—if a device can ping an IP address but not a domain name, DNS is almost always the next step.
N10-009 Network Troubleshooting Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network troubleshooting. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 user reports that their laptop is connected to the corporate Wi-Fi network but cannot access the internet. Other users in the same area are able to access the internet without issues. The laptop shows a valid IP address of 192.168.1.25/24 and the default gateway is 192.168.1.1. Which of the following should the technician check NEXT?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DNS server configuration on the laptop
Since the laptop has a valid IP address (192.168.1.25/24) and default gateway (192.168.1.1), and other users can access the internet, the issue is isolated to this laptop. A common cause is incorrect or missing DNS server configuration, which prevents domain name resolution even though IP-level connectivity exists. The technician should verify the DNS server addresses in the laptop's IPv4 settings or run 'nslookup' to confirm resolution.
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.
✓
DNS server configuration on the laptop
Why this is correct
If DNS is misconfigured, the laptop will not be able to resolve domain names even though it has connectivity. This is a common isolated issue.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
DHCP server lease exhaustion
Why it's wrong here
The laptop has a valid IP address, and other users are working, so DHCP is not exhausted.
✗
Access point channel utilization
Why it's wrong here
Channel utilization would affect all users in the area, not just this one, so it is not the likely cause.
✗
Switch port status on the distribution switch
Why it's wrong here
The laptop is connected via Wi-Fi, so switch port status is irrelevant to the wireless issue.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume a valid IP address and gateway mean full internet connectivity, overlooking that DNS misconfiguration is a classic isolated symptom where other users work fine.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DNS resolution relies on the laptop's configured DNS servers (often obtained via DHCP); if the DNS server address is misconfigured, unreachable, or the laptop is using a stale cache, name resolution fails while IP connectivity remains intact. A technician can use 'ipconfig /displaydns' on Windows or 'scutil --dns' on macOS to inspect the DNS resolver configuration, and 'nslookup' to test resolution against a known public DNS like 8.8.8.8.
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 Troubleshooting — This question tests Network Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DNS server configuration on the laptop — Since the laptop has a valid IP address (192.168.1.25/24) and default gateway (192.168.1.1), and other users can access the internet, the issue is isolated to this laptop. A common cause is incorrect or missing DNS server configuration, which prevents domain name resolution even though IP-level connectivity exists. The technician should verify the DNS server addresses in the laptop's IPv4 settings or run 'nslookup' to confirm resolution.
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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