A user reports that their workstation cannot connect to the network. The technician checks the IP configuration and sees that the workstation has an IP address of 169.254.25.110. The DHCP server is operational and has available addresses. The switch port connected to the workstation shows a solid green link light. What should the technician check NEXT?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
Distractor review
Check the DNS server configuration.
The workstation does not have a valid IP address, so DNS is not yet a factor. The issue is with IP address assignment.
Distractor review
Replace the network cable between the wall jack and the workstation.
The link light is green, indicating a good physical connection. Cable replacement is unlikely to resolve the issue.
Best answer
Check the switch port configuration for security features such as DHCP snooping or port security.
Security features on the switch port may be blocking DHCP discovery messages or responses, causing the workstation to receive no offer and fall back to APIPA. This is the most logical next step.
Distractor review
Verify the default gateway setting on the workstation.
The default gateway cannot be reached because the workstation does not have a valid IP address. The root cause is the missing DHCP lease.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A network engineer needs to connect two switches located 400 meters apart. The cable run includes high electromagnetic interference from nearby machinery. The engineer decides to use fiber optic cabling. Which transceiver type and fiber combination should be used to ensure the link reaches 400 meters while remaining cost-effective?
Question 2
A network engineer is designing a new switched network and needs to ensure that broadcast traffic from one department does not reach another department's workstations. The engineer plans to use VLANs. Which of the following must be configured on the switches to isolate broadcast domains as intended?
Question 3
A security engineer is configuring a site-to-site VPN between two branch offices. The requirement is to encrypt all traffic between the two networks using IPsec. Which IPsec mode should be used to encrypt the entire IP packet including the original header?
Question 4
A network administrator is connecting two switches to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy. Which technology should be used to combine multiple physical links into a single logical link?
Question 5
A network administrator is experiencing issues where unauthorized devices are offering IP addresses to clients, causing connectivity problems. Which security feature should be enabled on switches to prevent this?
Question 6
A network administrator is troubleshooting a connectivity issue and suspects the problem is related to the physical cabling. At which layer of the OSI model should the administrator begin their investigation?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this N10-009 question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check the switch port configuration for security features such as DHCP snooping or port security. — An IP address starting with 169.254 indicates that the workstation failed to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server (APIPA). Since the DHCP server is operational and the link light is on, the issue is likely at the switch port. The technician should check if the switch port has any security features enabled that might be blocking DHCP traffic (e.g., DHCP snooping, port security, or the port being in an error-disabled state). Checking the DNS server (A) is not relevant at this stage. The cable is working (link light), so B is unlikely. The default gateway (D) would only be relevant if the workstation had a valid IP.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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