- A
Configure a static IP address on the workstation
Why wrong: While a static IP could resolve the issue temporarily, the root cause is likely DHCP, so statically assigning an IP bypasses the problem without fixing it. It is not the next step in standard troubleshooting.
- B
Verify that the DHCP server is available and reachable
APIPA occurs when DHCP is unavailable. Checking the DHCP server is the correct next step, as it addresses the root cause of the failure to obtain an IP lease.
- C
Check the DNS server configuration on the workstation
Why wrong: DNS issues would not prevent the workstation from obtaining an IP address. APIPA is a link-local address assigned when DHCP fails, unrelated to DNS.
- D
Replace the network cable
Why wrong: A faulty cable could cause connectivity issues but would not result in an APIPA address. APIPA assignment indicates the workstation attempted DHCP but received no response.
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 they cannot access any network resources. The technician checks the IP configuration on the workstation and sees an IP address of 169.254.10.55 with a subnet mask of 255.255.0.0. Which of the following should the technician check NEXT?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Verify that the DHCP server is available and reachable
The IP address 169.254.10.55 with a subnet mask of 255.255.0.0 is an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address, which Windows assigns when a DHCP server is unreachable. The next logical step is to verify that the DHCP server is available and reachable, as this directly addresses the root cause of the failed DHCP lease acquisition.
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.
- ✗
Configure a static IP address on the workstation
Why it's wrong here
While a static IP could resolve the issue temporarily, the root cause is likely DHCP, so statically assigning an IP bypasses the problem without fixing it. It is not the next step in standard troubleshooting.
- ✓
Verify that the DHCP server is available and reachable
Why this is correct
APIPA occurs when DHCP is unavailable. Checking the DHCP server is the correct next step, as it addresses the root cause of the failure to obtain an IP lease.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Check the DNS server configuration on the workstation
Why it's wrong here
DNS issues would not prevent the workstation from obtaining an IP address. APIPA is a link-local address assigned when DHCP fails, unrelated to DNS.
- ✗
Replace the network cable
Why it's wrong here
A faulty cable could cause connectivity issues but would not result in an APIPA address. APIPA assignment indicates the workstation attempted DHCP but received no response.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that a 169.254.x.x address indicates a DNS or static IP issue, when in fact it specifically points to DHCP server unreachability as the primary cause.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
APIPA uses the 169.254.0.0/16 range (RFC 3927) and is self-assigned via a link-local address selection process when a DHCP Discover broadcast receives no response. In a real-world scenario, a misconfigured DHCP relay agent or a switchport with DHCP snooping enabled can silently drop DHCP packets, causing APIPA assignment even if the DHCP server is operational.
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 network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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
Questions learners often ask
What does this N10-009 question test?
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: Verify that the DHCP server is available and reachable — The IP address 169.254.10.55 with a subnet mask of 255.255.0.0 is an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address, which Windows assigns when a DHCP server is unreachable. The next logical step is to verify that the DHCP server is available and reachable, as this directly addresses the root cause of the failed DHCP lease acquisition.
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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Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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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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