The answer is that the workstation will send the packets to the default gateway. This occurs because the workstation’s own IP address of 10.0.1.5/24 and the server’s address of 10.0.2.10/24 belong to different subnets, as determined by the /24 subnet mask. When a host recognizes that the destination is not on its local network, it cannot use ARP to resolve the remote IP to a MAC address for direct delivery; instead, it must forward the traffic to its configured default gateway, which acts as the router for inter-subnet communication. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the host routing decision process and the fundamental role of a default gateway. A common trap is assuming the workstation will ARP for the server directly, but remember: a host only ARPs for destinations on its own subnet. For a quick memory tip, think “different subnet, different hop—send it to the gateway, make it stop.”
N10-009 Networking Concepts Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of networking concepts. 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 workstation with IP address 10.0.1.5/24 needs to communicate with a server at 10.0.2.10/24. The workstation's default gateway is configured as 10.0.1.1. Which of the following will the workstation do with the IP packets destined for the server?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Send the packets to the default gateway.
The workstation's IP address (10.0.1.5/24) and the server's IP address (10.0.2.10/24) are on different subnets (10.0.1.0/24 vs. 10.0.2.0/24). When a host determines that the destination is not on the same local network, it will not attempt direct delivery via ARP. Instead, it forwards the IP packet to its configured default gateway (10.0.1.1), which then routes the packet toward the server's subnet.
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.
✗
Send the packets directly to the server using ARP.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. ARP is used to resolve MAC addresses within the same subnet; the workstation cannot directly reach a different subnet.
✓
Send the packets to the default gateway.
Why this is correct
Correct. The workstation identifies the destination is on a different subnet and forwards all traffic to the default gateway for routing.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Send the packets to the DNS server for resolution.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses, but the destination IP is already known.
✗
Drop the packets because the server is on a different network.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The workstation does not drop packets destined for different subnets; it relies on the default gateway to route them.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates mistakenly think a host can ARP for any IP address, even across subnets, or that a host will drop traffic to a different subnet without a router, when in fact the host relies on its default gateway to reach remote networks.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The decision to use the default gateway is based on the host's routing table: the workstation performs a bitwise AND of its own IP and subnet mask (10.0.1.5 & 255.255.255.0 = 10.0.1.0) and compares it to the destination's network (10.0.2.10 & 255.255.255.0 = 10.0.2.0). Since the networks differ, the host selects the default route (0.0.0.0/0 via 10.0.1.1). The workstation then uses ARP to resolve the MAC address of the default gateway (10.0.1.1), not the server, and encapsulates the IP packet in a frame destined for the gateway's MAC.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this N10-009 question in full detail.
Networking Concepts — This question tests Networking Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Send the packets to the default gateway. — The workstation's IP address (10.0.1.5/24) and the server's IP address (10.0.2.10/24) are on different subnets (10.0.1.0/24 vs. 10.0.2.0/24). When a host determines that the destination is not on the same local network, it will not attempt direct delivery via ARP. Instead, it forwards the IP packet to its configured default gateway (10.0.1.1), which then routes the packet toward the server's subnet.
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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