Question 722 of 980
PK0-005 Practice Question: Basics of IT Infrastructure and IT Project Management
During a database migration project, the team encounters an error when trying to connect to the new database server from the application server. The network team confirms that the ports are open and the firewall rules are correct. The database team reports that the database service is running and listening on the expected port. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of the connectivity issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often assume connectivity issues are always caused by firewalls or DNS, but CompTIA often tests the concept of asymmetric routing where the return path is missing, even when all outbound paths appear open.
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
✓
Missing route on the database server's routing table
The most likely cause is a missing route on the database server's routing table. Even with correct firewall rules and an active database service, the database server may not have a return route to the application server's subnet, causing packets to be dropped. This is a common Layer 3 issue where the destination server can receive traffic but cannot reply because it lacks a route back to the source.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Misconfigured DNS server
Why it's wrong here
A DNS issue would prevent name resolution, but connectivity errors typically involve IP addresses; the team likely used IP addresses directly or DNS would have been checked earlier.
- ✓
Missing route on the database server's routing table
Why this is correct
Without a return route to the application server, the database server can receive packets but cannot send responses, resulting in a timeout or connection failure.
- ✗
Incorrect subnet mask on the application server
Why it's wrong here
An incorrect subnet mask would likely cause local network issues, but the network team verified firewall rules and ports, suggesting the problem is beyond the application server's immediate network configuration.
- ✗
Expired SSL certificate on the database server
Why it's wrong here
An expired SSL certificate would cause encryption handshake failures, not a basic TCP connectivity error.
Visual reference
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This PK0-005 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 PK0-005 exam.
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