- A
Packet analyzer (e.g., Wireshark)
Why wrong: A packet analyzer captures network traffic for analysis but does not actively query SNMP agents unless combined with other tools.
- B
SNMP management tool
An SNMP management tool can send GET requests to the switch's SNMP agent to retrieve device information such as model and firmware version.
- C
Port scanner (e.g., Nmap)
Why wrong: A port scanner can detect open ports, including SNMP port 161, but it does not query SNMP for detailed device information without additional scripting.
- D
Wi-Fi analyzer
Why wrong: A Wi-Fi analyzer is used for wireless signal analysis and is irrelevant for querying a wired switch's SNMP data.
Question 719 of 1,020
SNMP: Remotely Query Network Device Information
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of networking tools. 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 network administrator needs to determine the exact model and firmware version of a switch located in a remote wiring closet without physically visiting the site. The switch is configured with an IP address on the management VLAN. Which tool can be used to query the switch's SNMP agent for this information?
Quick Answer
The answer is an SNMP management tool. This is correct because Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) allows a management station to query a device’s SNMP agent for specific Object Identifiers (OIDs) that store hardware details like the switch model and firmware version, all without physical access. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of remote management protocols and the distinction between tools that actively query for structured data versus those that passively capture or scan. A common trap is confusing a packet analyzer or port scanner with an SNMP tool—remember, a packet analyzer only shows raw traffic, while SNMP directly retrieves the exact information from the device’s MIB. For a memory tip: think of SNMP as the “phone call” to the device’s brain, asking for its ID card, whereas a scanner just knocks on the door to see if it’s 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
✓
SNMP management tool
An SNMP management tool can query the switch's SNMP agent using GET requests to retrieve the exact model and firmware version from the system MIB (RFC 1213), specifically the sysDescr (1.3.6.1.2.1.1.1) and sysObjectID (1.3.6.1.2.1.1.2) OIDs. This allows remote, agent-based access without physical site visits, as the switch is reachable via its management VLAN IP address.
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.
- ✗
Packet analyzer (e.g., Wireshark)
Why it's wrong here
A packet analyzer captures network traffic for analysis but does not actively query SNMP agents unless combined with other tools.
- ✓
SNMP management tool
Why this is correct
An SNMP management tool can send GET requests to the switch's SNMP agent to retrieve device information such as model and firmware version.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Port scanner (e.g., Nmap)
Why it's wrong here
A port scanner can detect open ports, including SNMP port 161, but it does not query SNMP for detailed device information without additional scripting.
- ✗
Wi-Fi analyzer
Why it's wrong here
A Wi-Fi analyzer is used for wireless signal analysis and is irrelevant for querying a wired switch's SNMP data.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The exam often tests the distinction between passive monitoring tools (packet analyzers) and active management tools (SNMP managers), leading candidates to mistakenly choose Wireshark because they think it can 'query' a device, when in fact it only captures existing traffic.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SNMP uses a manager-agent model where the management tool sends GET requests to the agent's UDP port 161, and the agent responds with the requested OID values from its MIB. The sysDescr OID typically returns a string containing the vendor, model, and firmware version (e.g., 'Cisco IOS Software, C2960 Software (C2960-LANBASEK9-M), Version 15.0(2)SE'), while sysObjectID returns a vendor-specific OID that can be mapped to the exact model. In real-world scenarios, SNMPv2c or SNMPv3 with community strings or credentials is required, and the switch must have SNMP enabled and the management VLAN IP reachable.
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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
Visual reference
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Networking Tools — This question tests Networking Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SNMP management tool — An SNMP management tool can query the switch's SNMP agent using GET requests to retrieve the exact model and firmware version from the system MIB (RFC 1213), specifically the sysDescr (1.3.6.1.2.1.1.1) and sysObjectID (1.3.6.1.2.1.1.2) OIDs. This allows remote, agent-based access without physical site visits, as the switch is reachable via its management VLAN IP address.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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