- A
SNMP
SNMP is the standard protocol for collecting device statistics and status information from network devices.
- B
SSH
Why wrong: SSH is for secure remote access, not for automated monitoring and reporting.
- C
HTTP
Why wrong: HTTP could be used for web-based management, but SNMP is the dedicated protocol for monitoring.
- D
ICMP
Why wrong: ICMP is used for ping and error messages, not for collecting device statistics.
Question 209 of 1,020
SNMP Configuration for Network Monitoring: CompTIA A+ 220-1201
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network protocols. 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 notices that a managed switch is not reporting its status to the central monitoring system. The monitoring system uses a protocol that collects device information such as CPU load and interface errors. Which protocol is most likely not configured on the switch?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Quick Answer
The answer is SNMP, or Simple Network Management Protocol, because it is the standard protocol used for collecting device information like CPU load and interface errors from managed switches and routers. SNMP works by having an agent on the network device send data to a central monitoring system; if the agent is not configured or enabled, the device will not report its status. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of network monitoring protocols and their purpose, often appearing as a troubleshooting question where a device is silent on the network. A common trap is confusing SNMP with other protocols like SMTP (email) or ICMP (ping), but remember that SNMP is specifically for management and statistics, not just connectivity. A helpful memory tip: SNMP stands for “Simple Network Management Protocol,” and the “M” in SNMP stands for “Management,” which is exactly what the central monitoring system is doing—managing and collecting data from devices.
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
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is the standard protocol used by network monitoring systems to collect device information such as CPU load, interface errors, and uptime. If the managed switch is not reporting to the central monitoring system, SNMP is most likely not configured or its community strings are misconfigured, preventing the monitoring server from polling the switch.
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.
- ✓
SNMP
Why this is correct
SNMP is the standard protocol for collecting device statistics and status information from network devices.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
SSH
Why it's wrong here
SSH is for secure remote access, not for automated monitoring and reporting.
- ✗
HTTP
- ✗
ICMP
Why it's wrong here
ICMP is used for ping and error messages, not for collecting device statistics.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common pitfall is confusing ICMP (used for ping) with SNMP (used for management data collection).
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SNMP operates using a manager-agent model where the monitoring system (manager) sends GET requests to the switch (agent) to retrieve values from the Management Information Base (MIB), such as OIDs for CPU utilization (e.g., 1.3.6.1.4.1.9.9.109.1.1.1.1.3 for Cisco devices) or interface error counters. Without proper SNMP configuration—including community strings (v1/v2c) or user credentials (v3), and access control lists—the switch will ignore or reject polling requests, resulting in no status reports.
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 practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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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Network Protocols — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Network Protocols — This question tests Network Protocols — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SNMP — SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is the standard protocol used by network monitoring systems to collect device information such as CPU load, interface errors, and uptime. If the managed switch is not reporting to the central monitoring system, SNMP is most likely not configured or its community strings are misconfigured, preventing the monitoring server from polling the switch.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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