Question 2,040 of 2,152
Device ManagementhardMultiple SelectObjective-mapped

Cisco IOS DNS Configuration: ip domain-lookup and name-server

This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of device management. 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.

Which TWO statements about the 'ip domain-lookup' and DNS configuration on a Cisco IOS router are true? (Choose TWO.)

Quick Answer

The correct answer is that the 'ip domain-list' command adds a domain suffix to the search list for DNS queries. This is true because when a user pings an unqualified hostname—one without a dot—the router appends each suffix from the domain-list in order until a resolution succeeds, effectively expanding the search domain. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how DNS resolution behaves on IOS devices, often appearing in a multiple-choice question that pairs 'ip domain-list' with 'ip domain-lookup' or 'ip name-server'. A common trap is confusing 'ip domain-list' with 'ip domain-name', which sets only a single default suffix rather than a search list. Remember that 'ip domain-lookup' must be enabled for any dynamic DNS queries to work, and 'ip name-server' points to the actual resolver. Memory tip: think of "list" as a grocery list of suffixes to try, while "name" is just one item on that list.

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

The 'ip name-server' command can specify up to six DNS servers.

Option B is correct because the 'ip name-server' command on a Cisco IOS router can specify up to six DNS servers, which the router will query in order when resolving hostnames. This is a standard limitation documented in Cisco IOS configuration guides.

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.

  • The 'ip domain-lookup' command is disabled by default on Cisco IOS routers.

    Why it's wrong here

    Incorrect. The 'ip domain-lookup' command is enabled by default. It must be explicitly disabled with 'no ip domain-lookup' if DNS resolution is not desired.

  • The 'ip name-server' command can specify up to six DNS servers.

    Why this is correct

    Correct. The 'ip name-server' command allows configuring up to six DNS server addresses. The router will query them in order.

    Related concept

    Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

  • The 'ip domain-list' command adds a domain suffix to the search list for DNS queries.

    Why this is correct

    Correct. The 'ip domain-list' command appends a domain suffix to unqualified hostnames (those without a dot) during DNS resolution. Multiple domain lists can be configured.

    Related concept

    Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

  • The 'ip host' command creates a dynamic DNS entry that can be overwritten by a DNS server.

    Why it's wrong here

    Incorrect. The 'ip host' command creates a static host entry in the local host table. Static entries are not overwritten by DNS responses; they take precedence over dynamic resolution.

  • The 'show hosts' command displays only statically configured host entries.

    Why it's wrong here

    Incorrect. The 'show hosts' command displays both static and dynamically learned (via DNS) host entries, including their addresses and flags indicating how they were learned.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

The trap here is that candidates often assume 'ip domain-lookup' is disabled by default (Option A) because they recall it must be explicitly enabled for certain features, but in fact it is enabled by default on most IOS versions.

Trap categories for this question

  • Command / output trap

    Incorrect. The 'ip domain-lookup' command is enabled by default. It must be explicitly disabled with 'no ip domain-lookup' if DNS resolution is not desired.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

The 'ip domain-list' command (Option C) allows you to append multiple domain suffixes to the DNS search list, which the router tries sequentially when a hostname is incomplete (e.g., 'ping server' becomes 'ping server.example.com'). This is similar to the DNS search list on a PC, and the router will query each suffix until a resolution succeeds or the list is exhausted. In real-world scenarios, this is critical for networks with multiple internal domains, such as 'corp.local' and 'lab.local', to avoid manual FQDN entry.

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 300-410 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.

Visual reference

Client Recursive Resolver Root DNS (13 root servers) TLD DNS (.com, .org, …) Authoritative example.com query IP addr answer

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 300-410 question test?

Device Management — This question tests Device Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The 'ip name-server' command can specify up to six DNS servers. — Option B is correct because the 'ip name-server' command on a Cisco IOS router can specify up to six DNS servers, which the router will query in order when resolving hostnames. This is a standard limitation documented in Cisco IOS configuration guides.

What should I do if I get this 300-410 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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