- A
A: Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address.
A records are used to point a domain to an IPv4 address.
- B
AAAA: Maps a domain name to an IPv6 address.
AAAA records are used for IPv6 addresses.
- C
CNAME: Maps a domain name to another domain name (canonical name).
CNAME records alias one domain to another.
- D
MX: Specifies mail exchange servers for a domain.
MX records route email to mail servers.
- E
A: Maps a domain name to an IPv6 address.
Why wrong: This is the definition of an AAAA record, not an A record.
- F
CNAME: Specifies mail exchange servers for a domain.
Why wrong: This is the definition of an MX record, not a CNAME.
Question 955 of 1,000
Cloud DNS Record Types and Uses
This PCNE practice question tests your understanding of implementing network security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Match each Cloud DNS record type to its use.
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
✓
A: Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address.
Common DNS record types in Cloud DNS include A, AAAA, CNAME, and MX for IP mapping, aliasing, and email routing. Distractors swap definitions between record types.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
A: Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address.
Why this is correct
A records are used to point a domain to an IPv4 address.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
AAAA: Maps a domain name to an IPv6 address.
Why this is correct
AAAA records are used for IPv6 addresses.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
CNAME: Maps a domain name to another domain name (canonical name).
Why this is correct
CNAME records alias one domain to another.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
MX: Specifies mail exchange servers for a domain.
Why this is correct
MX records route email to mail servers.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
A: Maps a domain name to an IPv6 address.
Why it's wrong here
This is the definition of an AAAA record, not an A record.
- ✗
CNAME: Specifies mail exchange servers for a domain.
Why it's wrong here
This is the definition of an MX record, not a CNAME.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Common DNS Record Types
| Record | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A | IPv4 address mapping | example.com → 93.184.216.34 |
| AAAA | IPv6 address mapping | example.com → 2606:2800::1 |
| CNAME | Alias to another hostname | www → example.com |
| MX | Mail server for domain | example.com → mail.example.com (priority 10) |
| TXT | Text data (SPF, DKIM, verification) | v=spf1 include:_spf.example.com ~all |
| NS | Authoritative name servers | example.com NS ns1.example.com |
| PTR | Reverse DNS (IP → hostname) | 34.216.184.93.in-addr.arpa → example.com |
| SOA | Zone authority record | Primary NS, admin email, serial, TTL defaults |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related PCNE questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNE question test?
Implementing network security — This question tests Implementing network security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A: Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address. — Common DNS record types in Cloud DNS include A, AAAA, CNAME, and MX for IP mapping, aliasing, and email routing. Distractors swap definitions between record types.
What should I do if I get this PCNE question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related PCNE questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This PCNE practice question is part of Courseiva's free Google Cloud 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 PCNE exam.
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