JN0-106 Operational Monitoring and Maintenance Practice Question
A network engineer needs to verify the checksum of a downloaded Junos image before installation. Which command is used?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse the `request system software validate` command, which performs a package validation, with a checksum verification, but it does not compute or display a cryptographic hash for external comparison.
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
✓
file checksum sha256 <filename>
The `file checksum sha256 <filename>` command computes the SHA-256 hash of the specified file, allowing the engineer to compare it against the published checksum from Juniper Networks to verify integrity and authenticity before installation. This ensures the image has not been corrupted or tampered with during download.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
file checksum sha256 <filename>
Why this is correct
The Junos CLI command 'file checksum sha256 <filename>' computes the SHA-256 cryptographic hash of the specified file, producing a deterministic digest that can be compared against the vendor-published checksum to confirm the download's integrity and detect corruption or tampering. This is the standard, purpose-built method on Junos for verifying a downloaded image or file, and it directly addresses the engineer's task.
- ✗
compare <filename> original
Why it's wrong here
The command 'compare <filename> original' is not a valid Junos CLI command for computing or verifying checksums. While 'compare' exists in Junos for comparing configuration files or rollback candidates, and 'file compare' can compare two files' contents, neither calculates a cryptographic hash. The syntax and purpose here are incorrect, so this option cannot verify the file's checksum at all.
- ✗
request system software validate <filename>
Why it's wrong here
The command 'request system software validate <filename>' is used to validate a software image's integrity and compatibility with the target system, but it does not output a SHA-256 checksum or any standalone hash value. It performs internal package checks (e.g., signature and dependency validation) and can report whether the image is installable, but it is not a checksum-computation utility and cannot be used to compare against a published source digest.
- ✗
show system software
Why it's wrong here
The command 'show system software' displays the installed Junos software versions, package names, and build information on the current device. It does not inspect or process arbitrary files on the filesystem, so it cannot compute or display a checksum for a downloaded file. This command is intended for inventory and upgrade verification after installation, making it irrelevant to the pre-install checksum verification task described.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This JN0-106 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Juniper Networks 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 JN0-106 exam.