The answer is yes, because 10.10.20.5 falls within the IP range of server2 (10.10.20.1–10.10.20.10) defined in the address group. Address group matching works by evaluating the packet’s destination IP against each member object in the group; if the IP belongs to any single object—whether a range, subnet, or FQDN—the rule matches. On the PCNSA exam, this concept tests your understanding that address groups are logical containers, not exclusive lists, and a common trap is assuming the group must match all addresses or that only exact IPs count. Remember, a group matches if the packet’s IP is covered by at least one member object, regardless of how many objects the group holds. Memory tip: think of address group matching like an “OR” gate—any one member object can trigger a match.
PCNSA Policy Evaluation and Management Practice Question
This PCNSA practice question tests your understanding of policy evaluation and 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.
Exhibit
admin@PA-500> show object address-group "internal-servers"
group {
members [ server1 server2 ]
}
admin@PA-500> show object address "server1"
address {
ip-netmask 10.10.10.0/24
}
admin@PA-500> show object address "server2"
address {
ip-range 10.10.20.1-10.10.20.10
}
Refer to the exhibit. A security rule is configured with destination address group 'internal-servers'. A packet with destination IP 10.10.20.5 arrives. Will the rule match?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Yes, because 10.10.20.5 is within the range of server2.
Option A is correct because 10.10.20.5 is within the IP range defined by server2 (10.10.20.1-10.10.20.10). Option B is wrong because address groups can contain multiple objects. Option C is wrong because the group does not include all internal addresses. Option D is wrong because destination can be a range or subnet.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Yes, because 10.10.20.5 is within the range of server2.
No, because the destination must be a single IP address.
Why it's wrong here
Destination can be a subnet or range, not necessarily a single IP.
✗
Yes, because the address group includes all internal addresses.
Why it's wrong here
The group only contains the two specified objects, not all internal addresses.
✗
No, because the address group uses multiple objects.
Why it's wrong here
Multiple objects are allowed in an address group.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PCNSA subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Policy Evaluation and Management — This question tests Policy Evaluation and Management — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Yes, because 10.10.20.5 is within the range of server2. — Option A is correct because 10.10.20.5 is within the IP range defined by server2 (10.10.20.1-10.10.20.10). Option B is wrong because address groups can contain multiple objects. Option C is wrong because the group does not include all internal addresses. Option D is wrong because destination can be a range or subnet.
What should I do if I get this PCNSA question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PCNSA subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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This PCNSA practice question is part of Courseiva's free Palo Alto 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 PCNSA exam.
Question Discussion
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