200-301 Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 10 Q181-200

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Question 181: 

Which protocol provides authentication, encryption, and integrity for network management?

A) SNMPv1
B) SNMPv2
C) SNMPv3
D) ICMP

Answer: C

Explanation: 

SNMPv3 adds security features such as authentication, encryption, and integrity checks, unlike SNMPv1 and SNMPv2 which transmit data in plaintext.

The protocol that provides authentication, encryption, and integrity for network management is SNMPv3, or Simple Network Management Protocol version 3. SNMPv3 enhances the earlier versions of SNMP by incorporating robust security features, making it suitable for managing devices across networks where confidentiality and data integrity are critical. It supports authentication to verify the identity of users or devices accessing network management information, encryption to protect the data from interception during transmission, and integrity checks to ensure that messages have not been tampered with. These features make SNMPv3 a secure and reliable choice for monitoring and managing network devices such as routers, switches, and servers.

Option A, SNMPv1, is the original version of SNMP and provides basic network management functionality. It allows administrators to retrieve and set information on network devices using management information bases (MIBs). However, SNMPv1 lacks security features and transmits all data, including community strings, in plaintext. This makes it vulnerable to eavesdropping and unauthorized access, limiting its use in environments where security is a concern.

Option B, SNMPv2, introduced performance improvements over SNMPv1, including enhanced error handling and support for bulk transfers of datA) Despite these enhancements, SNMPv2 still does not provide strong security mechanisms. It also transmits community strings in plaintext, leaving network management traffic exposed to potential interception or tampering.

Option D, ICMP, or Internet Control Message Protocol, is used for network diagnostics and error reporting. While ICMP provides important operational information, such as “destination unreachable” or “TTL exceeded” messages, it does not offer authentication, encryption, or integrity for network management tasks.

In summary, SNMPv3 is the only version among these options that ensures secure network management by providing authentication, encryption, and message integrity. Unlike SNMPv1 and SNMPv2, which send data in plaintext, SNMPv3 protects sensitive information and ensures that management operations are performed safely. ICMP, while useful for diagnostics, does not offer these security features, making SNMPv3 essential for secure network monitoring and management.

Question 182: 

Which type of IPv6 address identifies multiple interfaces for one-to-one communication with the nearest device?

A) Unicast
B) Multicast
C) Anycast
D) Link-local

Answer: C

Explanation: 

Anycast addresses allow multiple devices to share the same IPv6 address, with packets routed to the nearest device based on routing metrics.

The type of IPv6 address that identifies multiple interfaces for one-to-one communication with the nearest device is anycast. Anycast addressing is a unique feature of IPv6 that allows multiple devices to share the same IP address. When a packet is sent to an anycast address, routers use routing metrics, such as hop count or path cost, to deliver the packet to the nearest device that holds that address. This functionality is particularly useful for optimizing network performance, improving redundancy, and ensuring efficient delivery of services like DNS or content distribution, where multiple servers provide the same service across different locations. Anycast allows traffic to be automatically directed to the closest or most optimal device, reducing latency and improving user experience.

Option A, unicast, is the most common type of IPv6 address. A unicast address identifies a single interface on a device, and packets sent to a unicast address are delivered directly to that specific interface. While unicast provides precise one-to-one communication, it does not allow multiple devices to share the same address or automatically route traffic to the nearest device.

Option B, multicast, delivers packets to all interfaces that are part of a multicast group. Multicast is designed for one-to-many communication, such as streaming data or broadcasting routing updates. Unlike anycast, multicast sends packets to every member of the group rather than selecting the nearest device, making it unsuitable for scenarios where only the closest device should responD)

Option D, link-local addresses, are used for communication between nodes on the same local link or subnet. Every IPv6-enabled interface automatically has a link-local address, which is essential for routing protocol operations and neighbor discovery. However, link-local addresses are limited to a single subnet and do not provide the capability to identify multiple devices across the network for nearest-device delivery.

In conclusion, anycast addresses enable multiple devices to share the same IPv6 address while ensuring that packets are delivered to the nearest device based on routing metrics. Unlike unicast, multicast, or link-local addresses, anycast optimizes routing efficiency and provides redundancy, making it ideal for distributed network services.

Question 183: 

Which command shows the neighbors learned through EIGRP on a Cisco router?

A) show ip route eigrp
B) show ip eigrp neighbors
C) show running-config
D) show interfaces

Answer: B

Explanation: 

show ip eigrp neighbors displays all EIGRP neighbors, their IP addresses, interface associations, and the state of adjacency, useful for troubleshooting.

The command that shows the neighbors learned through EIGRP on a Cisco router is show ip eigrp neighbors. This command provides a detailed view of all EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol) neighbors that a router has established adjacency with. The output includes important information such as the IP address of each neighbor, the interface through which the neighbor is reachable, the state of the adjacency, the hold time, and the smooth round-trip time (SRTT). By using this command, network administrators can verify that EIGRP neighbor relationships are properly formed, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and ensure that the routing protocol is exchanging updates correctly. Understanding neighbor relationships is crucial for maintaining stable routing and optimal network performance.

Option A, show ip route eigrp, displays all routes that are learned through EIGRP and present in the router’s IP routing table. While this command is useful for verifying which networks have been successfully learned and installed via EIGRP, it does not provide detailed information about the neighbors themselves or the status of the adjacency. It focuses on routing information rather than neighbor relationships.

Option C, show running-config, displays the active configuration of the router, including interface settings, routing protocol configurations, and access control lists. Although it contains EIGRP configuration details, it does not show the current state of neighbor adjacencies or provide dynamic information about which neighbors are actively exchanging routing updates.

Option D, show interfaces, provides status information for the router’s interfaces, including whether they are up or down, the IP address assigned, bandwidth, and error statistics. This command is useful for diagnosing physical or data link issues but does not provide any insight into EIGRP neighbor relationships or adjacency states.

In conclusion, show ip eigrp neighbors is the specific command designed to display all EIGRP neighbors, their IP addresses, interface associations, and adjacency states. Unlike show ip route eigrp, show running-config, or show interfaces, it provides a real-time view of EIGRP neighbor connectivity, making it essential for troubleshooting and ensuring proper routing protocol operation.

Question 184: 

Which feature allows a switch to block unauthorized MAC addresses on a port?

A) STP
B) Port Security
C) DHCP Snooping
D) EtherChannel

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Port Security restricts access to a switch port by allowing only configured or dynamically learned MAC addresses and can take action if a violation occurs.

The feature that allows a switch to block unauthorized MAC addresses on a port is port security. Port security is a Layer 2 mechanism that enhances network security by controlling which devices can access a specific switch port based on their MAC addresses. Administrators can configure port security to allow only specific MAC addresses, either manually configured or dynamically learned, to communicate through the port. If a device with an unauthorized MAC address attempts to connect, the switch can take several actions, including shutting down the port, restricting traffic from the unauthorized device, or generating a log message. This helps prevent unauthorized access, mitigates potential security breaches, and limits the risk of network attacks.

Option A, STP or Spanning Tree Protocol, is designed to prevent Layer 2 loops in a switched network by creating a loop-free topology. STP dynamically blocks redundant paths to maintain network stability. While STP improves reliability and prevents broadcast storms, it does not control access to ports based on MAC addresses and does not block unauthorized devices.

Option C, DHCP Snooping, is a security feature that protects against rogue DHCP servers on a network. It monitors DHCP traffic and ensures that only trusted ports can send DHCP offers. While DHCP Snooping is valuable for preventing unauthorized IP address assignments, it does not restrict access to the switch port based on MAC addresses or take action against unauthorized devices.

Option D, EtherChannel, allows multiple physical switch ports to be combined into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy. EtherChannel improves performance and reliability but does not offer any mechanism for blocking unauthorized MAC addresses or controlling port access.

In conclusion, port security is the specific feature that enforces MAC-based access control on switch ports. It can limit connectivity to authorized devices and respond to violations, ensuring a secure network environment. STP, DHCP Snooping, and EtherChannel serve different purposes such as loop prevention, DHCP protection, and link aggregation, but none of these features provide the same level of port access control as port security.

Question 185: 

Which command on a router verifies the IP addresses and status of all interfaces?

A) show running-config
B) show ip interface brief
C) show ip route
D) show vlan brief

Answer: B

Explanation: 

show ip interface brief gives a concise summary of interfaces, IP addresses, and their operational/protocol status, helping verify connectivity.

The command on a router that verifies the IP addresses and status of all interfaces is show ip interface brief. This command provides a concise summary of all interfaces on a router or Layer 3 switch, including the interface name, IP address, operational status, and protocol status. Operational status indicates whether the interface is physically up or down, while protocol status shows whether the Layer 3 protocol is active. By using show ip interface brief, network administrators can quickly verify IP addressing, identify interfaces that are down, and troubleshoot connectivity issues. It is particularly useful for ensuring that interfaces are correctly configured and ready to forward traffic, making it an essential tool for network monitoring and troubleshooting.

Option A, show running-config, displays the active configuration of the router, including interface configurations, routing protocols, access control lists, and other parameters. While it contains information about assigned IP addresses and interface configurations, it does not provide a clear, real-time summary of interface status or protocol states. Administrators would need to manually examine each interface section, which can be time-consuming and less efficient for quickly assessing connectivity.

Option C, show ip route, displays the router’s routing table, listing all known networks, next-hop addresses, and exit interfaces. This command is useful for verifying route information and troubleshooting routing issues, but it does not provide a detailed summary of the operational status of each interface or their IP addresses.

Option D, show vlan brief, is primarily used on switches to display VLAN configurations, operational status, and port assignments. While it helps manage VLAN membership on switch ports, it does not provide IP address information or protocol status for router interfaces.

In conclusion, show ip interface brief is the most effective command for verifying IP addresses, interface status, and protocol states on a router. Unlike show running-config, show ip route, or show vlan brief, it delivers a concise, real-time overview, making it indispensable for troubleshooting connectivity and confirming proper interface configuration.

Question 186: 

Which protocol is used to dynamically assign IP addresses to hosts?

A) ARP
B) DHCP
C) DNS
D) ICMP

Answer: B

Explanation: 

DHCP automates IP address configuration for hosts, including subnet masks, gateways, and DNS servers, reducing manual configuration errors.

The protocol used to dynamically assign IP addresses to hosts is DHCP, or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. DHCP automates the process of assigning IP addresses and other network configuration parameters, such as subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server addresses, to devices on a network. This automation eliminates the need for manual IP configuration on each device, reducing configuration errors and simplifying network management. When a host connects to a network, it sends a DHCP request, and the DHCP server responds with an available IP address and other required settings. This ensures that all devices have unique IP addresses and can communicate effectively within the network. DHCP is widely used in enterprise, campus, and home networks due to its efficiency and ability to scale.

Option A, ARP or Address Resolution Protocol, is used to map IPv4 addresses to MAC addresses on a local network. ARP allows devices to communicate at the data link layer by discovering the physical address of a host associated with a given IP address. While ARP is essential for local network communication, it does not provide IP address assignment or configuration, so it cannot replace DHCP.

Option C, DNS or Domain Name System, translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses. DNS allows users to access websites or network services using easy-to-remember names instead of numeric IP addresses. However, DNS is strictly a name resolution service and does not provide any mechanism for dynamically assigning IP addresses to hosts.

Option D, ICMP or Internet Control Message Protocol, is used for network diagnostics and error reporting. ICMP communicates messages such as “destination unreachable” or “TTL exceeded” to indicate network problems, but it does not assign IP addresses or configure network settings for hosts.

In summary, DHCP is the protocol responsible for dynamically assigning IP addresses and network parameters to hosts. Unlike ARP, DNS, or ICMP, DHCP automates the IP configuration process, reducing manual effort, preventing address conflicts, and ensuring seamless connectivity for devices on a network.

Question 187: 

Which type of NAT provides a permanent one-to-one mapping between a private and public IP address?

A) Static NAT
B) Dynamic NAT
C) PAT
D) Overload NAT

Answer: A

Explanation: 

Static NAT creates a fixed mapping between a private and public IP address, often used for servers that require consistent public access.

The type of NAT that provides a permanent one-to-one mapping between a private and public IP address is static NAT. Static NAT establishes a fixed relationship where each private IP address is always translated to the same public IP address. This consistency is particularly important for servers or devices that need to be accessible from external networks, such as web servers, mail servers, or VPN gateways. By maintaining a permanent mapping, static NAT ensures that external clients can reliably reach internal resources using the same public IP address every time, which is essential for applications that require predictable addressing.

Option B, dynamic NAT, assigns a public IP address to a private IP from a pool of available addresses on a first-come, first-served basis. Dynamic NAT provides temporary mappings that change over time depending on availability. While this allows multiple internal devices to access external networks, the mapping is not permanent, making it unsuitable for services that require consistent external reachability.

Option C, PAT, or Port Address Translation, also known as NAT overload, allows multiple private IP addresses to share a single public IP address by using unique TCP or UDP port numbers for each session. PAT is highly efficient in conserving public IP addresses, especially for networks with many internal hosts, but it does not provide a permanent one-to-one mapping. It is designed for outbound connections rather than hosting services that need consistent public access.

Option D, overload NAT, is another term for PAT. It performs the same function by enabling many private IP addresses to share a single public IP through port-based translation. While it supports scalability and reduces the number of required public IPs, it does not create fixed mappings between internal and external addresses.

In conclusion, static NAT is the only NAT type that ensures a permanent, one-to-one mapping between private and public IP addresses. Unlike dynamic NAT or PAT, static NAT provides predictable and consistent public access for internal devices, making it ideal for servers and other critical resources that must be reachable from external networks.

Question 188: 

Which command displays the MAC addresses learned by a switch and the ports they are associated with?

A) show interfaces
B) show mac-address-table
C) show vlan brief
D) show ip route

Answer: B

Explanation: 

show mac-address-table lists all learned MAC addresses and their corresponding switch ports, aiding in Layer 2 troubleshooting.

The command that displays the MAC addresses learned by a switch and the ports they are associated with is show mac-address-table. This command provides a comprehensive view of the Layer 2 forwarding information on a switch, listing each MAC address the switch has learned along with the corresponding interface or port. This information is crucial for troubleshooting connectivity issues, verifying which devices are connected to specific ports, and understanding how the switch is forwarding traffic within the network. By examining the MAC address table, administrators can quickly identify unauthorized devices, detect duplicate MAC addresses, and ensure proper port assignments.

Option A, show interfaces, provides detailed information about the operational status of switch or router interfaces, including whether the port is up or down, speed, duplex settings, and error statistics. While this command is helpful for diagnosing physical layer issues or interface-level problems, it does not provide information about the MAC addresses learned on each port, so it cannot be used to map devices to specific interfaces.

Option C, show vlan brief, displays the VLAN configuration on the switch, including VLAN IDs, names, status, and which ports are assigned to each VLAN. This command is useful for verifying VLAN assignments and monitoring VLAN activity, but it does not show the MAC addresses associated with each port or the dynamic forwarding information that the switch has learneD)

Option D, show ip route, displays the router’s IP routing table, showing the known network destinations, next-hop addresses, and exit interfaces. This command focuses on Layer 3 routing information rather than Layer 2 switching, and it does not provide any details about MAC addresses or port-level device connections.

In conclusion, show mac-address-table is the primary command for viewing the MAC addresses learned by a switch and the ports they are associated with. Unlike show interfaces, show vlan brief, or show ip route, it provides a clear and real-time view of Layer 2 connectivity, making it an essential tool for troubleshooting, verifying device placement, and managing switch ports effectively.

Question 189: 

Which protocol prevents routing loops in distance-vector protocols by limiting hop counts?

A) OSPF
B) RIP
C) EIGRP
D) BGP

Answer: B

Explanation: 

RIP limits the maximum hop count to 15. Networks beyond this limit are considered unreachable, preventing indefinite routing loops.

The protocol that prevents routing loops in distance-vector protocols by limiting hop counts is RIP, or Routing Information Protocol. RIP is one of the earliest distance-vector routing protocols and uses hop count as its primary metric to determine the best path to a destination network. To prevent routing loops, RIP sets a maximum hop count of 15, meaning any network that requires more than 15 hops is considered unreachable. This limitation ensures that packets do not circulate indefinitely within the network, which could cause congestion and network instability. By restricting the maximum number of hops, RIP provides a simple loop-prevention mechanism, although it also limits the size of networks where RIP can be effectively deployeD)

Option A, OSPF, or Open Shortest Path First, is a link-state routing protocol that operates within an autonomous system. OSPF prevents routing loops using a complete map of the network topology and the Dijkstra shortest-path algorithm. Instead of relying on hop counts, OSPF maintains a link-state database and calculates loop-free paths based on cost metrics. While OSPF is highly efficient and scalable, it does not use a hop count limit to prevent loops, making it fundamentally different from RIP in this aspect.

Option C, EIGRP, or Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol, is an advanced distance-vector protocol that uses a combination of metrics such as bandwidth, delay, reliability, and load to determine the best path. EIGRP also implements loop prevention mechanisms, including the use of a topology table and the feasibility condition. While EIGRP avoids loops effectively, it does so through algorithmic checks rather than a simple hop count limit like RIP.

Option D, BGP, or Border Gateway Protocol, is an exterior gateway protocol used between autonomous systems on the Internet. BGP prevents routing loops using path vector information and AS path attributes rather than hop counts. Its focus is on policy-based routing and maintaining loop-free inter-domain paths rather than simple hop-based limits.

In conclusion, RIP uniquely uses a maximum hop count of 15 to prevent routing loops, distinguishing it from OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, which employ more advanced loop-prevention mechanisms. This makes RIP simple to configure but less scalable for large networks.

Question 190: 

Which command verifies which routes were learned via OSPF?

A) show ip ospf neighbor
B) show ip route ospf
C) show running-config
D) show ip interface brief

Answer: B

Explanation: 

show ip route ospf displays all OSPF-learned routes in the routing table, including prefixes, next hops, and outgoing interfaces.

The command that verifies which routes were learned via OSPF is show ip route ospf. This command displays all routes in the routing table that were learned through the OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) protocol. The output includes the network prefixes, next-hop addresses, administrative distance, metric, and the outgoing interfaces used to reach each network. By using this command, network administrators can confirm that OSPF is properly exchanging routing information, verify that networks are being advertised and received correctly, and troubleshoot connectivity issues within the OSPF autonomous system. It provides a focused view of OSPF-learned routes, making it easier to analyze the OSPF portion of the routing table without sifting through routes learned from other protocols.

Option A, show ip ospf neighbor, displays information about OSPF neighbor relationships, including the IP addresses of neighboring routers, interface associations, and the state of the adjacency. While this command is useful for verifying that OSPF routers are forming proper neighbor relationships and establishing adjacencies, it does not show the actual networks or routes that have been learneD) It is focused on the OSPF link-state exchange process rather than the routing table.

Option C, show running-config, provides the active configuration of the router, including interface settings, OSPF configurations, and other protocols. Although it contains information about OSPF configuration parameters such as router IDs, network statements, and areas, it does not indicate which routes are currently installed in the routing table. Administrators would need to interpret the configuration manually to infer learned routes.

Option D, show ip interface brief, provides a concise summary of interfaces, their IP addresses, and their operational and protocol status. While helpful for verifying connectivity and interface status, it does not display any routing information or indicate which routes were learned via OSPF.

In conclusion, show ip route ospf is the specific command that allows administrators to verify all OSPF-learned routes in the routing table. Unlike show ip ospf neighbor, show running-config, or show ip interface brief, it provides direct, real-time insight into OSPF routing, making it essential for troubleshooting and network verification.

Question 191: 

Which protocol is used to send error messages like “destination unreachable” or “TTL exceeded”?

A) ICMP
B) ARP
C) DHCP
D) DNS

Answer: A

Explanation: 

ICMP is used by devices to report errors and operational information for IP networks, such as unreachable hosts or expired TTL.

The protocol used to send error messages such as “destination unreachable” or “TTL exceeded” is ICMP, or Internet Control Message Protocol. ICMP operates at the network layer and is an essential part of the IP protocol suite, providing feedback about network conditions and operational status. When a device cannot deliver a packet, encounters congestion, or detects an expired Time-to-Live (TTL) value, it generates an ICMP message to inform the source device of the issue. This allows network administrators and devices to diagnose connectivity problems, determine the reachability of hosts, and troubleshoot routing issues. Tools like ping and traceroute rely on ICMP messages to test network connectivity and measure the path packets take through the network.

Option B, ARP, or Address Resolution Protocol, is used to map IPv4 addresses to MAC addresses on a local area network. ARP allows devices to discover the physical hardware address of a host within the same subnet so that communication at the data link layer is possible. While ARP is critical for local connectivity, it does not provide error messages or report operational issues in the network, making it unsuitable for tasks handled by ICMP.

Option C, DHCP, or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, dynamically assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and other network parameters to hosts. DHCP automates the configuration process and ensures devices can communicate on a network, but it does not report errors related to packet delivery, unreachable destinations, or TTL expiration.

Option D, DNS, or Domain Name System, resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses. DNS allows users to access network resources using familiar names rather than numerical addresses. While DNS is essential for name resolution, it does not provide error messages related to network reachability or routing issues.

In conclusion, ICMP is the protocol responsible for sending error messages and operational notifications in IP networks. Unlike ARP, DHCP, or DNS, ICMP provides critical feedback about network failures, unreachable hosts, or expired TTL values, enabling effective troubleshooting and network diagnostics.

Question 192: 

Which type of ACL filters traffic solely based on the source IP address?

A) Standard ACL
B) Extended ACL
C) Reflexive ACL
D) Named ACL

Answer: A

Explanation: 

Standard ACLs filter traffic based only on source IP addresses. Extended ACLs allow more granular filtering, including destination, protocol, and ports.

The type of ACL that filters traffic solely based on the source IP address is a standard ACL. Standard Access Control Lists are the simplest form of ACLs and provide basic traffic filtering by examining only the source IP address of incoming packets. By configuring a standard ACL, network administrators can permit or deny traffic from specific source addresses or networks to control access to a router interface or network segment. This type of ACL is commonly used for basic security measures, such as restricting access to network resources from certain subnets or hosts, but it does not allow filtering based on destination addresses, protocols, or port numbers.

Option B, extended ACL, provides more granular control over traffiC) Extended ACLs can filter packets based on multiple criteria, including source and destination IP addresses, transport layer protocols like TCP or UDP, and specific port numbers. This flexibility makes extended ACLs suitable for more complex network security policies, such as allowing only web traffic from a particular subnet while blocking other types of traffiC) Unlike standard ACLs, extended ACLs can precisely control which traffic is permitted or denied at both ends of a communication.

Option C, reflexive ACL, is a dynamic type of ACL that can filter traffic based on session initiation and return traffiC) Reflexive ACLs create temporary, dynamic entries that allow return traffic for sessions initiated from the internal network. This type of ACL is useful for stateful filtering but does not operate solely on the source IP address.

Option D, named ACL, is a method of identifying an ACL by a descriptive name rather than a number. Named ACLs can be either standard or extended in functionality, but the naming convention itself does not determine the filtering criteriA) A named ACL could filter only by source IP if it is a standard ACL, or it could apply more advanced filtering if it is extendeD)

In conclusion, standard ACLs are designed specifically to filter traffic based only on the source IP address. While extended, reflexive, and named ACLs offer additional features and flexibility, standard ACLs provide the most straightforward and effective method for simple source-based access control.

Question 193: 

Which protocol is used to translate domain names to IP addresses?

A) DNS
B) DHCP
C) ICMP
D) ARP

Answer: A

Explanation: 

DNS resolves hostnames to IP addresses, enabling devices to communicate using human-readable names instead of numeric IPs.

Question 194: 

Which command displays all VLANs and the ports assigned to them on a switch?

A) show vlan brief
B) show mac-address-table
C) show interfaces status
D) show ip route

Answer: A

Explanation: 

show vlan brief lists VLANs, their operational status, and which ports are assigned to each VLAN.

The command that displays all VLANs and the ports assigned to them on a switch is show vlan brief. This command provides a clear and concise overview of all VLANs configured on the switch, including the VLAN ID, name, status, and the ports associated with each VLAN. By using this command, network administrators can quickly verify VLAN configurations, ensure that ports are correctly assigned, and troubleshoot connectivity issues related to VLAN membership. It is particularly useful in environments with multiple VLANs, as it allows administrators to see the operational status of each VLAN and confirm that devices are connected to the intended segments of the network.

Option B, show mac-address-table, displays the MAC addresses that the switch has learned on its interfaces. This command helps identify which devices are connected to specific ports and assists in troubleshooting Layer 2 forwarding issues. While it provides indirect information about VLAN membership when combined with VLAN data, it does not explicitly list all VLANs or their assigned ports, making it less straightforward for VLAN verification.

Option C, show interfaces status, provides information about the operational state of each interface, including whether it is up or down, the speed and duplex settings, and the VLAN assignment for access ports. Although this command is useful for checking port status and verifying connectivity, it does not give a complete summary of all VLANs or clearly show the mapping of VLANs to multiple ports across the switch.

Option D, show ip route, displays the router’s IP routing table, showing network destinations, next-hop addresses, and exit interfaces. This command focuses on Layer 3 routing information rather than VLAN configurations, so it is unrelated to VLAN management or port assignments.

In conclusion, show vlan brief is the primary command for viewing VLANs and the ports assigned to them on a switch. Unlike show mac-address-table, show interfaces status, or show ip route, it provides a direct and comprehensive overview of VLAN configurations, making it essential for VLAN management, verification, and troubleshooting within a switched network environment.

Question 195: 

Which IPv6 address type is automatically configured for every interface to communicate with devices on the same link?

A) Global unicast
B) Link-local
C) Multicast
D) Anycast

Answer: B

Explanation:

IPv6 link-local addresses (FE80::/10) are automatically assigned and used for local link communication, including routing protocols and neighbor discovery.

The IPv6 address type that is automatically configured for every interface to communicate with devices on the same link is the link-local address. Link-local addresses are identified by the prefix FE80::/10 and are essential for IPv6 operation. Every IPv6-enabled interface automatically generates a link-local address, which allows devices on the same local network segment to communicate directly without requiring a global or unique address. These addresses are used for essential functions such as neighbor discovery, address autoconfiguration, and routing protocol operations like OSPFv3 or EIGRP for IPv6. Link-local addresses ensure that IPv6 devices can perform basic network communication and protocol operations even if no global unicast address has been assigneD)

Option A, global unicast addresses, are routable across the Internet and are similar to public IPv4 addresses. They are used for end-to-end communication between devices across different networks. Global unicast addresses must be manually configured or assigned via DHCPv6 or SLAAC, and they are not automatically generated for local link communication like link-local addresses.

Option C, multicast addresses, are used to deliver packets to multiple destinations simultaneously. Multicast enables one-to-many communication and is essential for services such as streaming, routing protocol updates, and IPv6 group communications. However, multicast addresses are not automatically configured for each interface and do not provide one-to-one local communication between devices on the same link.

Option D, anycast addresses, are assigned to multiple interfaces, often on different devices, allowing packets to be routed to the nearest device based on routing metrics. Anycast is useful for load balancing and redundancy but is not automatically generated and does not facilitate mandatory local link communication for every interface.

In conclusion, link-local addresses are automatically configured for every IPv6 interface and are critical for local link communication, neighbor discovery, and internal routing operations. Unlike global unicast, multicast, or anycast addresses, link-local addresses ensure that devices can communicate reliably within the same network segment without requiring additional configuration.

Question 196: 

Which protocol allows monitoring of network devices and receiving alerts for abnormal events?

A) FTP
B) SNMP
C) ICMP
D) ARP

Answer: B

Explanation: 

SNMP allows network administrators to monitor devices, collect performance data, and receive alerts (traps) for abnormal conditions or failures.

Question 197: 

Which feature allows multiple VLANs to communicate over a single physical link between switches?

A) Access port
B) Trunk port
C) EtherChannel
D) STP

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Trunk ports carry traffic for multiple VLANs using 802.1Q tagging, enabling VLAN communication across switches.

The feature that allows multiple VLANs to communicate over a single physical link between switches is a trunk port. Trunk ports are configured to carry traffic from multiple VLANs simultaneously, using VLAN tagging to differentiate frames as they traverse the link. The most common tagging protocol is IEEE 802.1Q, which inserts a VLAN identifier into each Ethernet frame, allowing switches at both ends of the trunk to correctly associate incoming traffic with the appropriate VLAN. Trunking is essential for maintaining VLAN segmentation while enabling devices on different switches to communicate within the same VLAN. It reduces the need for multiple physical links between switches, conserving ports and cabling while supporting scalable network designs.

Option A, access port, is designed to carry traffic for a single VLAN only. Access ports are typically used to connect end devices such as computers, printers, or IP phones to the network. Since access ports do not carry traffic for multiple VLANs, they cannot facilitate VLAN communication between switches, making them unsuitable for inter-switch connections that require multiple VLAN support.

Option C, EtherChannel, allows multiple physical links to be combined into a single logical link between switches. This feature increases bandwidth and provides redundancy in case one link fails. While EtherChannel can carry multiple VLANs if the links it aggregates are trunk ports, EtherChannel itself is not the mechanism that enables VLAN communication; it primarily focuses on bandwidth aggregation and link redundancy.

Option D, STP or Spanning Tree Protocol, is used to prevent loops in a Layer 2 network by blocking redundant paths. STP ensures a loop-free topology but does not enable multiple VLANs to traverse a single link. Its primary function is network stability rather than VLAN communication.

In conclusion, trunk ports are the key feature that allows multiple VLANs to communicate over a single physical link between switches. Unlike access ports, which support only one VLAN, trunk ports use VLAN tagging to maintain separation while enabling inter-switch connectivity. EtherChannel and STP provide additional network efficiency and loop prevention but do not directly facilitate multi-VLAN traffic on a single link.

Question 198: 

Which command displays the status of a trunk interface and the VLANs it carries?

A) show vlan brief
B) show interfaces trunk
C) show running-config
D) show spanning-tree

Answer: B

Explanation: 

show interfaces trunk displays trunk interfaces, allowed VLANs, native VLAN, and encapsulation, helping troubleshoot VLAN communication issues.

Question 199: 

Which routing protocol is commonly used to exchange routing information between autonomous systems on the Internet?

A) OSPF
B) EIGRP
C) BGP
D) RIP

Answer: C

Explanation: 

BGP is an inter-domain protocol used to exchange routing information between autonomous systems, enabling global Internet connectivity.

Question 200: 

Which Layer 2 protocol detects redundant paths and prevents loops in a network?

A) RIP
B) OSPF
C) STP
D) HSRP

Answer: C

Explanation: 

STP detects redundant Layer 2 paths and blocks some ports to prevent broadcast loops while maintaining at least one active path for redundancy.

The Layer 2 protocol that detects redundant paths and prevents loops in a network is STP, or Spanning Tree Protocol. STP is designed to maintain a loop-free topology in Ethernet networks by identifying redundant links and selectively blocking certain ports to prevent broadcast storms and network instability. While STP blocks some paths, it ensures that at least one active path remains available for redundancy, allowing traffic to flow even if a primary link fails. The protocol uses Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs) to exchange information between switches, determine the root bridge, and calculate the best loop-free path to each segment. By dynamically adjusting which ports are forwarding and which are blocked, STP maintains network reliability and prevents Layer 2 loops, which could otherwise cause multiple frame copies, MAC table instability, and network congestion.

Option A, RIP, or Routing Information Protocol, is a Layer 3 distance-vector routing protocol used to exchange routing information between routers. RIP prevents routing loops in Layer 3 networks by limiting the maximum hop count, but it does not operate at Layer 2 and cannot manage loops in a switched Ethernet environment.

Option B, OSPF, or Open Shortest Path First, is a Layer 3 link-state routing protocol. OSPF calculates the shortest path to each network using Dijkstra’s algorithm and maintains a loop-free routing topology at Layer 3. While OSPF efficiently prevents routing loops in routed networks, it does not prevent Layer 2 loops between switches, which STP addresses.

Option D, HSRP, or Hot Standby Router Protocol, provides redundancy for Layer 3 default gateways by allowing multiple routers to share a virtual IP address. HSRP ensures continuous gateway availability but does not detect redundant Layer 2 paths or prevent broadcast loops within a switched network.

In conclusion, STP is the Layer 2 protocol specifically designed to detect redundant paths and prevent loops in Ethernet networks. Unlike RIP and OSPF, which operate at Layer 3 to prevent routing loops, or HSRP, which ensures gateway redundancy, STP maintains a stable, loop-free Layer 2 topology while allowing redundancy for fault tolerance.