Cisco 200-301 Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 11 Q151-165
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Question 151
Which command displays the next-hop IP address for a specific route?
A) show ip route <destination>
B) show ip interface brief
C) show mac address-table
D) ping
Answer: A) show ip route <destination>
Explanation
The command show ip route followed by a specific destination is an essential tool in network troubleshooting and route verification because it provides detailed information about how packets are forwarded to reach a particular network. When executed, this command displays the route to the specified destination, including critical details such as the next-hop IP address, the administrative distance, and the routing protocol that determined the route. The next-hop IP is particularly important because it indicates the immediate device to which packets must be sent in order to reach the destination network. Knowing this information allows network administrators to verify that routing paths are correct, to identify potential misconfigurations, and to troubleshoot routing issues effectively. By providing a direct view into the decision-making process of a router or layer 3 device, show ip route enables administrators to understand both the logical and operational structure of the network.
In contrast, the show ip interface brief command serves a different purpose. This command provides a concise of the interfaces on a device, including their IP addresses, status, and operational state. While it is useful for confirming whether interfaces are up, down, or administratively disabled, it does not provide information about how traffic is routed or which next-hop device will be used to reach a particular destination. This means that while show ip interface brief is valuable for basic interface monitoring, it cannot answer questions related to route selection or next-hop analysis.
The show mac address-table command is another frequently used network command, but it focuses entirely on layer 2 functionality. It displays the MAC addresses that a switch has learned on its various ports, helping administrators understand the mapping between devices and physical interfaces. This is critical for tasks such as verifying VLAN assignments, troubleshooting switching issues, or detecting unauthorized devices. However, the MAC address table is irrelevant to next-hop routing, because MAC addresses operate at the data link layer and do not indicate the path packets will take at the network layer.
Similarly, ping is a commonly used diagnostic tool, but its functionality is fundamentally different from that of show ip route. Ping tests connectivity to a host by sending ICMP echo requests and waiting for replies. It is excellent for confirming whether a device is reachable and for measuring round-trip time, which helps identify latency or packet loss. However, ping does not provide any insight into the routing path, the next-hop IP, or the routing protocol used. While it can confirm that communication is possible, it cannot indicate how packets are forwarded to reach their destination.
Given these distinctions, show ip route followed by a specific destination is the most appropriate command when the goal is to identify the next-hop IP address for a particular network. It directly reveals the path that the router or layer 3 device will use, including the administrative distance and protocol information, which are essential for troubleshooting routing problems and verifying network behavior. This makes it the correct choice for questions that specifically focus on next-hop routing details.
Question 152
Which type of IPv4 address is used to communicate with a single device?
A) Unicast
B) Broadcast
C) Multicast
D) Anycast
Answer: A) Unicast
Explanation
Unicast addressing is a fundamental concept in networking that enables direct, one-to-one communication between devices. When a device sends a packet to a unicast address, the packet is delivered exclusively to the specific device associated with that address. This targeted delivery ensures that the information reaches the intended recipient without being broadcast or forwarded to other devices unnecessarily. Unicast communication forms the backbone of most network interactions, including activities such as accessing websites, sending emails, or connecting to servers, where information must be exchanged between a single source and a single destination. By directing packets to a specific recipient, unicast reduces unnecessary network traffic and enhances overall efficiency and security, as only the designated device receives the data.
In comparison, broadcast addressing functions quite differently. Broadcast addresses are used to send a packet to every device within a particular subnet. This is useful for certain tasks like network discovery, address resolution, or other scenarios where a device needs to inform all other devices of its presence or request information. However, broadcast communication is not selective, and every device in the subnet receives the packet regardless of whether it needs the information. While broadcast is effective for reaching all devices simultaneously, it is inherently inefficient for one-to-one communication and can generate unnecessary network traffic if used indiscriminately.
Multicast addresses occupy a middle ground between unicast and broadcast. They allow a single device to send packets to multiple devices that have explicitly joined a multicast group. This is particularly beneficial for distributing the same content to multiple recipients efficiently, such as in streaming video, software updates, or real-time data feeds. Multicast ensures that only devices interested in the content receive the data, conserving bandwidth compared to broadcasting. However, multicast is designed for one-to-many communication and does not serve the purpose of sending information to a single, specific device. Therefore, while multicast is highly efficient for group communication, it is not the correct addressing method when targeting only one recipient.
Anycast addressing is another specialized method that differs from unicast. With anycast, the same IP address is assigned to multiple devices, often located in different network segments or geographical locations. When a packet is sent to an anycast address, routing protocols determine which instance of the address is nearest in terms of network topology, and the packet is delivered to that device. Anycast is ideal for distributed services like DNS or content delivery networks, where traffic needs to be directed to the closest server for performance or redundancy purposes. However, anycast is not truly one-to-one because the destination is selected dynamically based on proximity rather than being a specific, pre-determined device.
Given the distinctions between unicast, broadcast, multicast, and anycast, unicast addressing is the only method that provides true one-to-one communication. It ensures that a packet sent from one device reaches only the intended recipient, making it the correct choice whenever communication with a single device is required. Its direct, efficient, and secure delivery model makes unicast the foundational mechanism for most network communications.
Question 153
Which command displays the IP addresses leased by a DHCP server?
A) show ip dhcp binding
B) show ip interface brief
C) show running-config
D) show arp
Answer: A) show ip dhcp binding
Explanation
The command show ip dhcp binding is a critical tool for network administrators when it comes to managing and monitoring the allocation of IP addresses by a DHCP server. This command provides a detailed list of all IP addresses currently leased to clients on the network, along with the corresponding MAC addresses of the devices that have obtained these leases. Additionally, it displays information about the lease expiration time and the interface through which each client is connected. This comprehensive overview allows administrators to monitor network usage, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and verify that clients are receiving IP addresses correctly from the DHCP server. By providing a real-time snapshot of active leases, show ip dhcp binding helps maintain order and efficiency in dynamic network environments where IP addresses are assigned temporarily rather than statically.
In comparison, the show ip interface brief command provides a different type of information. It lists all interfaces on a device along with their IP addresses and operational status, which can be useful for quickly checking whether interfaces are up or down and identifying their IP assignments. However, show ip interface brief does not provide information about the clients connected to the network, nor does it indicate which IP addresses have been leased by the DHCP server. While it is an important command for basic interface monitoring and network troubleshooting, it does not meet the specific requirement of identifying DHCP-assigned IP addresses and associated lease details.
The show running-config command is another commonly used network command, but its purpose is also distinct. It displays the device’s active configuration, including interface settings, routing configurations, VLAN assignments, and DHCP pool configurations. While this information is essential for understanding how a device is configured and how it will behave, it does not provide real-time information about which IP addresses are currently leased to clients. Show running-config reflects the potential configuration but not the dynamic state of DHCP leases at any given moment, making it unsuitable when the goal is to identify active IP allocations.
Similarly, the show arp command displays the ARP table, showing the mappings between IP addresses and MAC addresses that the device has learned through traffic on the network. While the ARP table can provide clues about devices that have communicated recently, it does not differentiate between statically assigned addresses and those obtained through DHCP. Furthermore, it does not provide lease expiration times or interface information, both of which are critical for managing DHCP leases. As a result, show arp cannot replace the functionality of show ip dhcp binding when monitoring DHCP activity specifically.
Because the question specifically asks for IP addresses leased by a DHCP server, show ip dhcp binding is the correct command. It provides the precise information required, including which clients have been assigned addresses, their MAC addresses, the interface they are connected to, and the remaining lease time. This makes it an indispensable tool for administrators managing dynamic IP environments, allowing for accurate tracking, troubleshooting, and planning of IP address utilization. No other commonly used show command delivers the same combination of detail and real-time visibility into active DHCP leases.
Question 154
Which VLAN carries administrative traffic for network device management?
A) Management VLAN
B) Data VLAN
C) Voice VLAN
D) Native VLAN
Answer: A) Management VLAN
Explanation
In network design, VLANs are used to logically segment traffic within a switched network to improve performance, security, and manageability. Among the different types of VLANs, the management VLAN is specifically designed to handle administrative traffic, separating it from regular user data, voice traffic, and untagged traffic on trunk links. The management VLAN plays a critical role in network administration because it provides a dedicated pathway for management protocols and services, such as SSH, Telnet, and SNMP. By isolating administrative traffic from other types of network traffic, it enhances security by limiting access to network devices and prevents sensitive administrative communications from being exposed to user or voice traffic that may traverse the same infrastructure.
The importance of a management VLAN is particularly evident in enterprise networks where switches, routers, and other devices must be remotely managed. By assigning management IP addresses to devices within this VLAN, administrators can ensure that only authorized personnel can access device configurations. This segmentation reduces the risk of accidental interference from user traffic or unauthorized access, thereby maintaining the integrity and reliability of the network. Furthermore, monitoring tools often rely on the management VLAN to gather device statistics, logs, and alerts, allowing administrators to maintain a clear view of network health and performance. Without a dedicated management VLAN, administrative traffic could compete with user data, potentially leading to delays in configuration updates, monitoring, or troubleshooting tasks.
Other VLAN types serve different purposes and are not suited for administrative tasks. Data VLANs are intended for general user traffic, carrying everyday communications such as email, web browsing, and file transfers. While they are essential for supporting business operations, mixing administrative traffic with data VLANs could compromise security and reduce the effectiveness of network monitoring. Voice VLANs, on the other hand, are reserved for IP phone traffic and are typically configured with Quality of Service settings to ensure minimal latency and jitter, providing a high-quality voice experience. The requirements and optimizations for voice traffic differ significantly from those for administrative traffic, making voice VLANs unsuitable for management functions. Native VLANs, commonly used to carry untagged traffic over trunk links, also do not provide the security and isolation needed for administrative communications. Since native VLAN traffic is shared across multiple devices and often includes a variety of traffic types, using it for management purposes would expose sensitive administrative operations to unnecessary risk.
By using a management VLAN, network administrators can centralize control of network devices while keeping management traffic separate from operational traffic. This approach ensures that administrative communications are secure, reliable, and easily monitored. Because the question focuses specifically on administrative traffic, the management VLAN is the correct choice. It provides the dedicated environment necessary for secure device management, supports critical network protocols like SSH, Telnet, and SNMP, and prevents interference from user, voice, or untagged traffic. Proper implementation of a management VLAN is a best practice in network design, reflecting a proactive approach to both security and operational efficiency.
Question 155
Which command displays the MAC addresses learned by a switch?
A) show mac address-table
B) show arp
C) show ip route
D) show interfaces
Answer: A) show mac address-table
Explanation
In a switched network, understanding which devices are connected to which ports is crucial for effective network management, troubleshooting, and security. The command show mac address-table is an essential tool for network administrators because it provides a detailed listing of all MAC addresses that a switch has learned on its various ports. Each entry in this table includes the MAC address of a connected device, the associated VLAN, and the specific port through which the device communicates with the switch. This information is critical for identifying where devices are physically connected within the network, verifying that network segmentation is functioning as intended, and ensuring that traffic is reaching its intended destinations. By examining the MAC address table, administrators can quickly detect unauthorized devices, track down connectivity issues, and confirm that the network topology matches the intended design.
The show mac address-table command differs from other common network commands in several important ways. For instance, the show arp command displays IP-to-MAC address mappings for hosts on the local network segment. While ARP tables are useful for understanding which IP addresses correspond to which hardware addresses, they do not provide information about which switch ports are associated with those devices. This makes show arp less suitable when the goal is to determine the physical location of devices or to map the topology of a switched network.
Similarly, the show ip route command provides information about the routing table, detailing network prefixes, next-hop addresses, and routing protocols in use. While this is invaluable for diagnosing routing issues and ensuring correct packet delivery across routed networks, it does not provide any information about MAC addresses or the layer 2 connectivity of devices. As such, show ip route cannot be used to answer questions about which devices are connected to a switch or through which ports.
The show interfaces command offers another perspective by displaying the status and statistics of switch or router interfaces. This includes information such as operational status, error counts, bandwidth utilization, and interface configuration. While this data is important for monitoring interface health and performance, it does not indicate which MAC addresses are currently learned on the interfaces, nor does it provide insight into the devices connected to the switch.
Because the question specifically asks for MAC addresses learned by a switch, show mac address-table is the correct and most relevant command. It uniquely provides a direct mapping between the physical switch ports and the MAC addresses of connected devices, giving administrators the ability to identify, monitor, and troubleshoot devices at the layer 2 level. This command is indispensable for network management, particularly in environments with a high density of connected devices, multiple VLANs, or stringent security requirements. Using the show mac address-table command ensures accurate visibility into the switch’s forwarding table and the current state of network connectivity, making it a fundamental tool in the daily operations of network administration.
Question 156
Which type of IPv6 address is automatically configured for communication on the same link?
A) Link-local
B) Global unicast
C) Multicast
D) Anycast
Answer: A) Link-local
Explanation
In IPv6 networking, address types are essential for determining how devices communicate and how packets are routed within and beyond a local network. One of the most important types of IPv6 addresses is the link-local address, which is defined in the FE80::/10 address block. These addresses are automatically configured on all IPv6-enabled interfaces, ensuring that every device has at least one functional address even if no other configuration is performed. Link-local addresses are designed specifically for communication within a single local network segment, known as a link. They cannot be routed beyond that link, making them ideal for operations such as neighbor discovery, address autoconfiguration, and certain protocol communications that need to occur locally without relying on external routing.
The automatic assignment of link-local addresses is a key feature of IPv6. When an interface is enabled for IPv6, it automatically generates a link-local address based on the interface identifier, which is usually derived from the device’s MAC address using a process called modified EUI-64. This automatic configuration ensures that every device on a network link can communicate with other devices on the same link without requiring manual configuration. Link-local addresses are fundamental for IPv6 operations because many essential protocols, such as the Neighbor Discovery Protocol (NDP), rely on them to function. NDP uses link-local addresses for tasks such as discovering other devices, determining their link-layer addresses, and maintaining reachability information. Without link-local addresses, these basic IPv6 networking functions would not be possible.
Other types of IPv6 addresses serve different purposes and do not replace the role of link-local addresses. Global unicast addresses, for instance, are routable and used for communication across the internet or between different network segments. They are analogous to public IPv4 addresses and require configuration either manually, via DHCPv6, or through Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC). Multicast addresses are designed for one-to-many communication, allowing a single packet to be delivered to multiple devices that have joined a specific multicast group. They are not automatically assigned for local link communication, as their primary purpose is group-based communication rather than device-to-device communication within a single link. Anycast addresses are another specialized type of address, assigned to multiple devices so that packets sent to that address are delivered to the nearest device based on routing metrics. Anycast addresses are useful for load balancing and redundancy in distributed networks but are not automatically assigned or limited to local link communication.
Since the question specifically asks about addresses that are automatically assigned for communication within the same local link, link-local addresses are the correct choice. They provide an essential function in IPv6 networking by ensuring that every interface can communicate on its local segment without requiring external configuration. Their automatic nature, link-scoped limitation, and integral role in key protocols make link-local addresses a foundational element of IPv6 networking, enabling devices to operate efficiently, securely, and reliably within their immediate network environment.
Question 157
Which protocol provides encrypted remote management access?
A) SSH
B) Telnet
C) FTP
D) HTTP
Answer: A) SSH
Explanation
Secure remote access to network devices is a critical requirement in modern network administration, where protecting sensitive configuration information and credentials is paramount. Among the various protocols available for remote management, SSH, or Secure Shell, is widely recognized as the standard for secure remote access. SSH provides encrypted communication between a network administrator and the device they are managing, ensuring that all data, including login credentials and configuration commands, are protected from interception or eavesdropping. This encryption is particularly important in environments where network traffic could potentially be monitored or compromised, such as enterprise networks, data centers, or service provider infrastructures.
SSH operates over a secure channel and uses robust cryptographic algorithms to ensure that both the integrity and confidentiality of data are maintained during transmission. By establishing a secure session, SSH prevents attackers from capturing passwords or sensitive commands that could be used to compromise network devices. Additionally, SSH supports authentication mechanisms, including password-based and key-based authentication, which add another layer of security by verifying that only authorized administrators can access the devices. This makes SSH a highly reliable and trusted solution for managing routers, switches, firewalls, and other network infrastructure devices remotely.
In contrast, Telnet is another protocol that historically provided remote access to network devices but does so without encryption. Telnet sends all data, including usernames and passwords, in plain text, which makes it highly vulnerable to interception by attackers who may be listening on the network. While Telnet can still function for remote device access, its lack of security has rendered it largely obsolete in modern network environments, and its use is strongly discouraged for administrative purposes. Any credentials transmitted over Telnet can be easily captured, putting the entire network at risk.
Other protocols, while useful for their intended purposes, are not suitable for secure remote management. FTP, for example, is primarily designed for transferring files between devices and does not provide the ability to execute commands on a network device remotely. Similarly, HTTP allows web-based access to devices but is unencrypted unless the secure variant, HTTPS, is used. Even with HTTPS, the protocol is generally used for web interfaces rather than command-line remote administration and may not provide the full range of management capabilities offered by SSH.
Because the question specifically asks about secure remote management, SSH is the correct choice. Its ability to provide encrypted communication, secure authentication, and comprehensive remote command-line access makes it the preferred solution for administrators who need to maintain both the security and integrity of network devices. By using SSH, organizations can ensure that sensitive operational data remains protected, that access is limited to authorized personnel, and that the overall risk of network compromise is minimized. It represents best practices in network administration, combining functionality, security, and reliability in a way that Telnet, FTP, or HTTP cannot match. SSH’s widespread adoption reflects its effectiveness in meeting the critical requirements of modern secure remote device management.
Question 158
Which type of IPv4 address is used to send data to all hosts in a subnet?
A) Broadcast
B) Unicast
C) Multicast
D) Anycast
Answer: A) Broadcast
Explanation
In computer networking, broadcast addresses play a fundamental role in enabling one-to-all communication within a subnet. A broadcast address is a special type of network address that allows a single packet sent from one device to reach every other device on the same subnet. This capability is particularly important for various network functions that require all devices to be informed simultaneously. For example, Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) relies heavily on broadcast messages. When a device needs to determine the MAC address corresponding to a specific IP address within the same subnet, it sends an ARP request to the broadcast address. This ensures that every device on the subnet receives the request and the device with the matching IP responds directly, allowing the requesting host to map the IP address to a MAC address successfully. Broadcast addresses are also commonly used for network-wide announcements and other protocols that require all hosts on a subnet to receive the same message at the same time.
In contrast, unicast addresses are designed for one-to-one communication between a single sender and a single receiver. Every unicast packet has a specific destination address, ensuring that only the intended device processes the message. While unicast is essential for most regular communication on a network, it is not suitable when a message needs to reach every device on a subnet simultaneously. For example, sending an ARP request using unicast would not work because the sender would not initially know the MAC address of the intended recipient.
Multicast addresses, on the other hand, are designed for one-to-many communication but are limited to a specific group of devices that have joined the multicast group. Multicast is highly efficient for distributing content to multiple interested devices, such as streaming video or live data feeds, without sending redundant copies to devices that are not part of the group. However, multicast does not achieve true one-to-all communication across an entire subnet unless every device has explicitly joined the multicast group, which is rarely the case for general administrative or discovery traffic.
Anycast addresses provide another form of communication, where packets are delivered to the nearest device among a group of devices sharing the same anycast address. This is particularly useful for services that need to reach the closest server, such as content delivery networks or DNS services, but it does not serve the purpose of sending messages to all devices within a subnet.
Because the question specifically focuses on one-to-all communication within a subnet, broadcast addressing is the correct choice. Broadcast ensures that every device on the subnet receives the message simultaneously, making it indispensable for protocols like ARP and other network-wide notifications. Unlike unicast, multicast, or anycast, broadcast achieves full coverage of a subnet without requiring special group membership or geographic proximity. It is a critical tool for efficient network operations, allowing devices to communicate essential information to all members of the subnet simultaneously and ensuring smooth and coordinated network behavior.
Question 159
Which command displays all VLANs configured on a switch?
A) show vlan brief
B) show running-config
C) show ip interface brief
D) show mac address-table
Answer: A) show vlan brief
Explanation
In network administration, particularly in managing switches, it is often necessary to verify and review the VLAN configuration on a device. A VLAN, or Virtual Local Area Network, is a logical subdivision of a physical network, and switches use VLANs to separate traffic for security, performance, and organizational purposes. To quickly and efficiently view all VLANs configured on a switch, the command show vlan brief is the most appropriate tool. This command provides a concise of every VLAN present on the device, including the VLAN ID, the VLAN name, and the operational status. By displaying this information in a clear, organized format, show vlan brief allows network administrators to verify that all intended VLANs exist, are correctly named, and are active, facilitating both routine monitoring and troubleshooting activities.
Using show vlan brief is especially valuable in environments where switches may host numerous VLANs. In larger networks, a single switch might handle dozens or even hundreds of VLANs, and manually checking the full configuration to verify each one can be time-consuming and prone to error. The show vlan brief command condenses the essential information into a format that is easy to read and interpret. Administrators can quickly see which VLANs are active, which ports are assigned to each VLAN, and whether any VLANs have been misconfigured or are inactive. This immediate visibility is crucial for ensuring proper network segmentation and maintaining efficient traffic management.
Other commands, while useful for different purposes, do not provide the same focused information about VLANs. For example, show running-config displays the entire active configuration stored in RAM, including interface settings, routing information, and protocol configurations. Although VLANs are included in the running configuration, the output is much more extensive and not optimized for quickly verifying VLAN existence and status. Similarly, show ip interface brief provides details about interface IP addresses and operational status but does not show which VLANs are configured or active on the switch. Show mac address-table lists the MAC addresses learned on switch ports and can indicate which VLAN a device belongs to, but it does not provide a complete list of VLANs themselves.
Because the question specifically asks for a method to view all VLANs configured on the switch, show vlan brief is the correct choice. It is designed to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of the VLAN setup, allowing administrators to confirm the VLAN IDs, names, and statuses at a glance. This command simplifies network management, enhances visibility into VLAN configurations, and supports best practices in monitoring and maintaining segmented networks. By using show vlan brief, network professionals can efficiently ensure that VLAN configurations are correct, up-to-date, and functioning as intended, which is essential for maintaining the performance, security, and reliability of the network.
Question 160
Which type of IPv6 address delivers packets to the nearest of multiple devices sharing the same address?
A) Anycast
B) Unicast
C) Multicast
D) Link-local
Answer: A) Anycast
Explanation
Anycast addressing is a specialized IP addressing method used in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks to deliver packets to the nearest device among a group of multiple devices sharing the same IP address. Unlike unicast, multicast, or broadcast addressing, anycast is designed to optimize network efficiency and responsiveness by directing traffic to the closest instance of a service, as determined by routing protocols and network metrics. This approach is particularly valuable for distributed services such as Domain Name System (DNS) servers, content delivery networks (CDNs), or geographically dispersed web services. By routing requests to the nearest device, anycast minimizes latency, improves user experience, and balances network load effectively across multiple locations.
In contrast, unicast addresses are the standard form of communication in which packets are sent from a single source to a single destination. Each unicast address corresponds to exactly one device, and the network delivers the packet directly to that device. While unicast is suitable for typical one-to-one communication, it does not provide the benefits of load distribution or geographic optimization that anycast offers. Unicast is limited in scenarios where multiple devices are intended to provide the same service because each client would need to know the specific address of the server it should contact, making it less flexible in distributed environments.
Multicast addressing, on the other hand, enables one-to-many communication by allowing a single sender to transmit packets to multiple receivers that have joined a specific multicast group. This is efficient for applications such as streaming media or online collaboration tools, where the same data must be delivered to a defined group of recipients. Multicast, however, differs fundamentally from anycast because multicast sends data to all members of a group simultaneously, regardless of proximity or network metrics. It does not prioritize the nearest recipient, nor is it intended for distributing services across multiple locations.
Link-local addresses serve another purpose entirely. These addresses are automatically assigned to interfaces for communication within a single network segment or link. Link-local addresses are critical for protocols such as neighbor discovery in IPv6 and local routing protocol operations, but they are limited to local communication and cannot be used for routing packets across multiple links or delivering them to the nearest device in a geographically distributed system.
The primary advantage of anycast lies in its ability to combine redundancy, efficiency, and performance. When multiple devices share the same anycast address, network routers make real-time routing decisions to forward packets to the nearest device according to the routing topology. This design enhances fault tolerance, as if one device becomes unavailable, the network automatically redirects traffic to the next nearest device without requiring manual intervention. Additionally, anycast reduces overall network congestion by ensuring that traffic is handled as close to the source as possible, which is especially important for global services that need fast response times.
Because the question emphasizes the delivery of packets to the nearest device among multiple devices sharing the same address, anycast is the correct addressing method. It provides a unique and highly efficient solution for geographically distributed services, distinguishing itself from unicast, multicast, and link-local addressing in both purpose and functionality. Anycast is a powerful tool for improving network performance, ensuring redundancy, and optimizing service delivery across multiple locations.
Question 161
Which command displays the IP address and operational status of all interfaces on a Cisco device?
A) show ip interface brief
B) show running-config
C) show interfaces
D) show ip route
Answer: A) show ip interface brief
Explanation
In network management, it is often necessary to quickly check the status of device interfaces, their IP addresses, and operational condition to ensure proper connectivity and network functionality. One of the most efficient commands for this purpose on Cisco devices is show ip interface brief. This command provides a concise, organized of all interfaces on a device, listing key details such as the interface name, assigned IP address, operational status (up or down), and protocol status. By condensing this information into a readable table, show ip interface brief allows network administrators to rapidly assess the health and configuration of interfaces without sifting through the more extensive outputs of other commands. It is particularly valuable for troubleshooting and verifying network setup in environments with multiple interfaces or VLANs.
The primary strength of show ip interface brief lies in its simplicity and clarity. The output displays essential interface information in a format that is both compact and easy to interpret. Administrators can quickly determine which interfaces are operational, which may be administratively down, and which interfaces have assigned IP addresses. This immediate visibility is crucial when diagnosing connectivity issues, confirming interface assignments, or verifying that devices are properly configured for communication on the network. By providing a snapshot of interface status and IP configuration, the command helps reduce the time needed for troubleshooting and ensures that potential issues can be identified and resolved promptly.
Other commands, while useful for specific tasks, do not provide the same combination of information and conciseness. For example, show running-config displays the device’s entire active configuration stored in RAM. While it includes the configuration of all interfaces, it is not designed to provide a clear operational, and reviewing it for interface status can be time-consuming. Similarly, show interfaces offers detailed statistics for each interface, such as errors, collisions, and bandwidth usage, but the output is extensive and may overwhelm administrators who only need a quick overview of IP addresses and interface status. Show ip route provides the routing table, listing routes learned through various protocols, next-hop information, and metrics. However, it does not give information about the status of interfaces or whether they are up and operational.
Because the question specifically asks for a command that allows verification of both IP addresses and operational status in a concise, readable format, show ip interface brief is the most appropriate choice. It is designed to provide exactly the information required for quick validation of interface configuration and connectivity, combining the key elements of IP address assignment and interface state in one easy-to-read table. Using this command, administrators can immediately detect misconfigured interfaces, troubleshoot connectivity problems, and ensure that all interfaces are functioning as intended. This makes show ip interface brief an essential tool for effective network management and routine monitoring, providing a balance of clarity, efficiency, and relevance that other commands cannot match. It is the preferred method for confirming interface information in real time and maintaining operational network reliability.
Question 162
Which type of IPv4 address is used for communication with multiple devices in a specific group?
A) Multicast
B) Unicast
C) Broadcast
D) Anycast
Answer: A) Multicast
Explanation
Multicast addresses allow one-to-many communication to devices that are part of a multicast group, efficiently sending traffic only to subscribed devices.
Unicast addresses are used for one-to-one communication between two devices.
Broadcast addresses send packets to all devices within a subnet.
Anycast addresses are assigned to multiple devices but deliver traffic to the nearest device in the group.
Because the question asks for communication with a specific group of devices, Multicast is correct.
Question 163
Which protocol is used to encrypt remote administrative access to network devices?
A) SSH
B) Telnet
C) FTP
D) HTTP
Answer: A) SSH
Explanation
SSH (Secure Shell) encrypts data and credentials during remote administration, providing secure access to network devices.
Telnet allows remote access without encryption, exposing credentials and traffic to potential interception.
FTP is a file transfer protocol and does not provide secure remote administrative access.
HTTP provides web-based access but is unencrypted unless HTTPS is used.
Because the question specifies encrypted remote access for administration, SSH is correct.
Question 164
Which command displays all MAC addresses learned on a switch and their associated ports?
A) show mac address-table
B) show arp
C) show interfaces
D) show vlan brief
Answer: A) show mac address-table
Explanation
Show mac address-table lists all MAC addresses the switch has learned along with the ports on which they were learned. This is critical for troubleshooting connectivity and verifying device connections.
Show arp displays IP-to-MAC mappings for devices on the local network.
Show interfaces provides detailed interface statistics but does not show learned MAC addresses.
Show vlan brief displays VLAN information but does not show MAC address learning details.
Because the question asks about learned MAC addresses and associated ports, show mac address-table is correct.
Question 165
Which type of VLAN is used to carry voice traffic separately from data traffic?
A) Voice VLAN
B) Data VLAN
C) Management VLAN
D) Native VLAN
Answer: A) Voice VLAN
Explanation
Voice VLANs are dedicated for IP phone traffic, often with QoS applied to prioritize voice packets and ensure call quality.
Data VLAN carries standard user data and does not prioritize traffic.
Management VLAN is used for administrative traffic, such as SSH or SNMP, and does not handle voice traffic.
Native VLAN carries untagged traffic on trunk links.
Because the question asks specifically about separating voice traffic, Voice VLAN is correct.