Cisco 200-301 Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 13 Q181-195

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Question 181

Which type of VLAN carries untagged traffic on a trunk port?

A) Native VLAN
B) Data VLAN
C) Voice VLAN
D) Management VLAN

Answer: A) Native VLAN

Explanation

In modern network design, VLANs, or Virtual Local Area Networks, are used to segment a network into logical domains, which improves performance, enhances security, and simplifies management. One important concept within VLAN configuration, especially when dealing with trunk links, is the Native VLAN. The Native VLAN plays a unique role in the handling of untagged traffic on trunk ports. A trunk port is a switch port configured to carry traffic for multiple VLANs simultaneously. To differentiate between VLANs on a trunk link, Ethernet frames are typically tagged using the 802.1Q standard, which inserts a VLAN identifier into the frame header. However, not all frames transmitted over a trunk link are necessarily tagged. This is where the Native VLAN comes into play.

The Native VLAN is the VLAN designated to carry untagged frames across a trunk link. When a frame arrives at a trunk port without an 802.1Q tag, the switch assigns it to the Native VLAN. Similarly, when a frame belonging to the Native VLAN is transmitted over a trunk, it is sent without a VLAN tag. This behavior is crucial for backward compatibility with legacy devices that do not support VLAN tagging and for scenarios where certain types of traffic should traverse the trunk link without modification. Assigning a proper Native VLAN ensures that untagged traffic is handled appropriately and prevents network misconfigurations that could lead to security risks or traffic leaks between VLANs.

It is important to distinguish the Native VLAN from other types of VLANs in the network. Data VLANs are generally assigned to access ports and carry standard user traffic. Each access port is associated with a single VLAN, and all traffic entering or leaving that port belongs to that VLAN. Voice VLANs are specifically configured for IP phone traffic and often include quality-of-service (QoS) prioritization to ensure that voice communication remains clear and uninterrupted, even in times of network congestion. Management VLANs, on the other hand, are reserved for administrative traffic, such as SSH or SNMP, and are designed to provide secure access to network devices for monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting purposes. Each of these VLAN types serves a different purpose, and their functions are distinct from that of the Native VLAN.

Because the question specifically asks about untagged traffic on a trunk port, the Native VLAN is the correct answer. While data VLANs, voice VLANs, and management VLANs have important roles in their respective contexts, none of them are designed to handle untagged traffic on trunk links. The Native VLAN is explicitly intended for this purpose, ensuring that untagged frames are properly recognized, segregated, and transmitted across the network without interfering with the other tagged VLANs present on the trunk. Properly configuring the Native VLAN is essential to maintain network integrity, prevent VLAN mismatches, and avoid potential security issues that could arise from improperly handled untagged traffic. In understanding the role of the Native VLAN is key to managing trunk links and ensuring that untagged traffic is transmitted safely and efficiently.

Question 182

Which command displays all DHCP leases on a Cisco device?

A) show ip dhcp binding
B) show ip interface brief
C) show running-config
D) show arp

Answer: A) show ip dhcp binding

Explanation

In network administration, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is an essential service that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network. This automation ensures that devices can communicate effectively without requiring manual IP configuration, simplifying network management and reducing configuration errors. DHCP servers maintain a record of which IP addresses are leased to which devices, typically tracking the device’s MAC address, the lease expiration time, and the interface through which the device is connected. This information is critical for administrators who need to monitor network activity, troubleshoot connectivity issues, or manage IP address allocation efficiently. To access this information, network administrators use the command show ip dhcp binding, which provides a comprehensive list of all currently active DHCP leases on the device.

The show ip dhcp binding command displays detailed information about every IP address that has been assigned by the DHCP server and is still active. Each entry includes the leased IP address, the corresponding MAC address of the client device, the remaining lease duration, and the interface through which the client is connected. By examining this table, administrators can quickly determine which devices are currently utilizing IP addresses, identify any potential IP conflicts, and verify that the DHCP server is functioning as expected. This command is especially useful in larger networks where tracking individual IP assignments manually would be impractical. It provides a real-time snapshot of dynamic IP allocation, ensuring that network resources are being used efficiently.

Other commonly used commands provide useful information but do not directly display active DHCP leases. For example, show ip interface brief provides a concise overview of all interfaces on a network device, including their IP addresses and operational status. While this is helpful for verifying interface configurations and ensuring interfaces are up and running, it does not include any information about which IP addresses are currently leased via DHCP. Similarly, show running-config displays the active configuration of the device, including any DHCP pools that are defined. While this allows administrators to review how DHCP is set up, it does not show the real-time allocation of addresses to clients. The show arp command lists IP-to-MAC mappings for devices that the router or switch has communicated with, but this mapping may include static entries or entries learned through direct communication and does not necessarily reflect the current DHCP lease state. Therefore, while these commands serve important roles in network management, they do not fulfill the specific need to view active DHCP leases.

Because the question focuses on identifying which IP addresses are actively leased by the DHCP server, the show ip dhcp binding command is the correct and most appropriate choice. It directly provides all relevant details about current DHCP assignments, allowing administrators to monitor client activity, troubleshoot network issues, and verify proper operation of the DHCP service. This command is fundamental for maintaining accurate IP address tracking and ensuring reliable network connectivity for all clients. By using show ip dhcp binding, network administrators gain clear visibility into DHCP operations, which is vital for maintaining organized, efficient, and secure network management.

Question 183

Which type of address allows one-to-one communication between devices?

A) Unicast
B) Broadcast
C) Multicast
D) Anycast

Answer: A) Unicast

Explanation

In networking, understanding the types of IP addresses and their roles in communication is fundamental to designing and managing efficient networks. One of the most common and essential types of addressing is unicast addressing. Unicast addresses are specifically designed for one-to-one communication between devices on a network. When a device sends a packet to a unicast address, the packet is delivered solely to the intended recipient. This targeted delivery ensures that the communication is direct and that network resources are not consumed by unnecessary transmissions to other devices. Unicast addressing forms the backbone of typical network communications, such as when a computer communicates with a server, a client retrieves a web page from a web server, or a printer receives a print job from a specific workstation.

Unicast is distinct from other types of addressing such as broadcast, multicast, and anycast, each of which serves a different purpose. Broadcast addresses are used to send a single packet to all devices within a particular subnet. This type of communication is one-to-all and is often used for tasks like ARP requests, where a device needs to discover the MAC address of another device within the same network. While broadcast can be useful in certain scenarios, it is inefficient for regular communication between two specific devices, as it unnecessarily consumes bandwidth by sending packets to all devices in the subnet, even those not intended to receive the data.

Multicast addresses, on the other hand, are used for one-to-many communication. Multicast allows a sender to deliver a packet to a group of subscribed devices, such as in video conferencing, IPTV, or real-time financial data feeds. Only the devices that are part of the multicast group receive the packet, which makes multicast more efficient than broadcast for delivering the same content to multiple recipients. However, multicast is not appropriate for situations where communication is intended for a single device, as it is inherently designed to reach multiple endpoints.

Anycast addresses provide another distinct method of communication. In an anycast configuration, multiple devices share the same IP address, and packets sent to this address are routed to the nearest or most optimal device based on routing metrics. This is commonly used in distributed services such as DNS, where directing requests to the nearest server reduces latency. While anycast is effective for redundancy and load distribution, it does not provide the guaranteed one-to-one communication that unicast addresses deliver.

Because the question specifically refers to communication with a single device, unicast addressing is the correct choice. It ensures that data packets are sent directly to the intended recipient without involving other devices, making it the most efficient and precise method for one-to-one communication. Understanding this distinction is crucial for network configuration, troubleshooting, and ensuring efficient use of network resources. In essence, unicast is the foundational form of IP communication, providing reliable and direct connectivity between individual devices, unlike broadcast, multicast, or anycast, which serve broader or more distributed communication purposes.

Question 184

Which command displays all VLANs configured on a switch?

A) show vlan brief
B) show running-config
C) show interfaces
D) show mac address-table

Answer: A) show vlan brief

Explanation

In networking, effectively managing VLANs is essential for segmenting a network, improving performance, and enhancing security. VLANs, or Virtual Local Area Networks, allow network administrators to logically separate devices into different broadcast domains even if they are physically connected to the same switch. Proper verification of VLAN configuration is a critical step in network management, ensuring that each VLAN is properly created, active, and assigned to the correct interfaces. One of the most useful commands for this purpose is the command that provides a brief of all VLANs configured on a switch. This command allows administrators to quickly view the VLAN ID, the VLAN name, and the operational status of each VLAN in a concise format.

Using this command, network engineers can instantly verify whether the VLANs they intended to configure exist on the switch and whether they are active or suspended. This is particularly helpful in troubleshooting scenarios where devices in a certain VLAN cannot communicate with one another. By checking the summarized VLAN list, administrators can confirm that the VLAN exists and is operational. It also provides a quick way to ensure that VLAN IDs and names match the intended network design, which is crucial in maintaining consistency across the network and avoiding misconfigurations.

In comparison, the command that shows the full running configuration of the switch also contains VLAN information, but it is less efficient for quickly verifying VLANs. The running configuration displays all aspects of the switch’s configuration, including interface assignments, routing information, access control lists, and other features. While this command provides a comprehensive view, it can be overwhelming and time-consuming to parse through when the goal is simply to verify VLANs. For administrators who need a quick OF without extraneous information, relying on a more concise command is far more practical.

Other commands provide useful information about the network but do not serve the specific purpose of verifying VLAN configurations. For instance, the command that shows interface status and IP address assignments is useful for troubleshooting connectivity issues or checking interface activity, but it does not provide a summarized view of VLANs. Similarly, the command that displays the MAC address table is essential for mapping which devices are connected to which ports, but it focuses on learned MAC addresses rather than VLAN configuration. While these commands have their place in network management, they do not replace the need for a quick and clear VLAN overview.

Because the question specifically asks for a method to view all VLANs configured on a switch, the command that provides a brief of VLANs is the most appropriate choice. It allows administrators to efficiently verify VLAN existence, names, and status without unnecessary detail. This command is particularly valuable for routine network checks, troubleshooting VLAN-related connectivity problems, and maintaining organized network segmentation. By using this command, network professionals can save time and ensure that VLANs are configured correctly, supporting both operational efficiency and network reliability.

Question 185

Which command displays all OSPF-learned routes on a router?

A) show ip route ospf
B) show ip route eigrp
C) show ip protocols
D) show running-config

Answer: A) show ip route ospf

Explanation

In modern networking, routing protocols play a crucial role in determining the best paths for data to travel across a network. Open Shortest Path First, or OSPF, is one of the most widely used interior gateway protocols due to its efficiency, scalability, and ability to quickly adapt to changes in the network topology. OSPF is a link-state routing protocol, meaning that each router maintains a complete map of the network and calculates the shortest path to every destination using algorithms like Dijkstra’s. Because of this, understanding and verifying OSPF-learned routes is an essential task for network administrators. One of the most useful tools for this is the command that displays all routes learned via OSPF, providing detailed information about destination networks, next-hop IP addresses, and administrative distances.

Using this command allows network engineers to quickly see which routes are being dynamically learned through OSPF. Each entry in the output shows the network destination, the next-hop router that traffic should be forwarded to, and other important details such as the interface through which the route is reachable and the administrative distance, which reflects the trustworthiness of the routing information. This is particularly important when troubleshooting connectivity issues or verifying that OSPF is functioning as expected. By examining the OSPF-learned routes, administrators can identify misconfigurations, route flapping, or suboptimal paths that might affect network performance. The command provides a clear and direct view of OSPF-specific routing information without the clutter of unrelated protocols or static configurations.

In contrast, commands that display routes learned via other protocols, such as EIGRP, are not suitable when the focus is on OSPF. While EIGRP is another widely used routing protocol, it uses a different algorithm and has distinct route metrics and behaviors. Checking EIGRP-learned routes would not provide accurate information about OSPF routing tables, and relying on those commands could lead to confusion or incorrect troubleshooting steps. Similarly, the command that provides an overview of routing protocols configured on a router, including timers and advertised networks, is informative but does not show specific learned routes. It is useful for understanding protocol settings, but it does not provide the operational routing information needed to verify OSPF paths.

Additionally, reviewing the running configuration of a router can reveal which protocols are enabled, which networks are advertised, and other static configuration details. However, this command does not show dynamically learned routes that OSPF discovers in real time. Without this information, administrators cannot verify which networks are actively reachable through OSPF or whether route advertisements are functioning correctly.

Because the question specifically asks for routes that are learned via OSPF, the command that directly displays OSPF-learned routes is the correct choice. It provides a concise and accurate view of the dynamic routing table, allowing network professionals to monitor and troubleshoot OSPF effectively. By using this command, administrators can ensure network reliability, optimize path selection, and maintain an efficient, well-functioning routing environment.

Question 186

Which protocol provides secure remote access to a Cisco device?

A) SSH
B) Telnet
C) FTP
D) HTTP

Answer: A) SSH

Explanation

In modern networking, secure remote access is a critical requirement for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of network devices. Administrators frequently need to connect to routers, switches, firewalls, and other devices from remote locations to perform configuration changes, monitor performance, or troubleshoot issues. When performing these tasks, it is essential to ensure that login credentials, session data, and configuration commands are not exposed to potential attackers who might be monitoring the network. Secure Shell, or SSH, has become the standard solution for this need because it encrypts all traffic between the client and the network device, providing confidentiality, integrity, and authentication.

SSH operates by establishing an encrypted session over a TCP connection, typically using port 22. Once the session is initiated, all commands and responses sent between the administrator and the device are encrypted using robust algorithms. This means that even if an unauthorized party intercepts the network traffic, they cannot read the contents, including sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or configuration commands. By ensuring secure communication, SSH prevents common security risks that were prevalent in older protocols, where data could be intercepted and misused.

By contrast, Telnet, which was widely used before SSH became the standard, allows remote access to network devices without encryption. Telnet transmits all data, including login credentials, in plaintext. This lack of encryption makes Telnet highly vulnerable to eavesdropping attacks, where malicious actors can capture passwords and gain unauthorized access to network infrastructure. While Telnet is still supported on some legacy devices for backward compatibility, it is strongly discouraged in modern networks because it fails to meet basic security standards. Using Telnet in a production environment would expose critical network devices to potential compromise, which is why SSH is recommended as the secure alternative.

Other protocols such as FTP and HTTP serve different purposes and are not designed for secure device management. FTP is primarily used for transferring files between systems and does not provide a secure mechanism for executing commands on a network device. Similarly, HTTP allows web-based access to devices but transmits data in plaintext unless the secure variant, HTTPS, is used. Even when HTTPS is employed, it is generally intended for management through web interfaces rather than full command-line configuration access, and it may not provide the same comprehensive encryption and functionality that SSH does for remote administrative tasks.

Because the question specifically asks about secure remote access for network device management, SSH is the correct choice. It provides encrypted sessions, protects credentials, and ensures that all administrative commands are securely transmitted between the client and the network device. By using SSH, network administrators can confidently manage devices over unsecured networks without risking exposure of sensitive information. SSH’s combination of encryption, authentication, and wide support across networking equipment makes it the standard and recommended method for secure remote administration. It is a cornerstone of network security practices and an essential tool for maintaining both operational efficiency and data protection in modern networks.

Question 187

Which type of IPv4 address is used to communicate with all devices on a subnet?

A) Broadcast
B) Unicast
C) Multicast
D) Anycast

Answer: A) Broadcast

Explanation

In computer networking, addressing plays a crucial role in determining how data is delivered across a network. Different types of network addresses—unicast, multicast, anycast, and broadcast—serve distinct purposes and are used in specific scenarios depending on the intended recipients and the scope of communication. Among these, broadcast addressing is particularly significant when the goal is to send data to every device within a specific subnet or local network segment. Broadcast addresses are designed to target all hosts within a subnet simultaneously, ensuring that messages reach every connected device without the need to send multiple individual transmissions.

A broadcast address functions by using a special IP address where the host portion is set to all ones in binary. For instance, in an IPv4 network with the subnet 192.168.1.0/24, the broadcast address would be 192.168.1.255. When a packet is sent to this address, all devices on the subnet receive and process it. This mechanism is widely used for network functions that require all devices to be aware of certain information or events. One of the most common examples of broadcast traffic is the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP). When a device needs to determine the MAC address corresponding to a known IP address on the local subnet, it sends an ARP request to the broadcast address, prompting all devices to respond if they own that IP. This ensures accurate delivery of data at the link layer without prior knowledge of the target device’s hardware address.

In addition to ARP, broadcast addresses are also used for network-wide announcements, such as DHCP discovery messages. When a device joins a network and needs an IP address, it sends a broadcast message to locate available DHCP servers. This approach guarantees that the request reaches all servers on the local subnet, allowing the device to obtain a valid IP configuration. Broadcasts are efficient in local network communication because they eliminate the need for sending multiple unicast messages to each device individually, which would be inefficient and increase network load.

Other address types serve different purposes. Unicast addresses are intended for one-to-one communication, ensuring that packets are delivered only to the specific device identified by the address. Multicast addresses are used for one-to-many communication, delivering packets only to devices that are part of a subscribed group, which is common in streaming applications or collaborative software. Anycast addresses deliver packets to the nearest device among multiple devices sharing the same address, typically for load balancing and redundancy in distributed services. Unlike these, broadcast addresses do not target a single device or group but rather all devices within the subnet, making them unique for network-wide notifications.

Because the question specifically focuses on communication with all devices within a subnet, broadcast addresses are the correct choice. They are specifically designed to ensure that messages reach every host on the local network simultaneously, supporting essential network functions like ARP, DHCP, and other local announcements. Their design and purpose make broadcast addressing indispensable for efficient subnet-wide communication in IPv4 networks.

Question 188

Which command shows the MAC addresses learned on a switch and their associated ports?

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

Answer: A) show mac address-table

Explanation

The command show mac address-table is a fundamental tool used in networking for understanding how a switch maps MAC addresses to its physical ports. On an Ethernet switch, devices are identified by their unique MAC addresses, which are used at Layer 2 of the OSI model to forward frames. Every time a device sends traffic through a switch port, the switch learns the device’s MAC address and records the port on which the device is connected. The show mac address-table command allows network administrators to view this table of learned MAC addresses and their corresponding ports. This is extremely useful for several reasons, including troubleshooting connectivity issues, verifying device placement, and maintaining network security.

When troubleshooting network connectivity, knowing which port a MAC address is associated with helps pinpoint where a device is physically connected. For example, if a device cannot communicate with the rest of the network, administrators can check the MAC address table to ensure the device’s MAC has been learned by the correct port. If the MAC address is missing or associated with an unexpected port, it indicates a problem that needs further investigation, such as a misconfigured switch port, a faulty cable, or a device connected to the wrong location. This visibility is essential for quickly identifying and resolving network issues without disrupting the entire infrastructure.

Beyond troubleshooting, the MAC address table is also important for verifying network topology and device placement. In environments with multiple switches and complex network layouts, knowing where devices are connected helps maintain an organized network and ensures that traffic is flowing efficiently. Administrators can verify that servers, workstations, and other critical devices are connected to the intended switch ports, preventing accidental misplacement that could impact performance or create security vulnerabilities.

Other commands often considered in network diagnostics serve different purposes. The show arp command displays mappings between IP addresses and MAC addresses, providing insight into Layer 3 connectivity, but it does not indicate which switch port a device is connected to. Similarly, show ip route is used to examine the routing table and determine how traffic is forwarded between networks, but it provides no information about MAC addresses or port associations. The show interfaces command shows the operational status of switch or router interfaces, including whether they are up or down and traffic statistics, but it does not provide details about which MAC addresses have been learned on which ports. While all these commands are useful in different contexts, none of them fulfill the specific requirement of associating MAC addresses with the switch ports they occupy.

Because the question specifically asks for both MAC addresses and the ports to which they are associated, the show mac address-table command is the correct choice. It provides a comprehensive view of the Layer 2 connectivity on a switch, allowing administrators to troubleshoot effectively, confirm correct device placement, and maintain efficient network operations. By using this command, network professionals can gain the precise information needed to understand how devices are connected within the network and ensure that traffic is flowing as intended.

This command is therefore an essential part of everyday network management and troubleshooting, giving clear insight into the mapping of devices to physical switch ports and enabling proactive network maintenance.

Question 189

Which type of VLAN is used for voice traffic?

A) Voice VLAN
B) Data VLAN
C) Management VLAN
D) Native VLAN

Answer: A) Voice VLAN

Explanation

A Voice VLAN is a network configuration specifically designed to carry traffic generated by IP phones. In a typical enterprise network, devices such as computers, printers, and IP phones are connected to switches. To efficiently manage traffic and ensure optimal performance, network administrators segment the network using VLANs, or Virtual Local Area Networks. Each VLAN isolates a particular type of traffic, which not only improves security but also allows for better traffic management and quality of service. The Voice VLAN is particularly important because voice traffic is highly sensitive to delay, jitter, and packet loss, which can significantly impact call quality if not properly prioritized.

When an IP phone is connected to a switch port, it often supports two types of traffic: voice traffic from the phone itself and data traffic from a computer that might be connected through the phone. The switch can be configured to place voice traffic into a dedicated VLAN known as the Voice VLAN while placing the computer’s data traffic into a separate VLAN, typically called the Data VLAN. By separating voice traffic, the network can apply specific Quality of Service policies to ensure that voice packets are transmitted with higher priority. This prioritization helps reduce latency and jitter, which are critical factors in maintaining clear and uninterrupted voice communication.

The Data VLAN, by contrast, is intended for general user traffic such as file transfers, email, web browsing, and other application data. While data traffic is important, it is generally less sensitive to delays compared to voice traffic. Therefore, data VLANs can be configured without the stringent QoS requirements that are necessary for voice communication. Keeping voice and data traffic in separate VLANs ensures that heavy data usage does not interfere with the quality of voice calls, preventing issues such as dropped calls or poor audio clarity.

Management VLANs are another type of VLAN that are used primarily for administrative purposes. This VLAN carries traffic related to the management of network devices, such as SSH sessions, SNMP monitoring, or configuration updates. By isolating management traffic from regular user and voice traffic, network administrators can enhance security and prevent unauthorized access to network infrastructure.

The Native VLAN is yet another type of VLAN that exists mainly on trunk links. It is the default VLAN used to carry untagged traffic across a trunk port, which connects switches to one another. Untagged traffic entering a trunk port is placed into the native VLAN, ensuring compatibility with devices that do not tag VLAN traffic.

Because the question specifically refers to traffic generated by voice devices, the Voice VLAN is the correct choice. It is designed to handle IP phone communications, providing the necessary isolation and prioritization to ensure high-quality voice calls. By using a Voice VLAN, network administrators can guarantee that voice traffic is efficiently separated from regular data traffic, receive the required prioritization through QoS policies, and maintain clear and reliable communication across the network. This makes the Voice VLAN an essential component of modern enterprise network design, particularly in environments with a large number of IP phones and a need for consistent call quality.

Question 190

Which IPv6 address type delivers packets to the nearest device among multiple devices sharing the same address?

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

Answer: A) Anycast

Explanation

Anycast addressing is a networking technique where a single IP address is assigned to multiple devices or nodes within a network, allowing packets sent to that address to be delivered to the nearest or most optimal device based on routing metrics. Unlike unicast, multicast, or link-local addressing, anycast is primarily used to optimize the delivery of services by ensuring that clients are automatically routed to the closest available server, reducing latency and improving overall network performance. Anycast is particularly valuable in large-scale distributed networks, such as content delivery networks (CDNs), Domain Name System (DNS) servers, and other geographically dispersed services where speed and redundancy are critical.

In anycast, multiple devices advertise the same IP address to the network through standard routing protocols. Routers in the network use these advertisements to determine the shortest or most efficient path to reach a device associated with that address. When a client sends a request to the anycast IP, the network delivers the packet to the nearest device according to routing metrics such as hop count, latency, or path cost. This approach not only optimizes response times for users but also improves resilience, as traffic can be dynamically routed to another instance of the service if one device becomes unavailable. Anycast can therefore enhance both performance and reliability, making it a preferred solution for critical global services.

By contrast, unicast addressing is the standard one-to-one communication model, where a specific IP address identifies a single device. All traffic sent to a unicast address is delivered exclusively to that device, regardless of physical location or network topology. While unicast is the most common addressing mode for general network communication, it does not provide the automatic proximity-based routing benefits that anycast offers. In networks with high user demand spread across wide geographic regions, relying solely on unicast could result in suboptimal routing, longer response times, and increased network congestion.

Multicast addressing, on the other hand, allows for one-to-many communication, where packets are sent to a specific group of subscribed devices. Multicast is efficient for applications such as live streaming, video conferencing, or software distribution to multiple recipients, as it reduces redundant traffic across the network. However, multicast does not automatically direct traffic to the nearest node, and it requires devices to explicitly join multicast groups to receive the data.

Link-local addresses serve a different purpose entirely. These addresses are automatically assigned for communication on a local link or subnet without the need for global routing. They are primarily used for automatic device configuration, local management, or discovery protocols, but they cannot be routed across broader networks.

Because the question specifically asks about delivering traffic to the nearest device among multiple devices sharing the same address, anycast is the correct choice. Anycast ensures that network traffic reaches the closest available instance of a service, optimizing latency and reliability, which is critical for applications like global DNS servers, distributed content delivery, and load-balanced services. By leveraging anycast addressing, networks can provide faster, more resilient services without requiring clients to be aware of the underlying topology, making it a powerful tool in modern network design and large-scale service delivery.

Question 191

Which command displays the IP address, status, and protocol state of all interfaces on a Cisco device?

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

Answer: A) show ip interface brief

Explanation

Show ip interface brief provides a concise of all interfaces on a device, showing IP addresses, operational status (up/down), and protocol status. It is widely used for quick verification of interface assignments and connectivity.

Show interfaces displays detailed interface statistics, including errors, collisions, and bandwidth, but is more verbose.

Show running-config displays the active configuration in RAM but does not summarize interface operational status in a table.

Show ip route displays the routing table but does not include interface status information.

Because the question asks for IP addresses and status of all interfaces, show ip interface brief is correct.

Question 192

Which command displays all VLANs configured on a Cisco switch?

A) show vlan brief
B) show interfaces
C) show running-config
D) show mac address-table

Answer: A) show vlan brief

Explanation

The command show vlan brief is a fundamental tool in network administration, especially when managing and verifying VLAN configurations on a switch. VLANs, or Virtual Local Area Networks, are used to segment network traffic logically, even when devices are physically connected to the same switch. By organizing traffic into separate VLANs, network administrators can improve security, reduce broadcast traffic, and manage network resources more efficiently. The show vlan brief command provides a clear and concise overview of all VLANs configured on a switch, including their VLAN IDs, names, and operational status, making it essential for quickly verifying VLAN assignments and configuration.

When executed, show vlan brief presents  each VLAN in a table format, which includes the VLAN ID, the VLAN name, the operational status (active or inactive), and the ports assigned to each VLAN. This allows network administrators to see at a glance which VLANs are currently configured and active on the switch and which ports belong to each VLAN. By using this command, administrators can quickly detect misconfigurations, such as devices being assigned to incorrect VLANs, or identify inactive VLANs that may require attention. This concise presentation of VLAN information helps streamline network management tasks and supports efficient troubleshooting.

While other commands provide related information, they do not serve the same purpose as show vlan brief. For example, show interfaces displays the operational status and IP address assignments of individual interfaces but does not provide a of VLANs configured on the switch. This command is more focused on the status of ports rather than the organization of traffic through VLANs. Similarly, show running-config presents the full active configuration of the switch, including VLAN definitions, interface assignments, and other configuration details. Although comprehensive, the running configuration output can be verbose and less straightforward when the goal is to quickly verify which VLANs are present and active. Searching through the entire configuration to confirm VLAN information can be time-consuming, especially on larger networks with many interfaces and VLANs configured.

Another related command, show mac address-table, is used to display learned MAC addresses and the ports on which those addresses have been detected. While useful for verifying device connectivity and troubleshooting network issues, this command does not provide information about VLANs themselves. It shows which devices are sending traffic on the network but does not give a clear of VLAN configuration, names, or status.

Because the question specifically asks for a method to view all configured VLANs, the show vlan brief command is the correct choice. It provides a clear, organized, and concise that allows network administrators to verify VLAN configuration, check which VLANs are active, and confirm port assignments without needing to sift through extensive configuration files. This command is invaluable for routine network management, troubleshooting, and ensuring that traffic segmentation through VLANs is functioning as intended. Its ability to provide a quick and accurate overview of VLANs makes it a critical tool in maintaining efficient and well-organized network operations.

Question 193

Which protocol provides encrypted remote access to Cisco devices?

A) SSH
B) Telnet
C) FTP
D) HTTP

Answer: A) SSH

Explanation

SSH (Secure Shell) encrypts all data, including login credentials, ensuring secure remote management of network devices.

Telnet provides remote access without encryption, exposing credentials to potential interception.

FTP is used for file transfer and does not provide administrative access.

HTTP provides unencrypted web access unless HTTPS is used.

Because the question asks for encrypted remote access, SSH is correct.

Question 194

Which type of IPv4 address allows one-to-one communication between devices?

A) Unicast
B) Broadcast
C) Multicast
D) Anycast

Answer: A) Unicast

Explanation

Unicast addresses enable direct one-to-one communication between devices, ensuring packets reach only the intended destination.

Broadcast addresses target all devices on a subnet.

Multicast addresses target a group of devices subscribed to a specific multicast group.

Anycast addresses are shared among multiple devices, with packets delivered to the nearest device.

Because the question asks about one-to-one communication, Unicast is correct.

Question 195

Which type of IPv4 address allows communication with all hosts on a subnet?

A) Broadcast
B) Unicast
C) Multicast
D) Anycast

Answer: A) Broadcast

Explanation

Broadcast addresses deliver packets to all devices in a subnet. They are commonly used for ARP requests or network-wide announcements.

Unicast addresses are used for communication with a single device.

Multicast addresses target a group of devices subscribed to a multicast session.

Anycast addresses send packets to the nearest device among multiple devices sharing the same address.

Because the question specifies sending to all hosts in a subnet, Broadcast is correct.