N10-008 Practice Exam Questions with Answers CompTIA Network+ Exam Certification

Site-to-site VPN provides the best security for connecting a new datacenter to an old one because it creates a secure tunnel between the two locations, protecting data in transit. References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Chapter 5: Network Security.

To determine what metrics can be gathered from a given switch, a technician should utilize the Management Information Base (MIB). The MIB is a database of network management information that is used to manage and monitor network devices. It contains information about device configuration, status, and performance. References: Network+ Certification Study Guide, Chapter 5: Network Security

LACP stands for Link Aggregation Control Protocol and is a protocol that allows multiple physical ports to be combined into a single logical port. This can increase bandwidth, redundancy, and load balancing for a server. LACP is part of the IEEE 802.3ad standard for link aggregation. STP stands for Spanning Tree Protocol and is a protocol that prevents loops in a network by blocking redundant links. 802.1Q is a standard for VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) tagging, which allows multiple logical networks to share the same physical infrastructure. Duplex is a mode of communication that determines how data is transmitted and received on a link. Full duplex allows simultaneous transmission and reception, while half duplex allows only one direction at a time.

References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 7.0 (N10-007), Objective 1.5: Compare and contrast network cabling types, standards and speeds.

A core switch is the most likely device causing the issue where users on each floor have stable connectivity, but do not have connectivity to other floors. A core switch is a high-performance switch that connects multiple access switches in a network. An access switch is a switch that connects end devices, such as computers and printers, to the network. A core switch acts as the backbone of the network, providing interconnection and routing between different subnets or VLANs. If the core switch is malfunctioning or misconfigured, it can prevent communication between different segments of the network, resulting in intermittent connectivity issues. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], Core Switch vs Access Switch: What Are the Differences?

• Default Gateway: The default gateway is the IP address of the router that connects the local network to external networks (such as the internet). When a packet’s destination address is outside the local network, it is sent to the default gateway for further routing.

References:

• Professor Messer - Network+ Certification Course
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide 11
• Studocu - To route a packet outside the local network, a packet must be generated at the network layer

In a split-tunnel VPN, the client can access both the local network and the remote network simultaneously, with some network traffic sent through the VPN tunnel and other traffic sent to the local gateway. This approach allows for more efficient use of bandwidth and reduces the load on the VPN server. It also allows the client to continue accessing local resources while connected to the remote network.

A technique used to adjust resources dynamically for a virtual web server under variable loads is called auto-scaling. Auto-scaling automatically increases or decreases the number of instances of a virtual web server in response to changes in demand, ensuring that the right amount of resources are available to handle incoming traffic. This can help to improve the availability and performance of a web application, as well as reduce costs by avoiding the need to provision and maintain excess capacity.

The management plane is responsible for managing and controlling network devices. Let’s evaluate the options:

• Routing table: Part of the control plane, used for making forwarding decisions.
• Current configuration: Part of the management plane. It includes settings, access control lists, and other configuration details.
• File operations: Typically part of the management plane. It involves tasks like uploading/downloading configurations, firmware updates, and backups.
• Console port: Also part of the management plane. It provides direct access to the device for configuration and troubleshooting.

Among the options, the one most closely associated with the management plane is the current configuration.

SNMPv3 is a protocol that allows network administrators to monitor and manage network devices such as routers, switches, servers, printers, and more. SNMPv3 provides authentication and encryption features that ensure the security and integrity of the data exchanged between the management station and the network devices. SNMPv3 uses a user-based security model (USM) that supports three levels of security: noAuthNoPriv, authNoPriv, and authPriv. The noAuthNoPriv level provides no authentication or encryption, the authNoPriv level provides authentication but no encryption, and the authPriv level provides both authentication and encryption12.

References

• SNMP is one of the common network monitoring protocols covered in Objective 3.1 of the CompTIA Network+ N10-008 certification exam3.
• SNMPv3 provides authentication and encryption features for network monitoring12.
• SNMPv3 uses a user-based security model with three levels of security12.

1: SNMP - N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 3.1 - Professor Messer IT Certification Training Courses 2: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, Chapter 13, page 413 3: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 7

• The OSI model is a conceptual framework that divides the network communication process into seven layers, each with a specific function and protocol4.
• The session layer is the fifth layer of the OSI model, and it is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and terminating sessions between applications on different devices45.
• A session is a logical connection that allows two or more applications to exchange data for a certain period of time5.
• For example, when two users on a LAN establish a video call, the session layer coordinates the initiation, synchronization, and termination of the call, using protocols such as SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) or H.32356.
• The session layer also provides services such as authentication, authorization, encryption, and checkpointing5.
• The other layers of the OSI model have different roles in the network communication process, such as:
• 4: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, 1st Edition, Chapter 1: Introduction to Networks, pp. 22-29
• 5: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, 1st Edition, Chapter 11: Network Services, pp. 443-444
• 6: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, 1st Edition, Chapter 11: Network Services, p. 452

Multiprotocol Label Switching, or MPLS, is a networking technology that routes traffic using the shortest path based on “labels,” rather than network addresses, to handle forwarding over private wide area networks. As a scalable and protocol-independent solution, MPLS assigns labels to each data packet, controlling the path the packet follows. MPLS greatly improves the speed of traffic, so users don’t experience downtime when connected to the network.

• A pinout is the arrangement of wires or pins in a cable or connector that determines how the signals are transmitted and received. A pinout can be either straight-through, which means that the wires or pins are connected in the same order on both ends of the cable or connector, or crossover, which means that the wires or pins are swapped on one end of the cable or connector.
• An incorrect pinout is a likely cause of the low data rate and port errors, because it can prevent the proper communication between the workstation and the switch. If the pinout is not compatible with the devices or the standards, the signals may be distorted, lost, or misinterpreted, resulting in errors and reduced performance. For example, if the workstation and the switch use different Ethernet standards, such as 10BASE-T and 1000BASE-T, they may require different pinouts to operate correctly. If the cable or connector has a mismatched pinout, the workstation and the switch may not be able to negotiate the optimal speed and duplex settings, and may fall back to a lower data rate, such as 100 full duplex, or experience many RX and TX errors.
• Therefore, option D is the most likely answer, as the incorrect pinout needs to be corrected to provide the optimal data rate and port performance. The technician needs to check the cable and connector types, standards, and pinouts, and replace them with the appropriate ones that match the workstation and the switch specifications.
• Option A is not a likely answer, as the bad switch ports would affect the connectivity and performance of any device that is connected to them, not just the workstation. If the technician moves the computer to another switchport and experiences the same issues, it indicates that the problem is not with the switch ports, but with the workstation, the cable, or the connector.
• Option B is also not a likely answer, as the duplex issues would affect the mode of data transmission between the workstation and the switch, not the data rate or the port errors. The duplex issues can be either half-duplex, which means that data can be transmitted in one direction at a time, or full-duplex, which means that data can be transmitted in both directions simultaneously. The duplex issues can cause collisions or interference if the workstation and the switch have different duplex settings, but they would not cause the data rate to drop to 100 full duplex, or cause many RX and TX errors.
• Option C is also not a likely answer, as the cable length would affect the signal strength and quality of the data transmission, not the data rate or the port errors. The cable length can cause attenuation, which is the loss of signal power over distance, or crosstalk, which is the interference from adjacent wires or cables. The cable length can cause the data transmission to be degraded or corrupted, but it would not cause the data rate to drop to 100 full duplex, or cause many RX and TX errors.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 2: Network Devices and Technologies, Section 2.1: Network Cabling and Connectors, Page 661
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 2.1: Network Cabling and Connectors, Page 92
• What is a Pinout? | Definition and Examples3
• Ethernet Cable Pinouts - Cisco
• Troubleshooting Ethernet Cable Problems - Cisco

A proxy is a solution that can mediate access to the internet. A proxy is a server that acts as an intermediary between a client and a destination server on the internet. A proxy can perform various functions, such as filtering, caching, logging, or modifying requests and responses. A proxy can help improve network performance, security, and privacy by reducing bandwidth consumption, blocking malicious or unwanted content, monitoring network activity, and hiding the client’s identity or location. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], What Is a Proxy Server? | Proxy Server Definition | Avast

A cable was looped and created a broadcast storm is the most likely explanation for the symptoms of high CPU usage and blinking lights on the switch. A cable loop is a situation where a switch port is connected to another switch port on the same switch or another switch, creating a circular path for network traffic. A cable loop can cause a broadcast storm, which is a network phenomenon where a large number of broadcast or multicast packets are flooded on the network, consuming bandwidth and CPU resources. A broadcast storm can cause network congestion, performance degradation, or failure. A cable loop can occur when an employee rearranges the wiring closet without proper documentation or verification. A cable loop can be prevented or detected by using Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) or loop detection features on the switch. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], What Is a Broadcast Storm? | Definition & Examples | Forcepoint

• IGMP snooping is a feature that allows switches to monitor the IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) messages between hosts and multicast routers, and to learn which ports are interested in receiving which multicast groups.
• IGMP snooping can improve the network performance by reducing the unnecessary flooding of multicast traffic to all ports, and by forwarding it only to the ports that have requested it.
• IGMP snooping can also conserve bandwidth and CPU resources on the network devices and hosts, as they do not have to process unwanted multicast packets.
• IGMP snooping can be especially useful for streaming video applications, as they often use multicast to deliver the same content to multiple devices simultaneously.
• The other options are not relevant to addressing the issue of network performance degradation due to streaming video:
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 3: Network Protocols and Services, Section 3.2: Configure and Support IPv4 and IPv6, p. 179-180
• Professor Messer’s Network+ N10-008 Course Notes, Section 3.2: IPv4 and IPv6 Multicast, p. 37
• Professor Messer’s Network+ N10-008 Video Training Course, 3.2 IPv4 and IPv6 Multicast

Network security groups are cloud components that can filter inbound and outbound traffic between cloud resources based on rules and priorities. Network security groups can be applied to virtual machines, subnets, or network interfaces to control the network access and security. Network security groups can allow or deny traffic based on the source, destination, port, and protocol of the packets. Network security groups are different from NAT gateways, service endpoints, and virtual private clouds, which are other cloud components that have different functions and purposes.

References

• 1: Network Security Groups – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 3.2
• 2: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 329-330
• 3: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam Subnetting Quiz, question 17
• 4: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Practice Test, question 10

To determine if a client's network cable issues may be causing intermittent connectivity, the help desk technician can run the show interface command on the switch. This command allows the technician to view the status and statistics of the various interfaces on the switch, including the physical link status and the number of transmitted and received packets. If the interface is experiencing a large number of errors or dropped packets, this could indicate a problem with the network cable or with the connection between the client's device and the switch.

"Cisco routers and switches have a show interfaces IOS command that provides interface statistics/status information, including link state (up/down), speed/duplex, send/receive traffic, cyclic redundancy checks (CRCs), and protocol packet and byte counts."

Notifications are the lowest logging level and will provide the desired information regarding switch port up/down activity. According to the CompTIA Network+ Study Manual, notifications "are used for logging normal activities, such as port up/down events, link changes, and link flaps."

Assigning a new IP address range to the local company is the best option to quickly connect the two companies without causing any IP address conflicts or overlaps. This option requires reconfiguring the local company’s network devices and updating the routing tables on both sides, but it avoids the need for any NAT or static routing solutions that may introduce additional complexity, cost, or performance issues12

References1: Connecting Networks with Overlapping IP Ranges 2: What Is Network Address Translation (NAT)?

• DNS poisoning is a type of attack that exploits vulnerabilities in the Domain Name System (DNS) to redirect traffic intended for a legitimate website to a malicious site. This can allow attackers to collect sensitive information such as login credentials, or infect visitors with malware12.
• DNS poisoning can be achieved by injecting malicious A records into internal name resolution servers. An A record is a type of DNS record that maps a domain name to an IP address. By changing the A record of a legitimate domain to point to a malicious IP address, an attacker can trick users into visiting the wrong site3.
• The other options are not correct because:

References:

• 1: Domain Hijacking vs DNS Poisoning: Do You Know the Difference? - Heimdal Security
• 2: What is an on-path attacker? - Cloudflare
• 3: What are the types of DNS spoofing? - Information Security Stack Exchange

• Throughput is the measure of how much data can be transferred over a network in a given time period1.
• To test the throughput of a network connection, a network administrator needs a tool that can generate and measure traffic between two endpoints2.
• iPerf is a command-line tool that can create TCP or UDP streams and measure the bandwidth, delay, jitter, and packet loss of the network23.
• iPerf can be used to test the performance of various network protocols, such as metro Ethernet, which is a type of Ethernet network that spans metropolitan areas and provides high-speed connectivity to businesses and organizations.
• iPerf can also be used to verify that the network connection meets the service level agreement (SLA), which is a contract that defines the quality and availability of the network service provided by a vendor or a carrier.
• Ping is a tool that can test the reachability and latency of a network device by sending and receiving ICMP echo packets. Ping cannot measure the throughput of a network connection, as it only tests the round-trip time of a single packet.
• NetFlow is a protocol that can collect and analyze network traffic data, such as source and destination IP addresses, ports, protocols, and bytes transferred. NetFlow can provide information about the volume and type of network traffic, but it cannot measure the throughput of a specific network connection, as it does not generate or monitor traffic streams.
• Netstat is a tool that can display information about the active and listening network connections, such as protocol, local and foreign address, and state. Netstat cannot measure the throughput of a network connection, as it only shows the status of the existing connections. References:
• 1: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, 1st Edition, Chapter 1: Introduction to Networks, p. 14
• 2: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, 1st Edition, Chapter 16: Network Optimization, p. 649
• 3: iPerf - The ultimate speed test tool for TCP, UDP and SCTP
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, 1st Edition, Chapter 3: Ethernet Networks, p. 105
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, 1st Edition, Chapter 15: Network Monitoring, p. 611
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, 1st Edition, Chapter 4: IP Addressing, p. 143
• : Ping (networking utility) - Wikipedia
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, 1st Edition, Chapter 15: Network Monitoring, p. 615
• : NetFlow - Wikipedia
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, 1st Edition, Chapter 16: Network Optimization, p. 650
• : [netstat - Wikipedia]

Network segmentation is the process of dividing a network into smaller subnets or segments, each with its own security policies and access controls. This can help isolate OT devices from IT devices, guest networks, and other potential threats, as well as improve network performance and efficiency. Network segmentation is a recommended security practice for OT environments, as it can limit the attack surface, contain the damage of a breach, and comply with regulatory standards.

https://sectrio.com/complete-guide-to-ot-network-segmentation/

• A network technician should follow a network troubleshooting methodology to systematically identify and resolve network problems12.
• A network troubleshooting methodology consists of several steps, such as identifying the problem, establishing a theory of probable cause, testing the theory, implementing a solution, verifying functionality, and documenting the results12.
• In this scenario, the network technician has determined the cause of a network disruption, which means that they have completed the steps of identifying the problem, establishing a theory of probable cause, and testing the theory12.
• The NEXT step for the technician to perform is to establish a plan of action to resolve the issue, which means that they should define the steps, resources, and tools needed to implement a solution that can fix the network disruption12.
• Establishing a plan of action to resolve the issue is the next step, because it can help the technician to prepare for the implementation, avoid potential risks or complications, and communicate the plan to the stakeholders12.
• The other options are not the next step for the technician to perform, because they are either previous or subsequent steps in the network troubleshooting methodology12:

References:

• 1: Network Troubleshooting Methodology - N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 5.1
• 2: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Full Course for Beginners - Network Troubleshooting Methodology (5.1)

The most likely reason why only eight cameras turn on is that the PoE switch does not have enough power budget to supply all 12 cameras. The engineer should check the voltage and wattage ratings of the PoE switch and the cameras, and make sure they are compatible and sufficient. The Ethernet cable type, transceiver compatibility, and DHCP addressing are less likely to cause this problem, as they would affect the data transmission rather than the power delivery.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 181
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, Deluxe Edition, page 352
• PoE Troubleshooting: The Common PoE Errors and Solutions3

The correct tool for verifying existing network connections on a server is C. Netstat. Netstat (network statistics) displays active network connections, routing tables, interface statistics, masquerade connections, and multicast memberships.

• Tracert: Tracert (traceroute) is used to trace the route taken by packets from the source to the destination. It helps identify the path and latency between routers.
• Ipconfig: Ipconfig is used to view and manage IP configuration settings on a local machine (such as IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, etc.). It does not provide information about existing connections.
• Netstat: Netstat displays active network connections, including listening ports, established connections, and associated processes. It’s useful for troubleshooting and monitoring network activity.
• Nslookup: Nslookup is used for DNS (Domain Name System) queries to resolve domain names to IP addresses. It does not provide information about existing connections.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives

The problem is likely related to DNS resolution, as the clients are able to ping the server's IP address but not access the web resource via URL. The other answers do not address this issue. Configuring A records for the web server will ensure that clients are able to access the web resource via its domain name.

 Documenting the lessons learned is the best method for passing along the exact steps other technicians should follow in case the issue arises again. Lessons learned are the knowledge and experience gained from completing a project or solving a problem. Documenting the lessons learned helps to capture the best practices, challenges, solutions, and recommendations for future reference and improvement. Documenting the lessons learned can also help to update the knowledge base, standard operating procedures, or policies related to the issue. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], Lessons Learned: Definition & Examples for Project Managers

Network Health:

WAN 2 appears to have a lower average latency and loss percentage, which would make it the preferred WAN station for VoIP traffic. VoIP traffic requires low latency and packet loss to ensure good voice quality and reliability. WAN 1 seems to have higher RAM and processor usage, which could also affect the performance of VoIP traffic.

Here's the summary of the key metrics for WAN 1 and WAN 2 from the image provided:

• WAN 1:
• WAN 2:

For VoIP traffic, low latency and jitter are particularly important to ensure voice quality. While WAN 1 has higher bandwidth and throughput, it also has higher latency and jitter compared to WAN 2. However, WAN 2 has much lower loss, lower latency, and lower jitter, which are more favorable for VoIP traffic that is sensitive to delays and variation in packet arrival times.

Given this information, WAN 2 would generally be preferred for VoIP traffic due to its lower latency, lower jitter, and significantly lower loss percentage, despite its lower bandwidth compared to WAN 1. The high bandwidth of WAN 1 may be more suitable for other types of traffic that are less sensitive to latency and jitter, such as bulk data transfers.

Device Monitoring:

the device that is experiencing connectivity issues is the APP Server or Router 1, which has a status of Down. This means that the server is not responding to network requests or sending any data. You may want to check the physical connection, power supply, and configuration of the APP Server to troubleshoot the problem.

A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated

"Using special STP frames known as bridge protocol data units (BPDUs), switches communicate with other switches to prevent loops from happening in the first place. Configuration BPDUs establish the topology, where one switch is elected root bridge and acts as the center of the STP universe. Each switch then uses the root bridge as a reference point to maintain a loop-free topology."

Changing the default password is a hardening technique that best mitigates the use of publicly available information, such as vendor documentation, online forums, or hacking tools, that may reveal the default credentials of a commercial switch. By changing the default password to a strong and unique one, the network technician can prevent unauthorized access to the switch configuration and management.

References:

• Network Hardening - N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 4.3 - YouTube1
• CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 151

EIGRP is an advanced distance vector routing protocol that is able to automatically update routing tables and also uses features of link-state routing protocols, such as the ability to send updates about the current topology of the network. EIGRP also has the ability to use a variety of algorithms to determine the best route for a packet to take, allowing for more efficient routing across the network.

A hybrid cloud model combines both on-premises infrastructure (or private cloud) with public cloud services, with orchestration between the two. This allows businesses to scale computing resources and also provides the flexibility to have on-premises infrastructure that supports average workloads while utilizing the cloud for peak loads or additional resources. The scenario described involves an on-premises data center integrated with an Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) provider via a private connection, exemplifying a hybrid cloud by utilizing both private (on-premises data center and private direct connection) and public (IaaS) cloud environments??.

Reverse Address Resolution Protocol (RARP) is a protocol that allows a device to obtain its MAC address from its IP address. A MAC spoofing attack is an attack where a device pretends to have a different MAC address than its actual one. RARP can be used to detect a MAC spoofing attack by comparing the MAC address obtained from RARP with the MAC address obtained from other sources, such as ARP or DHCP. References: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-network-n10-008-exam-objectives-(2-0), https://www.techopedia.com/definition/25597/reverse-address-resolution-protocol-rarp

Asset tags will allow the technician to record changes to new and old equipment when installing multiple UPS units in a major retail store. Asset tags are labels or stickers that are attached to physical assets such as computers, printers, servers, or UPS units. They usually contain information such as asset name, serial number, barcode, QR code, or RFID chip that can be scanned or read by an asset management system or software. Asset tags help track inventory, location, status, maintenance, and ownership of assets. References: https://www.camcode.com/asset-tags/asset-tagging-guide/

The maximum transmission unit (MTU) is the largest size of a data packet that can be transmitted over a network. A standard Ethernet frame supports an MTU of 1500 bytes, which is the default value for most Ethernet networks. Larger MTUs are possible with jumbo frames, but they are not widely supported and may cause fragmentation or compatibility issues. References: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-network-n10-008-exam-objectives-(2-0), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximum_transmission_unit

• DNS poisoning is a type of attack that exploits the vulnerabilities of the DNS protocol to redirect network traffic to malicious websites or servers12. DNS poisoning can affect both the DNS resolver cache and the DNS client cache, making it difficult to detect and remove12.
• One of the common ways that DNS poisoning can occur is when an attacker compromises the router and changes its DNS settings to point to a rogue DNS server12. This way, the router will assign the malicious DNS server to the network clients, and any DNS queries from the clients will be resolved by the attacker’s server12.
• To prevent this type of attack, one of the best practices is to change the device’s default password and use a strong and unique password for the router’s administrative interface13. This will make it harder for the attacker to gain access to the router and modify its DNS settings13.
• Changing the device’s default password is also a general security measure that should be applied to any router or network device, as many attackers exploit the fact that many users do not change the default credentials that come with the device34.
• Therefore, the correct answer is A. Change the device’s default password, as this will help prevent DNS poisoning attacks and improve the overall security of the router and the network.

References:

• 1: What is DNS poisoning and how to prevent it - BlueCat Networks
• 2: An Introduction to “DNS Poisoning” (And How to Prevent It) - Kinsta
• 3: The Best Router Settings for Home Networks - Lifewire
• 4: Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points

• The question asks about the best security feature to provide secure connections and keep the medical data protected for patients who use Wi-Fi in the waiting room of a medical building.
• The answer is isolating the guest network, which means creating a separate network for the guests that has no access to the internal network where the medical data is stored. This way, the guests can use the internet without compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the electronic protected health information (ePHI).
• Securing SNMP, MAC filtering, and disabling unneeded switchports are also security features, but they are not the best solution for this scenario. Securing SNMP means encrypting the Simple Network Management Protocol, which is used to monitor and manage network devices. MAC filtering means allowing or denying access to the network based on the MAC address of the device. Disabling unneeded switchports means turning off the ports that are not in use to prevent unauthorized access. These features can help prevent unauthorized access to the network, but they do not isolate the guest network from the internal network, which is the main requirement for this question. References:
• Medical Grade WiFi: Essential Features for Every Hospital or Clinic
• HIPAA WiFi Compliance: Your Complete Guide to the Latest Privacy Rule Requirements
• Wireless Medical Devices
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide

• A disaster recovery plan is a document that outlines the procedures and steps to restore the normal operations of a network in the event of a disaster, such as a fire, flood, power outage, cyberattack, or human error. It includes the roles and responsibilities of the staff, the backup and recovery strategies, the communication channels, the testing and maintenance schedules, and the inventory of the network assets and resources. A disaster recovery plan needs to be updated to reflect any changes in the network topology, configuration, or equipment, such as the installation of an additional IDF (Intermediate Distribution Frame), which is a wiring closet that connects the MDF (Main Distribution Frame) to the end devices. Updating the disaster recovery plan ensures that the network administrator has the most accurate and current information to restore the network in case of a disaster.
• A physical network diagram is a visual representation of the physical layout and connections of the network devices, such as routers, switches, firewalls, servers, workstations, printers, and cables. It shows the location, name, IP address, MAC address, and port number of each device, as well as the type, length, and color of each cable. A physical network diagram needs to be updated to reflect any changes in the network infrastructure, such as the installation of an additional IDF, which adds more devices and cables to the network. Updating the physical network diagram helps the network administrator to troubleshoot, monitor, and document the network performance and status.
• A data loss prevention policy is a document that defines the rules and guidelines to prevent the unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, or deletion of sensitive or confidential data on the network. It includes the classification of the data, the encryption and backup methods, the access control and authentication mechanisms, the audit and logging procedures, and the incident response and reporting protocols. A data loss prevention policy does not need to be updated to reflect the installation of an additional IDF, unless the IDF contains devices or cables that handle sensitive or confidential data, in which case the policy should specify the security measures and controls for those devices or cables.
• A BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy is a document that regulates the use of personal devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, or USB drives, on the network. It includes the requirements and restrictions for the devices, the network access and security policies, the user rights and responsibilities, the support and maintenance services, and the legal and ethical implications. A BYOD policy does not need to be updated to reflect the installation of an additional IDF, unless the IDF affects the network access or security of the personal devices, in which case the policy should clarify the impact and the actions for the users.
• An acceptable use policy is a document that specifies the rules and expectations for the appropriate and ethical use of the network resources and services by the users. It includes the purpose and scope of the network, the acceptable and unacceptable behaviors and activities, the consequences and penalties for violations, and the user acknowledgment and agreement. An acceptable use policy does not need to be updated to reflect the installation of an additional IDF, unless the IDF changes the purpose or scope of the network, in which case the policy should inform the users of the changes and the implications.
• A non-disclosure agreement is a legal contract that binds the parties involved in the network project or service to keep the confidential information secret and not to share it with any unauthorized third parties. It includes the definition and scope of the confidential information, the duration and termination of the agreement, the exceptions and exclusions, the remedies and damages, and the signatures and dates of the parties. A non-disclosure agreement does not need to be updated to reflect the installation of an additional IDF, unless the IDF involves confidential information that is not covered by the existing agreement, in which case the agreement should be amended or renewed to include the new information. References:
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 3: Network Operations, Section 3.1: Explain the importance of documentation and diagrams, Page 131-136
• Professor Messer’s Network+ N10-008 Course Notes, Page 20
• Professor Messer’s Network+ N10-008 Video Training Course, Section 3.1: Network Documentation, Video 3.1.1: Network Documentation Types

Single-mode fiber is a type of optical fiber that has a small core diameter and allows only one mode of light to propagate. This reduces signal attenuation and increases transmission distance, making it suitable for long-distance communication networks. Single-mode fiber can carry data over thousands of kilometers without requiring repeaters or amplifiers. Single-mode fiber is also immune to electromagnetic interference and has a higher bandwidth than multimode fiber. Therefore, single-mode fiber is the best cable type for connecting sites on multiple continents. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], [Single-mode optical fiber - Wikipedia]

Single-mode fiber optic cable uses a single ray of light to transmit data. This allows it to achieve very low attenuation and high bandwidth.

Multimode fiber optic cable uses multiple rays of light to transmit data. This results in higher attenuation and lower bandwidth than single-mode cable.

Twisted pair copper cable uses two insulated copper wires to transmit data. It is less expensive than fiber optic cable, but it has higher attenuation and lower bandwidth.

When choosing a cable type for a long-distance application, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Attenuation: The amount of signal loss that occurs over the length of the cable.
• Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be transmitted over the cable per second.
• Cost: The cost of the cable and installation.

Single-mode fiber optic cable is the best choice for long-distance applications because it has the lowest attenuation and highest bandwidth of any cable type. However, it is also the most expensive cable type.

Cameras can be used to identify users after an action has occurred by recording their faces, clothing, or other distinctive features. Cameras are often used as a deterrent and a forensic tool for security purposes. Access control vestibules, asset tags, and motion detectors are not effective in identifying users, but rather in controlling access, tracking assets, and detecting movement.

References:

CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Exam Objectives, Domain 5.0: Network Security, Subobjective 5.1: Summarize the importance of physical security controls, page 231

CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition (Exam N10-008), Chapter 18: Network Security, Section: Physical Security, page 7372

A technician reviews a network performance report and finds a high level of collisions happening on the network. At which of the following layers of the OSI model would these

collisions be found?

• Layer 1

• Layer 3

• Layer 4

• Layer 7

Answer: A

Collisions occur when two or more devices try to transmit signals on the same physical medium at the same time. This causes interference and data loss. Collisions can only happen at the physical layer of the OSI model, which is responsible for transmitting and receiving raw bits over a physical medium such as a cable or a wireless channel. The physical layer does not have any mechanism to prevent or resolve collisions. Therefore, higher layers of the OSI model, such as the data link layer, need to implement protocols to detect and recover from collisions, such as CSMA/CD for Ethernet networks.

ReferencesCollision in computer networkingData Link Layer | Layer 2 | The OSI-Model

A network engineer has added a new route on a border router and is trying to determine if traffic is using the new route. Which of the following commands should the engineer use?

• ping

• arp

• tracert

• route

Answer: C

The tracert command is a network diagnostic tool that traces the route of packets from the source host to the destination host. It displays the IP addresses and hostnames of the routers along the path, as well as the time taken for each hop. The tracert command can be used to determine if traffic is using the new route by comparing the output before and after adding the route. If the new route is effective, the tracert command should show a different or shorter path to the destination host.

ReferencesNetworking Commands For Troubleshooting Windows - GeeksforGeeksNine Switch Commands Every Cisco Network Engineer Needs to Know

A technician is configuring a wireless access point in a public space for guests to use. Which of the following should the technician configure so that only approved connections are

allowed?

• Geofencing

• Captive portal

• Secure SNMP

• Private VLANs

Answer: B

A captive portal is a web page that requires users to authenticate or accept terms of service before they can access the internet through a wireless access point. A captive portal can be used to control who can use the wireless network, limit the bandwidth or time of usage, or display advertisements or information. A captive portal is a common feature of public wireless networks, such as those in hotels, airports, cafes, or libraries. A captive portal can prevent unauthorized or malicious users from accessing the network or consuming network resources.

ReferencesPublic Wireless Access Points Definition | Law InsiderAre Public Wi-Fi Networks Safe? What You Need To Know

A user cannot connect to the network, although others in the office are unaffected. The network technician sees that the link lights on the NIC are not on. The technician needs to

check which switchport the user is connected to, but the cabling is not labeled. Which of the following is the best way for the technician to find where the computer is connected?

• Look up the computer's IP address in the switch ARP table.

• Use a cable tester to trace the cable.

• Look up the computer's MAC address in the switch CAM table.

• Use a tone generator to trace the cable.

Answer: D

A tone generator is a device that emits an audible signal on a wire. A tone probe is a device that detects the signal on the wire. By attaching the tone generator to one end of the cable and using the tone probe to scan the other end, the technician can identify which switchport the cable is connected to. This method does not require any knowledge of the computer’s IP or MAC address, or access to the switch configuration. It is also faster and more reliable than physically tracing the cable or disconnecting the cable and looking for the link light to go out on the switch.

ReferencesHow to find what port im connected to on a switch from my PC?Switch Port Monitoring Guide - ComparitechFinding Out Which Network Switch Port My Computer is Connected

A network administrator is creating a VLAN that will only allow executives to connect to a data source. Which of the following is this scenario an example of?

• Availability

• Confidentiality

• Internal threat

• External threat

• Integrity

Answer: B

Confidentiality is the principle of preserving authorized restrictions on information access and disclosure, including means for protecting personal privacy and proprietary information1. By creating a VLAN that will only allow executives to connect to a data source, the network administrator is implementing a form of network segmentation that enhances the confidentiality of the data. This prevents unauthorized users or processes from accessing or modifying the data, which could compromise its integrity or availability. Confidentiality is one of the components of the CIA triad, a widely used information security model that guides the efforts and policies aimed at keeping data secure234.

ReferencesDefending Your Network: A Comprehensive Guide to VLAN Hopping AttacksThe CIA triad: Definition, components and examples | CSO OnlineExecutive Summary — NIST SP 1800-25 documentationThe CIA Triad — Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability ExplainedConfidentiality, Integrity and Availability - DevQA.io

A network administrator walks into a data center and notices an unknown person is following closely. The administrator stops and directs the person to the security desk. Which of

the following attacks did the network administrator prevent?

• Evil twin

• Tailgating

• Piggybacking

• Shoulder surfing

Answer: B

Tailgating is a type of physical security attack in which an unauthorized person follows an authorized person into a restricted area, such as a data center, without proper identification or authentication. Tailgating can allow attackers to access sensitive data, equipment, or network resources, or to plant malicious devices or software. The network administrator prevented tailgating by stopping and directing the unknown person to the security desk, where they would have to verify their identity and purpose.

ReferencesDigital Threats and Cyberattacks at the Network LevelNetwork attacks and how to prevent them

Which of the following is most closely associated with attempting to actively prevent network intrusion?

• IDS

• Firewall

• IPS

• VPN

Answer: C

An intrusion prevention system (IPS) is a network security tool that continuously monitors network traffic for malicious activity and takes action to prevent it, such as reporting, blocking, or dropping it. An IPS is different from an intrusion detection system (IDS), which only detects and alerts about threats, but does not stop them. A firewall is a device or software that filters network traffic based on predefined rules, but it does not analyze the traffic for anomalies or signatures of known attacks. A VPN is a virtual private network that creates a secure tunnel between two endpoints, but it does not prevent intrusions from within the network or from compromised endpoints.

ReferencesWhat is an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)? | FortinetWhat is an Intrusion Prevention System? - Palo Alto Networks

An administrator needs to ensure an access switch is sending the appropriate logs to the network monitoring server. Which of the following logging levels is most appropriate for the

access layer switch?

• Level 0

• Level 2

• Level 5

• Level 7

Answer: C

Logging levels are used to categorize the severity and importance of log messages generated by network devices. The lower the level, the higher the priority. Level 0 is the most critical, while level 7 is the most verbose and least important. Level 5 is the default logging level for most Cisco devices, and it corresponds to notifications. Notifications are messages that indicate normal but significant events, such as interface status changes, configuration changes, or system restarts. These messages are useful for monitoring the health and performance of the network, and they do not generate excessive traffic or consume too much memory or CPU resources. Therefore, level 5 is the most appropriate logging level for an access layer switch, which connects end devices to the network and does not need to log debug or informational messages.

ReferencesHow to configure logging in Cisco IOSCisco Guide to Harden Cisco IOS DevicesCisco Privilege Levels – Explanation and Configuration

A network consultant is installing a new wireless network with the following specifications:

5GHz

1,300Mbps

20/40/80MHz

Which of the following standards should the network consultant use?

802.11a

802.11ac

802.11b

802.11n

Answer: B

Clients have reported slowness between a branch and a hub location. The senior engineer suspects asymmetrical routing is causing the issue. Which of the following should the engineer

run on both the source and the destination network devices to validate this theory?

• traceroute

• ping

• route

• nslookup

Answer: A

Asymmetric routing occurs when traffic does not traverse the same path in both directions of a conversation. This can cause problems when there are stateful devices, such as firewalls or NAT devices, in the path that expect the traffic to be symmetrical. Asymmetric routing can also result in suboptimal TCP performance, as TCP assumes that the SYN and ACK packets take the same path1.

To validate the theory of asymmetric routing, the engineer should run the traceroute command on both the source and the destination network devices. The traceroute command shows the route that packets take to reach a destination, by displaying the IP addresses and hostnames of the routers along the path, as well as the time taken for each hop. By comparing the output of the traceroute command from both ends, the engineer can determine if the traffic is taking different paths in each direction, and identify where the asymmetry occurs2.

The ping command is not sufficient to validate the theory of asymmetric routing, as it only tests the connectivity and latency between two devices, but does not show the intermediate hops or the path taken by the packets. The route command shows the routing table of a device, but does not show the actual path taken by the packets. The nslookup command resolves a hostname to an IP address, or vice versa, but does not show the route or the connectivity between two devices.

ReferencesHow to Find & Fix Asymmetric Routing Issues | AuvikIdentifying and Troubleshooting Asymmetric Routing in WAAS - Cisco Community

After a firewall replacement, some alarms and metrics related to network availability stopped updating on a monitoring system relying on SNMP. Which of the following should the network

administrator do first?

• Modify the device's MIB on the monitoring system.

• Configure syslog to send events to the monitoring system.

• Use port mirroring to redirect traffic to the monitoring system.

• Deploy SMB to transfer data to the monitoring system.

Answer: A

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a protocol that allows network devices to communicate with a monitoring system and provide information about their status, performance, and configuration. SNMP relies on MIBs (Management Information Bases), which are collections of objects that define the types of information that can be accessed or modified on a device1.

When a firewall replacement occurs, the new firewall may have a different MIB than the old one, which means that the monitoring system may not be able to recognize or interpret the data sent by the new firewall. This can cause some alarms and metrics related to network availability to stop updating on the monitoring system. To fix this, the network administrator should modify the device’s MIB on the monitoring system, so that it matches the MIB of the new firewall and can correctly process the SNMP data2.

The other options are not relevant to the issue. Configuring syslog to send events to the monitoring system would not affect the SNMP data, as syslog is a different protocol that sends log messages from network devices to a central server. Using port mirroring to redirect traffic to the monitoring system would not help, as port mirroring is a technique that copies traffic from one port to another for analysis or troubleshooting purposes, but does not change the format or content of the traffic. Deploying SMB to transfer data to the monitoring system would not work, as SMB is a protocol that allows file sharing and access between network devices, but does not support SNMP data.

ReferencesGrafana & Prometheus SNMP: advanced network monitoring guideConfiguring Windows Systems for Monitoring with SNMP - ScienceLogic

Which of the following use cases would justify the deployment of an mGRE hub-and-spoke topology?

• An increase in network security using encryption and packet encapsulation

• A network expansion caused by an increase in the number of branch locations to the headquarters

• A mandatory requirement to increase the deployment of an SDWAN network

• An improvement in network efficiency by increasing the useful packet payload

Answer: B

mGRE (Multipoint GRE) is a type of GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation) tunnel that allows a single interface to support multiple tunnel endpoints, instead of having to configure a separate point-to-point tunnel for each destination. mGRE simplifies the configuration and management of large-scale VPN networks, such as DMVPN (Dynamic Multipoint VPN), which is a Cisco technology that uses mGRE, NHRP (Next Hop Resolution Protocol), and IPsec to create secure and dynamic VPN connections between a hub and multiple spokes1.

A network expansion caused by an increase in the number of branch locations to the headquarters would justify the deployment of an mGRE hub-and-spoke topology, because it would reduce the complexity and overhead of configuring and maintaining multiple point-to-point tunnels between the hub and each spoke. mGRE would also enable spoke-to-spoke communication without having to go through the hub, which would improve the network performance and efficiency23.

The other options are not directly related to the use case of mGRE hub-and-spoke topology. An increase in network security using encryption and packet encapsulation can be achieved by using IPsec, which is a separate protocol that can be applied to any type of GRE tunnel, not just mGRE. A mandatory requirement to increase the deployment of an SDWAN network can be met by using various technologies and vendors, not necessarily mGRE or DMVPN. An improvement in network efficiency by increasing the useful packet payload can be achieved by using various techniques, such as compression, fragmentation, or QoS, not specifically mGRE.

ReferencesUnderstanding Cisco Dynamic Multipoint VPN - DMVPN, mGRE, NHRPMGRE Easy Steps - Cisco CommunityWhat is DMVPN (Dynamic Multipoint VPN), NHRP, mGRE and How to configu - Cisco Community

Users report they cannot reach any websites on the internet. An on-site network engineer is able to duplicate the issue on a different PC. The network engineer then tries to ping a website

and receives the following message:

Ping request could not find host www.google.com. Please check the name and try again.

Which of the following is the next step the engineer should take?

• Ping 127. 0. 0. 1 to test local hardware.

• Test the website from outside the company.

• Ping internal name server functionality.

• Check internet firewall logs for blocked DNS traffic.

Answer: C

The error message “Ping request could not find host www.google.com” indicates that the network engineer’s PC cannot resolve the hostname www.google.com to its corresponding IP address. This means that there is a problem with the DNS (Domain Name System) service, which is responsible for translating hostnames to IP addresses and vice versa. The DNS service can be provided by internal or external name servers, depending on the network configuration.

The next step the engineer should take is to ping the internal name server functionality, which means to test if the PC can communicate with the name server that is configured in its network settings, and if the name server can resolve internal hostnames, such as those of the company’s servers or devices. To do this, the engineer can use the following commands:

• To find out the IP address of the name server, use ipconfig /all and look for the DNS Servers entry.
• To ping the name server, use ping  and check if the packets are sent and received successfully.
• To test the name resolution, use nslookup  and check if the name server returns the correct IP address.

If the ping or the nslookup commands fail, it means that the internal name server is not working properly, and the engineer should troubleshoot the name server configuration or connectivity. If the ping and the nslookup commands succeed, it means that the internal name server is working properly, but there is a problem with the external name resolution, and the engineer should check the internet firewall logs for blocked DNS traffic, or test the website from outside the company.

ReferencesWindows 10 can’t resolve hostnames - ping with IP works but not with hostnamePing request could not find host xyz.local. Please check the name and try againDNS problem, nslookup works, ping doesn’t

Users are connected to a switch on an Ethernet interface of a campus router. The service provider is connected to the serial 1 interface on the router. The output of the interfaces is:

E1/0: 192.168.8.1/24

S1: 192.168.7.252/30

After router and device configurations are applied, internet access is not possible. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

• The Ethernet interface was configured with an incorrect IP address.

• The router was configured with an incorrect loopback address.

• The router was configured with an incorrect default gateway.

• The serial interface was configured with the incorrect subnet mask.

Answer: C

The default gateway is the IP address of the router that connects a network to the internet or another network. The default gateway is usually configured on the devices that need to access the internet or other networks, such as PCs, servers, or routers. If the router was configured with an incorrect default gateway, it would not be able to forward packets to the correct destination, and internet access would not be possible.

The other options are not the most likely causes of the issue. The Ethernet interface is the physical port that connects a device to a network using a cable. If the Ethernet interface was configured with an incorrect IP address, it would cause a problem with the local network connectivity, not the internet access. The loopback address is a special IP address that refers to the device itself, usually used for testing or troubleshooting purposes. If the router was configured with an incorrect loopback address, it would not affect the internet access, as the loopback address is not used for routing packets to other networks. The serial interface is another type of physical port that connects a device to a network using a serial cable, often used for WAN connections. If the serial interface was configured with the incorrect subnet mask, it would cause a problem with the WAN connectivity, not the internet access, as the subnet mask is used to determine the network and host portions of an IP address.

ReferencesWhat is a Default Gateway? | HowStuffWorksWhat is an Ethernet Interface? - Definition from TechopediaWhat is a Loopback Address? - Definition from TechopediaWhat is a Serial Interface? - Definition from Techopedia

A user wants to avoid using a password to access a third-party website. Which of the following does the user need in order to allow this type of access to the third-party website?

• Multifactor

• RADIUS

• SSO

• Local authentication

Answer: C

A junior network engineer is trying to change the native network ID to a non-default value that can then be applied consistently throughout the network environment. Which of the following

issues is the engineer attempting to prevent?

• DDoS

• ARP spoofing

• VLAN hopping

• Rogue DHCP

Answer: C

VLAN hopping is a type of network attack where an attacker can send or receive traffic from a VLAN that they are not supposed to access. VLAN hopping can allow an attacker to bypass security policies, access sensitive data, or launch other attacks on the network. VLAN hopping can be performed using two methods: double tagging and switch spoofing1.

Double tagging is where the attacker sends a frame with two VLAN tags, one for the native VLAN and one for the target VLAN. The native VLAN is the VLAN that is used for untagged traffic on a trunk port. If the attacker’s access port is in the same VLAN as the native VLAN, the switch will accept the frame and forward it on the trunk port. The switch will remove the first tag, which is the native VLAN, and send the frame with the second tag, which is the target VLAN. The frame will then reach the target VLAN and be processed by the devices in that VLAN.

Switch spoofing is where the attacker sends Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) packets and tries to negotiate a trunk with the switch. DTP is a Cisco protocol that allows switches to automatically form trunks between them. If the switch’s port is configured with the default dynamic auto or dynamic desirable mode, it will accept the DTP packets and form a trunk with the attacker. The attacker will then have access to all VLANs on the trunk.

To prevent VLAN hopping, the junior network engineer is trying to change the native network ID to a non-default value that can then be applied consistently throughout the network environment. This means that the engineer is changing the VLAN that is used for untagged traffic on the trunk ports to a different VLAN than the default VLAN 1. This will prevent double tagging attacks, as the attacker’s access port will not be in the same VLAN as the native VLAN, and the switch will not accept the frames with two tags. The engineer should also disable DTP on the trunk ports and use the switchport nonegotiate command to prevent switch spoofing attacks2.

ReferencesVLAN Hopping - NetworkLessons.comVLAN Hopping on Native VLAN - Cisco Community

"Bad cables, incorrect pinouts, or bent pins: Faulty cables (with electrical characteristics preventing successful transmission) or faulty connectors (which do not properly make connections) can prevent successful data transmission at Layer 1. A bad cable could simply be an incorrect category of cable being used for a specific purpose. For example, using a Cat 5 cable (instead of a Cat 6 or higher cable) to connect two 1000BASE-TX devices would result in data corruption. Bent pins in a connector or incorrect pinouts could also cause data to become corrupted."

• CRC stands for cyclic redundancy check, which is a method of detecting errors in data transmission. CRC errors occur when the verification code calculated by the sender and the receiver do not match, indicating that some bits were corrupted during the transmission.
• CRC errors are usually caused by physical layer issues, such as noise, interference, or damaged cables. Therefore, option A is the most likely cause of these errors, as a bad wire on the Cat 5e cable can introduce noise or interference that corrupts the data bits.
• Option B is not a likely cause of CRC errors, as the wrong VLAN assignment to the switchport would affect the logical layer, not the physical layer. The wrong VLAN assignment would prevent the switch from forwarding the frames to the correct destination, but it would not cause errors in the data bits themselves.
• Option C is also not a likely cause of CRC errors, as a misconfigured QoS setting on the router would affect the network layer, not the physical layer. A misconfigured QoS setting would affect the priority or bandwidth allocation of the packets, but it would not cause errors in the data bits themselves.
• Option D is also not a likely cause of CRC errors, as both sides of the switch trunk set to full duplex would not introduce any errors in the data transmission. Full duplex means that both sides can send and receive data simultaneously, without causing collisions or interference. In fact, full duplex is the preferred mode for switch trunks, as it increases the bandwidth and efficiency of the link.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 2: Network Devices and Technologies, Section 2.2: Troubleshooting Common Network Problems, Page 941
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 2.2: Troubleshooting Common Network Problems, Page 162
• Solved: [How to resolve] CRC errors - Cisco Community3
• Troubleshooting CRC Error Packets on an Interface - Huawei4
• Resolving CRC and Input Errors, A Beginner’s Guide - site5

• Subinterfaces are logical divisions of a physical interface that can be assigned different VLANs, IP addresses, and security policies12.
• Subinterfaces allow the organization to configure multiple devices with network isolation on a single switch port by creating separate VLANs for voice and data traffic12.
• Subinterfaces can also be used to implement inter-VLAN routing, which enables communication between different VLANs on the same switch or router12.
• Link aggregation is the process of combining multiple physical links into a single logical link for increased bandwidth, redundancy, and load balancing3 . It does not provide network isolation or VLAN segmentation.
• Load balancing is the distribution of network traffic across multiple servers or paths to optimize performance, availability, and reliability . It does not provide network isolation or VLAN segmentation.
• Tunneling is the encapsulation of one protocol within another protocol, usually to provide secure or private communication over a public network . It does not provide network isolation or VLAN segmentation on a single switch port. References:
• [CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide], Chapter 3: Network Components, Section: Subinterfaces
• [Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes], Page 23: Subinterfaces
• [CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide], Chapter 3: Network Components, Section: Link Aggregation
• [Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes], Page 24: Link Aggregation
• [CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide], Chapter 3: Network Components, Section: Load Balancing
• [Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes], Page 25: Load Balancing
• [CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide], Chapter 4: TCP/IP, Section: Tunneling
• [Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes], Page 32: Tunneling

The network administrator would configure scope options to set NTP settings for a specific subnet within DHCP. Scope options are settings that apply to a range of IP addresses that are assigned by a DHCP server. Scope options can include parameters such as default gateway, DNS server, and NTP server. By configuring the NTP server option for a specific scope, the network administrator can ensure that the devices in that subnet synchronize their clocks with the same time source. References: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 121; The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide (Exam N10-008), page 5-11.

An incorrect default gateway can cause a PC to not connect to the internet, because the default gateway is the device that routes traffic from the local network to other networks. If the PC has a wrong default gateway configured, it may not be able to reach the internet router or the IT network router. The technician can ping the PC from the human resources router because they are on the same local network, but not from the IT network router because they are on different networks.

A duplicate IP address can cause a PC to not communicate with other devices on the same network, because the IP address is the unique identifier of a device on a network. If two devices have the same IP address, they may cause IP conflicts and packet loss. However, a duplicate IP address would not prevent the technician from pinging the PC from the human resources router, because they are on the same network.

A misconfigured RIP can cause a router to not learn or advertise routes to other networks, because RIP is a routing protocol that dynamically exchanges routing information between routers. If a router has a wrong RIP configuration, it may not be able to reach or share routes with other routers. However, a misconfigured RIP would not affect the PC’s connectivity to the internet, because the PC does not use RIP.

An improper VLAN assignment can cause a PC to not communicate with other devices on the same or different networks, because a VLAN is a logical segmentation of a network that isolates traffic based on criteria such as function, security, or performance. If a PC is assigned to a wrong VLAN, it may not be able to access the resources or services that it needs. However, an improper VLAN assignment would not prevent the technician from pinging the PC from the human resources router, because they are on the same physical network.

References

What is a Default Gateway?

What’s an IP Conflict and How Do You Resolve It?

What is RIP (Routing Information Protocol)?

What is a VLAN? How to Set Up a VLAN Network

CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition (Exam N10-008)

One of the best practices to secure the network would be to disable unneeded switchports in the guest waiting area. This will prevent unauthorized users from connecting to the network through these ports. It's important to identify which switchports are not in use and disable them, as this will prevent unauthorized access to the network.

Other practices such as ensuring all guests sign an NDA, lowering the radio strength to reduce Wi-Fi coverage in the waiting area and enabling MAC filtering to block unknown hardware addresses are not as effective in securing the network as disabling unneeded switchports. Enforcing an NDA with guests may not stop a malicious user from attempting to access the network, reducing the radio strength only limits the Wi-Fi coverage, and MAC filtering can be easily bypassed by hackers.

A duplex mismatch is the most probable cause of the issues described, where the network connection experiences slow data transfers and intermittent lockups. This occurs when one device in a network connection operates in full-duplex mode and the other in half-duplex, leading to collisions and performance issues. In the scenario provided, the small switch taken from storage may not have been configured to match the duplex settings of the existing network, resulting in these data transfer issues. Other options like reversed TX/RX pinouts, cable crosstalk, or a failed transceiver would typically result in complete connection failures or consistent degradation, not intermittent issues as described??.

A 110 block is a type of punch-down block that is used to distribute Ethernet to multiple computers in an office. A punch-down block is a device that connects one group of wires to another group of wires by using a special tool that pushes the wires into slots on the block. A 110 block is a non-proprietary standard that supports up to Category 6 cabling and can be used for voice or data applications. References: https://www.comptia.org/training/books/network-n10-008-study-guide (page 64)

A /30 subnet is the smallest possible subnet that can be used for a point-to-point configuration between two routers. A /30 subnet has only two usable host addresses, one for each router, and a network address and a broadcast address. A /30 subnet conserves IP space by minimizing the number of wasted addresses. A /24, /26, or /28 subnet would have more usable host addresses than needed for a point-to-point configuration and would waste IP space.

References:

• Routing Technologies – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 2.21
• CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 10

OSPF uses multicast to communicate routing updates among routers within the same area. OSPF routers send and receive link-state advertisements (LSAs) using IP multicast addresses 224.0.0.5 (all OSPF routers) and 224.0.0.6 (all OSPF designated routers) 1. Multicast allows OSPF to send routing updates efficiently and selectively, without flooding the entire network or requiring acknowledgments from every router

• A routing protocol is a set of rules that determines how routers exchange routing information and select the best paths to reach different destinations on a network12.
• There are different types of routing protocols, such as interior gateway protocols (IGPs) and exterior gateway protocols (EGPs)12.
• An internet-facing edge router is a router that connects an autonomous system to the internet and acts as a gateway for the traffic entering or leaving the AS3 .
• The most common routing protocol for an internet-facing edge router is BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), which is an EGP that enables routers to exchange routing information and reachability information for IP prefixes across the internet12 .
• BGP is designed to handle the large and complex topology of the internet, as well as the policy and security requirements of different autonomous systems12 .
• Therefore, option A is the correct answer, as BGP is the routing protocol that a technician will most likely use for an internet-facing edge router.
• The other options are incorrect, as they are IGPs that are not suitable for an internet-facing edge router.

References:

• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.1, “Routing Concepts”, page 198-207.
• : Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 4.1, “Routing Concepts”, page 24-25.
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.2, “Routing Protocols”, page 208-209.
• : Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 4.2, “Routing Protocols”, page 26.
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.2, “Routing Protocols”, page 210-211.

A short circuit is a condition where two conductors in a circuit are connected unintentionally, creating a low resistance path for the current. This causes the voltage to drop and the current to increase, which can damage the circuit or cause a fire. A multimeter can measure the resistance or impedance of a circuit, and if it shows extremely low values, it indicates a short circuit.

The most appropriate method to improve the security of the environment would be to implement role-based access control (RBAC). With RBAC, users are granted access to the network based on their role within the organization. This allows for more granular access control, as different roles may require different levels of access. Additionally, this ensures that users only have access to the resources they need and no more. This helps to reduce the risk of unauthorized access or misuse of the network. References and further information can be found in the CompTIA Network+ Study Manual, Chapter 8, Access Control.

RBAC is a method of restricting network access based on the roles of individual users within the organization. With RBAC, users are granted access only to the resources they need to perform their specific job functions. This approach reduces the risk of unauthorized access, provides greater visibility into user activity, and simplifies network management.

Changing the default permissions to implicit deny may improve security, but it could also cause issues for legitimate users who require access to specific resources. Configuring uniform ACLs and NAC for contractors is a step in the right direction, but it may not be enough to address the overall lack of a formal process for granting network permissions. Deploying an RDP server to centralize access to the network is not a viable solution, as it would not address the root cause of the security incidents.

Therefore, the most appropriate option is to implement role-based access control. Reference: CompTIA Network+ Study Guide, Fourth Edition, Chapter 7, section 7.4.

The most likely cause of the intermittent connectivity issues when specific Wireless Access Points (WAPs) are turned on and share channel five is interference. Wireless interference occurs when multiple devices operate on the same channel within close proximity to each other, leading to signal congestion and reduced performance. This type of interference can cause the connectivity to be sporadic, as described. Other options like polarization, incorrect channel (since they are on the intended channel), or low power levels would generally not cause intermittent issues strictly when WAPs are turned on??.

Layer 2 of the OSI model, also known as the data link layer, is responsible for physical addressing and error detecting. Physical addressing refers to the use of MAC addresses to identify and locate devices on a network segment. Error detecting refers to the use of techniques such as checksums and CRCs to identify and correct errors in the data frames.

References:

• OSI Model | Computer Networking | CompTIA1

• Encryption is the process of transforming data into an unreadable format using a secret key or algorithm. It can protect sensitive information from unauthorized access or theft, even if the device is lost or stolen.
• Factory reset is the process of restoring a device to its original settings and deleting all user data and applications. It can be used to erase personal information from a device before selling or disposing of it, but it does not prevent data recovery by forensic tools. Therefore, option A is incorrect.
• Autolock is the feature that automatically locks a device after a period of inactivity or when the power button is pressed. It can prevent unauthorized access to a device by requiring a passcode, pattern, fingerprint, or face recognition to unlock it. However, it does not protect the data stored on the device from being extracted by other means. Therefore, option B is incorrect.
• Two-factor authentication is the method of verifying a user’s identity by requiring two pieces of evidence, such as a password and a code sent to a phone or email. It can enhance the security of online accounts and services, but it does not apply to the data stored on a device. Therefore, option D is incorrect.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 9: Network Security, pages 403-404, 407-408, 411-412.
• Professor Messer’s Network+ Video Course, Section 5.1: Network Security Devices and Technologies, videos 5.1.1 - 5.1.3, 5.1.6, 5.1.7.
• CompTIA Network+ (N10-008) Sample Questions, Question 15.

To detect the exact break point of a fiber link, an engineer should use an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer). This device sends a series of pulses into the fiber, measuring the time it takes for the pulses to reflect back, and can pinpoint the exact location of the break.

References:

• Network+ N10-007 Certification Exam Objectives, Objective 2.5: Given a scenario, troubleshoot copper cable issues.
• FS: OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) Testing Principle and Applications

Interference is a phenomenon that occurs when unwanted signals or noise affect the transmission or reception of data signals on a network. Interference can cause network issues such as high latency, low throughput, packet loss, or errors. Interference can be caused by various sources, such as electromagnetic fields, radio waves, power lines, or electrical devices. In this scenario, the three-phase motor installation is a source of interference that affects the Cat 6 cable that connects the AP to the access switch. The cable is wired through a duct close to the motor installation, which exposes it to the electromagnetic fields generated by the motor. Anytime the motor is turned on, the interference causes high latency for all users connected to the switch.

• NetFlow is a protocol that collects and analyzes network traffic data, such as source and destination IP addresses, ports, protocols, bytes, packets, and flows12.
• NetFlow data can help identify the volume, type, and direction of network traffic, as well as the applications and hosts that are generating or consuming the most bandwidth12.
• By collecting NetFlow data from the router, the network administrator can provide evidence to confirm that the recent network outages were caused by increased traffic from a specific application or host12.
• Generating a network baseline report, exporting the firewall traffic logs, or plotting interface statistics for dropped packets may also provide some useful information, but they are not as specific or comprehensive as NetFlow data12. References:
• 1: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam Cram, 6th Edition, Chapter 5: Network Traffic Analysis, p. 203-204
• 2: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, 1st Edition, Chapter 9: Network Monitoring and Performance Optimization, p. 409-410

A VoIP sales call with a customer would be most affected by jitter greater than 10ms on the WAN connection. Jitter is the variation in delay of packets arriving at the destination. It can cause choppy or distorted audio quality for VoIP applications, especially over WAN links that have limited bandwidth and high latency. The recommended jitter for VoIP is less than 10ms. References: https://www.voip-info.org/voip-jitter/

 Explanation: Tailgating is a physical security attack where an unauthorized person follows an authorized person into a restricted area without proper identification or authorization. The network administrator prevented this attack by stopping and directing the person to the security desk. References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 2.0 (Exam Number: N10-006), Domain 3.0 Network Security, Objective 3.1 Compare and contrast risk-related concepts.

The DNS record that works as an alias to another record is called CNAME (Canonical Name). CNAME records are used to create an alias for a domain name that points to another domain name.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Exam N10-007, Fourth Edition, Chapter 2: The OSI Model and Networking Protocols, Objective 2.3: Given a scenario, implement and configure the appropriate addressing schema.

When a user reports being unable to access network resources after making some changes, the network technician should first ask the user what changes were made. This information can help the technician identify the cause of the issue and determine the appropriate course of action.

References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Sixth Edition by Glen E. Clarke

The attacker attempting to find the password to a network by inputting common words and phrases in plaintext to the password prompt is using a dictionary attack. References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Chapter 6: Network Attacks and Mitigation.

When evaluating a firewall to protect a datacenter’s east-west traffic, it is important to consider traffic between VMs running on different hosts. This type of traffic is referred to as east-west traffic and is often protected by internal firewalls. By implementing firewalls, an organization can protect their internal network against threats such as lateral movement, which can be caused by attackers who have breached a perimeter firewall. References: Network+ Certification Study Guide, Chapter 5: Network Security

Short Explanation: The switch feature that is most likely to be used to assist with logging IPv6 and MAC addresses of devices on a network segment is Neighbor Discovery Protocol (NDP). NDP is used by IPv6 to discover and maintain information about other nodes on the network, including their IPv6 and MAC addresses. By periodically querying NDP, the administrator can log this information for auditing purposes.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Exam N10-007, Fourth Edition, Chapter 2: The OSI Model and Networking Protocols, Objective 2.1: Compare and contrast TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their purposes.

Updating the firewalls with current firmware and software is an important step to ensure all the firewalls are hardened successfully, as it can fix any known vulnerabilities or bugs and provide new features or enhancements. Enabling an implicit permit rule is not a good practice for firewall hardening, as it can allow unwanted traffic to pass through the firewall. Configuring the log settings on the firewalls to the central syslog server is a good practice for monitoring and auditing purposes, but it does not harden the firewalls themselves. Using the same complex passwords on all firewalls is not a good practice for password security, as it can increase the risk of compromise if one firewall is breached. References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 2.0 (Exam Number: N10-006), Domain 3.0 Network Security, Objective 3.3 Given a scenario, implement network hardening techniques.

• The question asks about the metrics that will most accurately show the underlying performance issues of slow or unresponsive desktops for users who are using VMs (virtual machines).
• VMs are software-based simulations of physical computers that run on a host system. They share the resources of the host system, such as CPU, memory, disk space, etc.
• If the host system does not have enough resources to support the number of VMs running on it, the performance of the VMs will suffer. This is especially true if the VMs are running resource-intensive applications or tasks.
• Therefore, the metrics that will most accurately show the underlying performance issues are CPU usage and memory. These metrics indicate how much of the host system’s resources are being consumed by the VMs and how much is available for other processes.
• The other metrics are not relevant to the question, as they are related to the network performance, not the host system performance. They are:

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 1: Networking Concepts, Section 1.3: Virtualization and Network Storage Technologies, Pages 34-36
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course, Video 1.3: Virtualization and Network Storage Technologies, Part 1
• Network + N10-008 practice exam, Question 8, Answer A and B, Explanation

IaaS stands for Infrastructure as a Service, which is a cloud service model that provides virtualized computing resources over the Internet, such as servers, storage, networking, and operating systems. IaaS allows customers to replace their on-premises servers with cloud servers that can be scaled up or down on demand and pay only for what they use. PaaS stands for Platform as a Service, which provides customers with a cloud-based platform for developing, testing, and deploying applications without managing the underlying infrastructure. SaaS stands for Software as a Service, which provides customers with access to cloud-based software applications over the Internet without installing or maintaining them on their devices. Disaster recovery as a Service (DRaaS) is a type of cloud service that provides customers with backup and recovery solutions for their data and applications in case of a disaster.

NIC teaming, also known as network interface card teaming or link aggregation, allows multiple network interface cards to be grouped together to provide redundancy and increased throughput. In the event of a port failure on a switch, NIC teaming ensures that the file server remains connected to the LAN by automatically switching to another network interface card.

References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Sixth Edition by Glen E. Clarke

To locate a device's network port on a switch, a technician should review the switch's MAC address table. The MAC address table maintains a list of MAC addresses of devices connected to each port on the switch. By checking the MAC address of the device in question, the technician can identify the port to which the device is connected.

References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Sixth Edition by Glen E. Clarke

To find all devices connected within a network, a technician can use an IP scanner. An IP scanner sends a ping request to all IP addresses within a specified range and then identifies the active devices that respond to the request.

If multiple users in a new building are unable to access the company’s intranet site via their web browser but are able to access internet sites, the network administrator can resolve this issue by correcting the DNS server entries in the DHCP scope. The DHCP scope is responsible for assigning IP addresses and DNS server addresses to clients. If the DNS server entries are incorrect, clients will not be able to access intranet sites.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Exam N10-007, Fourth Edition, Chapter 4: Network Implementations, Objective 4.4: Explain the purpose and properties of DHCP.

An IP header can be found at the third layer of the OSI model, also known as the network layer. This layer is responsible for logical addressing, routing, and forwarding of data packets.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Exam N10-007, Fourth Edition, Chapter 2: Network Models, p. 82

A reservation should be configured to ensure a device with a specific MAC address is always assigned the same IP address from DHCP. A reservation is a feature of DHCP that allows an administrator to assign a fixed IP address to a device based on its MAC address. This way, the device will always receive the same IP address from the DHCP server, even if it is powered off or disconnected from the network for a long time. References: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/troubleshoot/configure-dhcp-reservations

The most likely cause of the issue where the fiber connection from a device to a switch is not working is that the TX/RX (transmit/receive) is reversed. When connecting fiber optic cables, it is important to ensure that the TX of one device is connected to the RX of the other device and vice versa. If the TX/RX is reversed, data cannot be transmitted successfully.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Exam N10-007, Fourth Edition, Chapter 5: Network Operations, Objective 5.1: Given a scenario, use appropriate documentation and diagrams to manage the network.

A hot site is a fully redundant site that can take over operations immediately if the primary site goes down. In this scenario, the company has set up two different datacenters across the country that are current on data and applications, and they can immediately switch from one datacenter to another in case of an outage. References:

• Network+ N10-008 Objectives: 1.5 Compare and contrast disaster recovery concepts and methodologies.

CRC stands for Cyclic Redundancy Check, and it is a type of error-detecting code used to detect accidental changes to raw data. If the CRC count is increasing on a particular interface, it indicates that there might be an issue with the cabling, which is causing data corruption. References:

• Network+ N10-008 Objectives: 2.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common physical connectivity issues.

MDIX (medium-dependent interface crossover) is a feature that allows network devices to automatically detect and configure the appropriate cabling type, eliminating the need for crossover cables. By enabling MDIX on the switches, a technician can use the original Cat 6 cable to create a crossover connection.

References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Sixth Edition by Glen E. Clarke

Implementing file integrity monitoring (FIM) would assist with detecting activities such as website defacement or internal system attacks. FIM is a process that monitors and alerts on changes to files or directories that are critical for security or functionality. FIM can help detect unauthorized modifications, malware infections, data breaches, or configuration errors. FIM can also help with compliance and auditing requirements. References: https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/security-data-protection/cyber-security/what-is-file-integrity-monitoring/

To improve performance for videoconferencing, the company should configure Quality of Service (QoS). This technology allows for the prioritization of network traffic, ensuring that videoconferencing traffic is given higher priority and therefore better performance. Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), Dynamic routing, Network load balancer, and Static IP addresses are not directly related to improving performance for videoconferencing.

References:

• Network+ N10-007 Certification Exam Objectives, Objective 2.6: Given a scenario, implement and configure the appropriate wireless security and implement the appropriate QoS concepts.

BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is a routing protocol used to exchange route information between public autonomous systems (AS). OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), EGRIP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol), and RIP (Routing Information Protocol) are all used for internal routing within a single AS. Therefore, BGP is the correct option to choose for this question.

References:

• Network+ N10-007 Certification Exam Objectives, Objective 3.3: Given a scenario, configure and apply the appropriate routing protocol.
• Cisco: Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) Overview

The ifconfig eth0 promisc command should be run on the Linux computer to enable promiscuous mode, which allows the computer to capture all network traffic passing through the switch mirror port. References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Chapter 7: Network Devices.

A wireless controller is used to manage a corporate WLAN, providing centralized management and configuration of access points. References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Chapter 8: Wireless Networks.

A Layer 3 switch will likely replace all the company's hubs when implementing OSPF on all of its network devices. A Layer 3 switch combines the functionality of a traditional Layer 2 switch with the routing capabilities of a router. By implementing OSPF on a Layer 3 switch, an organization can improve network performance and reduce the risk of network congestion. References: Network+ Certification Study Guide, Chapter 5: Network Security

The dig command is used to query the NSs for a remote application. It is a command-line tool that is commonly used to troubleshoot DNS issues. When used with specific options, dig can be used to obtain information about domain names, IP addresses, and DNS records. References: Network+ Certification Study Guide, Chapter 3: Network Infrastructure

A default gateway is a device that routes traffic from one network to another network, such as the Internet. A default gateway is usually configured on each host device to specify the IP address of the router that connects the host’s network to other networks. In this case, the user’s device and the destination device are on different networks (192.168.1.0/24 and 192.168.2.0/24), so the user needs to configure a default gateway on their device to reach the destination device. References: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-network-n10-008-exam-objectives-(2-0), https://www.techopedia.com/definition/25761/default-gateway

On the first exhibit, the layout should be as follows

Graphical user interface, text, application, chat or text message Description automatically generated

Graphical user interface Description automatically generated

Graphical user interface, text, application, chat or text message Description automatically generated

Graphical user interface Description automatically generated

Exhibit 2 as follows

Access Point Name AP2

Graphical user interface Description automatically generated

Graphical user interface, text, application, chat or text message Description automatically generated

Graphical user interface Description automatically generated

Exhibit 3 as follows

Access Point Name AP3

Graphical user interface Description automatically generated

Graphical user interface, text, application, chat or text message Description automatically generated

Graphical user interface Description automatically generated

Port security is a feature that restricts input to a switch port by limiting and identifying MAC addresses of the devices allowed to access the port. This prevents unintended connections from unauthorized devices or spoofed MAC addresses. Port security can also be configured to take actions such as shutting down the port or sending an alert when a violation occurs. References: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-network-n10-008-exam-objectives-(2-0), https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst9500/software/release/16-10/configuration_guide/sec/b_1610_sec_9500_cg/b_1610_sec_9500_cg_chapter_0101010.html

A spectrum analyzer is a tool that measures the frequency and amplitude of signals in a wireless network. It can be used to troubleshoot issues related to interference from other networks and non-802.11 devices, such as microwave ovens or cordless phones, by identifying the sources and levels of interference in the wireless spectrum. A spectrum analyzer can also help to optimize the channel selection and placement of wireless access points. References: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-network- n10-008-exam-objectives-(2-0), https://www.flukenetworks.com/blog/cabling-chronicles/what-spectrum-analyzer-and-how-do-you-use-it

Decreasing the lease duration on the DHCP server will cause clients to renew their IP address leases more frequently, freeing up IP addresses for other clients to use. References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Chapter 3: IP Addressing.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a method of verifying a user’s identity by requiring two pieces of evidence, such as something the user knows (e.g., a password) and something the user has (e.g., a token or a smartphone). 2FA adds an extra layer of security that makes it harder for hackers to access a user’s account by brute-force programs. Complex passwords are passwords that are long, random, and use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Complex passwords are more resistant to brute-force attacks than simple or common passwords. References: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default- source/resources/comptia-network-n10-008-exam-objectives-(2-0), https://www.csoonline.com/article/3225913/what-is-two-factor-authentication-2fa-how-to-enable-it-and-why-you-should.html, https://www.howtogeek.com/195430/how-to-create-a-strong-password-and-remember-it/

Change management is the process of reviewing previous upgrades to a system. It is a systematic approach to managing changes to an organization's IT systems and infrastructure. Change management involves the assessment of potential risks associated with a change, as well as the identification of any necessary resources required to implement the change. References: Network+ Certification Study Guide, Chapter 8: Network Troubleshooting

A subnet mask is a binary number that indicates which bits of an IP address belong to the network portion and which bits belong to the host portion. A slash notation (/n) indicates how many bits are used for the network portion. A /20 notation means that 20 bits are used for the network portion and 12 bits are used for the host portion. To convert /20 to a dotted decimal notation, we need to write 20 ones followed by 12 zeros in binary and then divide them into four octets separated by dots. This gives us 11111111.11111111.11110000.00000000 or 255.255.240.0 in decimal. References: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-network-n10-008-exam-objectives-(2-0), https://www.techopedia.com/definition/950/subnet-mask

A broadcast storm is most likely occurring when connecting multiple unmanaged Layer 2 switches with multiple connections between each pair. A broadcast storm is a situation where broadcast packets flood a network segment and consume all the available bandwidth. It can be caused by loops in the network topology, where broadcast packets are endlessly forwarded by switches without any loop prevention mechanism. Unmanaged switches do not support features such as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) or Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) that can detect and block loops. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/lan-switching/spanning-tree-protocol/10556-16.html

TCP port 445 is used by the Windows OS for file sharing. It is also known as SMB (Server Message Block) or CIFS (Common Internet File System) and allows users to access files, printers, and other shared resources on a network. References: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/storage/file-server/troubleshoot/detect-enable-and-disable-smbv1-v2-v3

QSFP+ is a transceiver type that can support up to 40Gbps. It stands for Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus and uses four lanes of data to achieve high-speed transmission. It is commonly used for data center and high-performance computing applications. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/interfaces-modules/transceiver-modules/data_sheet_c78-660083.html

Mismatched duplex settings can cause an increase in CRC errors, which are errors in data transmission that can result in corrupted data. References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Chapter 4: Infrastructure.

The nslookup command should be run to confirm the server name for all Linux servers. Nslookup is a tool that queries DNS servers to resolve hostnames to IP addresses or vice versa. It can also provide other information about DNS records, such as MX, NS, SOA, etc. By running nslookup with the IP address of a Linux server, the technician can obtain its hostname. References: https://www.howtogeek.com/663056/how-to-use-the-nslookup-command-on-linux/

In a half-duplex link, devices can only send or receive data at one time, not simultaneously. Late collisions occur when devices transmit data at the same time after waiting for a clear channel. One of the causes of late collisions is excessive cable length, which increases the propagation delay and makes it harder for devices to detect collisions. The link termination, device configuration, and device hardware are not likely to cause late collisions on a half-duplex link.

Bandwidth management is used to prioritize Internet usage per application and per user on the network. This allows an organization to allocate network resources to mission-critical applications and users, while limiting the bandwidth available to non-business-critical applications. References: Network+ Certification Study Guide, Chapter 2: Network Operations

According to troubleshooting methodology, after determining the most likely probable cause of an issue, the next step is to establish a plan of action to resolve the issue and identify potential effects. This step involves defining the steps needed to implement a solution, considering the possible consequences of each step, and obtaining approval from relevant stakeholders if necessary. References: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-network-n10-008-exam-objectives-(2-0), https://www.comptia.org/blog/the-comptia-guide-to-it-troubleshooting

To resolve the issue of DHCP scope exhaustion without creating a new DHCP pool, the administrator can reduce the lease time. By decreasing the lease time, the IP addresses assigned by DHCP will be released back to the DHCP scope more quickly, allowing them to be assigned to new devices.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Exam N10-007, Fourth Edition, Chapter 2: The OSI Model and Networking Protocols, Objective 2.3: Given a scenario, implement and configure the appropriate addressing schema.
• https://www.networkcomputing.com/data-centers/10-tips-optimizing-dhcp-performance

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) should be enabled when configuring redundant network links between switches. STP ensures that only one active path is used at a time, preventing network loops and stability issues.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide

TCP/UDP port 5060 is commonly used by VoIP phones. It is the default port for SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), which is a signaling protocol that establishes, modifies, and terminates multimedia sessions over IP networks. SIP is widely used for VoIP applications such as voice and video calls. References: https://www.voip-info.org/session-initiation-protocol/

NIC teaming is a technique that combines two or more network interface cards (NICs) on a server into a single logical interface that can increase bandwidth, provide redundancy, and balance traffic. NIC teaming can be configured with different modes and algorithms depending on the desired outcome. Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) is a protocol that enables NIC teaming by dynamically bundling multiple links between two devices into one logical link. References: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-network-n10-008-exam-objectives-(2-0), https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/networking/technologies/nic-teaming/nic-teaming

RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) is the best option for a network technician to use when installing new software on a Windows-based server in a different geographical location. This protocol allows the technician to connect to the server remotely and control it as if they were physically present.

References:

• Network+ N10-007 Certification Exam Objectives, Objective 2.2: Given a scenario, implement the appropriate network-based security and troubleshoot common connectivity issues.

Reducing the wireless power levels can limit the range of the guest wireless network and prevent users in an adjacent building from connecting to it. Adjusting the wireless channels or enabling wireless client isolation will not affect the signal strength or coverage of the guest network. Enabling wireless port security will not work on a guest network that does not use authentication or MAC address filtering. References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 2.0 (Exam Number: N10-006), Domain 2.0 Network Operations, Objective 2.5 Given a scenario, implement appropriate wireless configuration settings; Guest WiFi Security - Cisco Umbrella

The network administrator should check the roaming settings on the APs and WLAN clients first. Roaming is the process of switching from one AP to another without losing connectivity. If the roaming settings are not configured properly, some users may experience poor connectivity when their devices stay connected to a distant AP instead of switching to a closer one. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless-mobility/wireless-lan-wlan/82068-roam-faq.html

A change management policy is a document that outlines the procedures and guidelines for making changes to a network or system, including how changes are approved, tested, and implemented. By following a change management policy, organizations can ensure that unnecessary modifications to the network are not permitted and version control is maintained. References:

• Network+ N10-008 Objectives: 1.6 Given a scenario, implement network configuration and change management best practices.

Next-generation firewalls can provide content filtering and threat protection, and can manage multiple IPSec site-to-site connections. References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Chapter 5: Network Security.

Channel overlap is a common cause of wireless connectivity issues, especially in high-density environments where multiple APs are operating on the same or adjacent frequencies. Channel overlap can cause interference, signal degradation, and performance loss for wireless devices. The AP association time, EIRP, and RSSI are not likely to cause frequent disconnects and reconnects for wireless users.

SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) is a connector type that has the most flexibility. It is a hot-swappable transceiver that can support different speeds, distances, and media types depending on the module inserted. It can be used for both copper and fiber connections and supports various protocols such as Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SONET. References: https://www.fs.com/what-is-sfp-transceiver-aid-11.html

The most effective security mechanism against physical intrusions due to stolen credentials would likely be a combination of several of these options. However, of the options provided, the most effective security mechanism would probably be an access control vestibule. An access control vestibule is a secure area that is located between the outer perimeter of a facility and the inner secure area. It is designed to provide an additional layer of security by requiring that individuals pass through a series of security checks before being allowed access to the secure area. This could include biometric authentication, access card readers, and motion detection cameras.

Access control vestibules allow the enforcement of the policy that access to a datacenter should be individually recorded by a card reader even when multiple employees enter the facility at the same time. An access control vestibule is a physical security device that consists of two doors with an interlocking mechanism. Only one door can be opened at a time, and only one person can pass through each door. This prevents tailgating or piggybacking, where unauthorized persons follow authorized persons into a secure area. An access control vestibule can also be integrated with a card reader or other authentication system to record each individual’s access. References: https://www.boonedam.us/blog/what-are-access-control-vestibules

In a star topology, all devices on a network connect to a central hub or switch, which acts as a common connection point. Ethernet LANs typically use a star topology, with each device connected to a central switch. References:

• Network+ N10-008 Objectives: 2.2 Explain common logical network topologies and their characteristics.

A content delivery network (CDN) is a distributed network of servers that delivers web content to users based on their geographic location. By replicating content across multiple servers in various locations, a CDN can optimize speed and reduce latency in high-density user locations.

CRC errors are cyclic redundancy check errors that occur when data is corrupted during transmission. CRC errors are usually caused by physical layer issues such as faulty cables, connectors, ports, or interference. The network administrator will most likely start to troubleshoot at layer 1 of the OSI model, which is the physical layer that deals with the transmission of bits over a medium. References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 2.0 (Exam Number: N10-006), Domain 4.0 Network Troubleshooting and Tools, Objective 4.1 Given a scenario, implement network troubleshooting methodology.

Using a bottom-to-top approach means starting from the physical layer and moving up the OSI model to troubleshoot a network problem. Checking for a link light is a physical layer check that verifies the connectivity of the network cable and device. References: https://www.professormesser.com/network-plus/n10-007/troubleshooting-methodologies-2/

The issue of WIFI users being unable to connect while WLAN users on the guest network can access all resources indicates a problem with channel overlap or interference. By reconfiguring the channels, interference can be minimized, improving connectivity for WIFI users. According to the table, AP 1 and AP 2 are using adjacent channels (2 and 1), which can cause interference. AP 3 and AP 4 are using non-overlapping channels (5 and 11), but they have very high RSSI values (-44dBm and -41dBm), which can also cause interference. A possible solution is to use only non-overlapping channels (such as 1, 6, and 11) and adjust the power levels to avoid excessive signal strength. References: Wireless Troubleshooting – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 5.4, Network Troubleshooting Methodology - N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 5.1

A long-range microwave interface is a type of wireless communication that uses high-frequency radio waves to transmit and receive data over long distances. A long-range microwave interface typically uses a parabolic antenna, also known as a dish antenna, to focus the radio waves into a narrow beam that can travel farther and with less interference than an omnidirectional antenna, which radiates the radio waves in all directions1.

One of the most common causes of input errors on a long-range microwave interface is the misalignment of the parabolic antenna. Input errors are errors that occur when the receiver cannot properly decode or process the incoming signal. If the parabolic antenna is not aligned correctly with the transmitter, the receiver may not be able to capture the full strength of the signal, or it may pick up unwanted noise or interference from other sources. This can result in corrupted or lost data, which will increase the input error count23.

To troubleshoot this issue, the junior network administrator should check the alignment of the parabolic antenna and make sure it is pointing directly at the transmitter. The administrator can use tools such as a spectrum analyzer, a signal strength meter, or a path alignment tool to measure and adjust the signal quality and alignment of the antenna24.

The other options are not likely reasons for the input errors on a long-range microwave interface. A long-range microwave interface does not use an omnidirectional signal, so it cannot be jammed or weakened by other sources. The parabolic signal does not depend on the routing protocols used by the network, so it cannot be affected by improper routing protocols.

The reason why the alerts are not being received is that the network device is not configured to log that level to the syslog server. The severity level for the events may need to be adjusted in order for them to be sent to the syslog server. References: Network+ Certification Study Guide, Chapter 8: Network Troubleshooting

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a system that would most likely be found in a screened subnet. A screened subnet, or triple-homed firewall, is a network architecture where a single firewall is used with three network interfaces. It provides additional protection from outside cyber attacks by adding a perimeter network to isolate or separate the internal network from the public-facing internet1. A screened subnet typically hosts systems that need to be accessed by both internal and external users, such as web servers, email servers, or FTP servers. References: https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/screened-subnet#:~:text=A%20screened%20subnet%2C%20or%20triple-homed%20firewall%2C%20refers%20to,a%20perimeter%20network%20to%20isolate%20or%20separate%20the  1

East-West traffic refers to data flows between servers or devices within the same datacenter. When a hosted virtual server is duplicated to another physical server for redundancy, it generates significant East-West traffic as the data is replicated between the two servers. References:

• Network+ N10-008 Objectives: 3.3 Given a scenario, implement secure network architecture concepts.

Tracert is a command-line tool that traces the route of a packet from a source to a destination and displays the number of hops and the round-trip time for each hop. The output shown in the question is an example of a tracert output, which shows five hops with their IP addresses and hostnames (if available) and three latency measurements for each hop in milliseconds. References: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-network-n10-008-exam-objectives-(2-0), https://www.lumen.com/help/en-us/network/traceroute/understanding-the-traceroute-output.html

TACACS+ (Terminal Access Controller Access Control System Plus) can be used to centrally manage credentials for various types of administrative privileges on configured network devices. This protocol separates authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) functions, providing more granular control over access to network resources.

References:

• Network+ N10-007 Certification Exam Objectives, Objective 4.2: Given a scenario, implement secure network administration principles.

CVE stands for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures, which is a list of publicly disclosed cybersecurity vulnerabilities that is free to search, use, and incorporate into products and services. CVE provides a standardized identifier and description for each vulnerability, as well as references to related sources of information. CVE helps to track and document various types of known vulnerabilities and facilitates communication and coordination among security professionals.

References: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-network-n10-008-exam-objectives-(2-0), https://cve.mitre.org/cve/

SSID (Service Set Identifier) is a feature that should be configured to allow different wireless access through the same equipment. SSID is the name of a wireless network that identifies it from other networks in the same area. A wireless access point (AP) can support multiple SSIDs with different security settings and network policies. For example, a store owner can create one SSID for business equipment and another SSID for patron use, and assign different passwords, VLANs, and QoS levels for each SSID. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless-mobility/wireless-lan-wlan/70931-multiple-ssid.html

IDS stands for intrusion detection system, which is a network appliance that monitors network traffic and alerts administrators of any suspicious or malicious activity. An IDS can warn of unapproved devices that are accessing the network by detecting anomalies, signatures, or behaviors that indicate unauthorized access attempts or attacks. References: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-network-n10-008-exam-objectives-(2-0), https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/what-is-an-intrusion-detection-system-ids.html

A virtual IP (VIP) address must be configured to ensure connectivity during a failover. A VIP address is a single IP address that is assigned to a group of servers or network devices. When one device fails, traffic is automatically rerouted to the remaining devices, and the VIP address is reassigned to the backup device, allowing clients to continue to access the service without interruption.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Exam N10-007, Fourth Edition, Chapter 6: Network Servers, p. 300

802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless networks operate in two frequency ranges: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 5 GHz frequency range supports more channels than the 2.4 GHz frequency range, making it a better choice for high-density wireless networks.

References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Sixth Edition by Glen E. Clarke

 Port 23 should be blocked when checking firewall configuration to prevent outside users from telnetting into any of the servers at the datacenter. Port 23 is the default port for Telnet, which is an insecure protocol that allows remote access to servers and network devices. Telnet sends data in clear text, which can be easily intercepted and compromised by attackers. A more secure alternative is SSH, which uses port 22 and encrypts data. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/ip/routing-information-protocol-rip/13788-3.html

TTL (Time To Live) should be adjusted to address the issue of some visitors being unable to access the website after the A record was updated. TTL is a value that specifies how long a DNS record should be cached by DNS servers and clients before it expires and needs to be refreshed. If the TTL is too high, some DNS servers and clients may still use the old A record that points to the previous IP address of the website, resulting in connection failures. By lowering the TTL, the DNS servers and clients will update their cache more frequently and use the new A record that points to the current IP address of the website. References: https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/dns/dns-records/dns-ttl/

Coaxial cable is a type of cable that consists of a central copper conductor surrounded by an insulating layer and a braided metal shield. Coaxial cable is commonly used to connect a cable modem to an ISP by transmitting data over cable television networks. Coaxial cable can support high bandwidth and long distances with minimal interference or attenuation. References: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-network-n10-008-exam-objectives-(2-0), https://www.techopedia.com/definition/4027/coaxial-cable

First Hop Redundancy Protocol (FHRP) provides a failover mechanism for the default gateway, allowing a backup gateway to take over if the primary gateway fails. References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Chapter 4: Infrastructure.

An extended service set (ESS) is a wireless network that consists of multiple access points (APs) that share the same SSID and are connected by a wired network. An ESS allows wireless clients to roam seamlessly between different APs without losing connectivity. A basic service set (BSS) is a wireless network that consists of a single AP and its associated clients. An independent basic service set (IBSS) is a wireless network that consists of a group of clients that communicate directly without an AP. A unified service set is not a standard term for a wireless network. References: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-network-n10-008-exam-objectives-(2-0), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_set_(802.11_network)

CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance) is an IEEE 802.11 standard that would be best to use for multiple simultaneous client access on a wireless network. CSMA/CA is a media access control method that allows multiple devices to share the same wireless channel without causing collisions or interference. It works by having each device sense the channel before transmitting data and waiting for an acknowledgment from the receiver after each transmission. If the channel is busy or no acknowledgment is received, the device will back off and retry later with a random delay. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless-mobility/wireless-lan-wlan/82068-csma-ca.html

The IP address configured on the router interface is 196.26.4.1/26, which belongs to the IP range assigned by the ISP (196.26.4.0/26). However, this IP address is not valid for this interface because it is the network address of the subnet, which cannot be assigned to any host device. The network address is the first address of a subnet that identifies the subnet itself. The valid IP addresses for this subnet are from 196.26.4.1 to 196.26.4.62, excluding the network address (196.26.4.0) and the broadcast address (196.26.4.63). The router interface should be configured with a valid IP address within this range to restore Internet connectivity for all users. References: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-network-n10-008-exam-objectives-(2-0), https://www.techopedia.com/definition/24136/network-address

CPU utilization is a metric that measures the percentage of time a CPU spends executing instructions. When the logging level is set for debugging, the router may generate a large amount of logging data, which can increase CPU utilization and cause the router to stop responding to requests intermittently. References:

• Network+ N10-008 Objectives: 2.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common physical connectivity issues.

802.11ax is the latest WiFi standard that improves WiFi performance in densely populated environments and supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. 802.11ac is the previous standard that only supports 5 GHz band. 802.11g and 802.11n are older standards that support 2.4 GHz band only or both bands respectively. References: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-network-n10-008-exam-objectives-(2-0), https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/tip/Whats-the-difference-between-80211ax-vs-80211ac

A cable tester is a tool that can verify the integrity and functionality of a network cable. It can measure the electrical characteristics of the cable, such as resistance, capacitance, and impedance, and detect any faults or defects, such as shorts, opens, or crosstalk. A cable tester can help the network administrator troubleshoot the problem by determining if the cable is faulty or not. A tone generator is a tool that can send an audible signal through a cable to help locate and identify it. A multimeter is a tool that can measure voltage, current, and resistance of electrical circuits. An optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) is a tool that can test the quality and length of fiber optic cables.

References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 7.0 (N10-007), Objective 2.3: Given a scenario, use the appropriate tool to support wired or wireless networks.

Traffic policing is a mechanism that monitors the traffic in any network and enforces a bandwidth limit by discarding packets that exceed a certain rate1. This can reduce congestion and ensure fair allocation of bandwidth among different applications or users. However, discarding packets can also affect the performance and quality of some applications, especially those that are sensitive to packet loss, such as voice or video.

Traffic shaping is a congestion control mechanism that delays packets that exceed a certain rate instead of discarding them1. This can smooth out traffic bursts and avoid packet loss, but it also introduces latency and jitter. Traffic shaping can be beneficial for applications that can tolerate some delay but not packet loss, such as file transfers or streaming.

Traffic marking is a mechanism that assigns different priority levels to packets based on their type, source, destination, or other criteria2. This can help to differentiate between different classes of service and apply different policies or treatments to them. However, traffic marking does not enforce bandwidth limits by itself; it only provides information for other mechanisms to act upon.

Traffic classification is a process that identifies and categorizes packets based on their characteristics, such as protocol, port number, payload, or behavior. This can help to distinguish between different types of traffic and apply appropriate policies or actions to them. However, traffic classification does not enforce bandwidth limits by itself; it only provides input for other mechanisms to use.

A tamper evident seal is a device or material that provides a visible indication of unauthorized access to physical internal hardware. Tamper evident seals can be stickers, labels, tapes, locks, or seals that are designed to break, tear, or change color when someone tries to open, remove, or tamper with them. Tamper evident seals can help deter and detect physical security breaches, such as theft, vandalism, or sabotage of hardware devices12. Tamper evident seals can also provide evidence for forensic analysis and legal action3.

References

1 - What Is Hardware Security? Definition, Threats, and Best Practices

2 - Device Physical Security Guideline | Information Security Office

3 - What is unauthorized physical access? – Heimduo

The document that would most likely be used to review disaster recovery information for a system is a business continuity plan (BCP). A BCP is a document that outlines the procedures and resources needed to maintain or resume critical business functions in the event of a disaster or disruption. A BCP typically includes a disaster recovery plan (DRP), which is a subset of the BCP that focuses on restoring IT systems and data after a disaster. A BCP also covers other aspects of business continuity, such as risk assessment, business impact analysis, emergency response, crisis management, and testing. References: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 346; The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide (Exam N10-008), page 13-9.

Auto-MDIX (or medium dependent interface crossover) is a feature that automatically detects the type of cable connection and configures the interface accordingly (i.e. straight-through or crossover). This ensures that the connection between the two switches is successful. This is referenced in the CompTIA Network+ Study Manual, page 519.

The type of data center architecture that will most likely be used in a large SDN and can be extended beyond the data center is spine and leaf. Spine and leaf is a network topology that consists of two layers of switches: spine switches and leaf switches. Spine switches are interconnected to each other and form the core of the network, while leaf switches are connected to each spine switch and form the access layer of the network. Spine and leaf topology provides high scalability, performance, and flexibility for data center networks, especially for SDN (Software Defined Networking) environments that require dynamic traffic flows and virtualization. References: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 16; The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide (Exam N10-008), page 1-9.

ping -t is an option for the ping command in Windows that allows the user to send continuous ping requests to a target until stopped by pressing Ctrl-C. This can help the technician run a constant ping command while testing various possible reasons for the connectivity issue. ping -w is an option for the ping command in Windows that allows the user to specify a timeout value in milliseconds for each ping request. ping -i is an option for the ping command in Linux that allows the user to specify the time interval in seconds between each ping request. ping -s is an option for the ping command in Linux that allows the user to specify the size of the data payload in bytes for each ping request.

References: How to Use the Ping Command in Windows - Lifewire (https://www.lifewire.com/ping-command-2618099)

The best option for the administrator to take would be to attempt to connect to the site via IP address. This will help to determine if the issue is related to the website's DNS address or if the site itself is not accessible. Checking for certificate issues may be necessary, but this should be done after the administrator has attempted to connect to the site via IP address. Contacting the ISP is unnecessary since the issue is related to the website inside of the company network, and checking the NTP configuration is not relevant to this issue.

When a customer is having issues connecting to a website using a URL, one of the first troubleshooting steps a network administrator should take is attempting to connect to the site using the IP address of the website. This will help to determine if the issue is related to a DNS resolution problem or a connectivity problem. If the administrator is able to connect to the website using the IP address, then the issue may be related to a DNS problem. However, if the administrator is still unable to connect, then the issue may be related to a connectivity problem. In either case, further troubleshooting steps will be necessary. Checking for certificate issues or NTP configuration, and contacting the ISP would not be the BEST initial steps in this scenario.

A vulnerability is a security flaw in an application or network that can be exploited by an attacker, allowing them to gain access to sensitive data or take control of the system. Vulnerabilities can range from weak authentication methods to unpatched software, allowing attackers to gain access to the system or data they would not otherwise be able to access. Exploits are programs or techniques used to take advantage of vulnerabilities, while threats are potential dangers, and risks are the likelihood of a threat becoming a reality.

802.11b (Wi-Fi 1)

11 Mbps

100 meter maximum effective range

802.11a (Wi-Fi 2)

54 Mbps

50 meter maximum effective range

A cloud site is a type of disaster recovery site that uses cloud computing services to provide backup and recovery of data and applications in the event of a disaster1. A cloud site does not require a facility agreement or idle hardware, as the cloud provider manages the infrastructure and resources on demand. A cloud site can also offer scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness compared to other types of disaster recovery sites.

One of the features that can be configured to ensure that GRE overhead does not affect payload is A. jumbo frames. Jumbo frames are Ethernet frames that have a payload size larger than 1500 bytes, which is the standard maximum transmission unit (MTU) for Ethernet. By using jumbo frames, more data can be sent in each packet, reducing the overhead ratio and improving efficiency.

Auto medium-dependent interface (MDI), interface crossover, and collision detection are features related to Ethernet physical layer connectivity, but they do not affect GRE overhead or payload.

 The power budget is the total amount of power that a PoE switch or injector can provide to the connected PoE devices. If the power budget is exceeded, some of the PoE devices may not receive enough power to function properly. To troubleshoot this issue, the network administrator should check the power consumption of each PoE device and the power capacity of the PoE switch or injector.

References:

• PoE Troubleshooting: The Common PoE Errors and Solutions1
• Security Camera Won’t Work - Top 10 Solutions to Fix2
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam Objectives

https://www.comptia.org/certifications/network#examdetails

Cameras can be used to identify users after an action has occurred by recording their faces, clothing, or other distinctive features. Cameras are often used as a deterrent and a forensic tool for security purposes. Access control vestibules, asset tags, and motion detectors are not effective in identifying users, but rather in controlling access, tracking assets, and detecting movement.

References:

CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Exam Objectives, Domain 5.0: Network Security, Subobjective 5.1: Summarize the importance of physical security controls, page 231

CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition (Exam N10-008), Chapter 18: Network Security, Section: Physical Security, page 7372

A technician reviews a network performance report and finds a high level of collisions happening on the network. At which of the following layers of the OSI model would these

collisions be found?

• Layer 1

• Layer 3

• Layer 4

• Layer 7

Answer: A

Collisions occur when two or more devices try to transmit signals on the same physical medium at the same time. This causes interference and data loss. Collisions can only happen at the physical layer of the OSI model, which is responsible for transmitting and receiving raw bits over a physical medium such as a cable or a wireless channel. The physical layer does not have any mechanism to prevent or resolve collisions. Therefore, higher layers of the OSI model, such as the data link layer, need to implement protocols to detect and recover from collisions, such as CSMA/CD for Ethernet networks.

ReferencesCollision in computer networkingData Link Layer | Layer 2 | The OSI-Model

A network engineer has added a new route on a border router and is trying to determine if traffic is using the new route. Which of the following commands should the engineer use?

• ping

• arp

• tracert

• route

Answer: C

The tracert command is a network diagnostic tool that traces the route of packets from the source host to the destination host. It displays the IP addresses and hostnames of the routers along the path, as well as the time taken for each hop. The tracert command can be used to determine if traffic is using the new route by comparing the output before and after adding the route. If the new route is effective, the tracert command should show a different or shorter path to the destination host.

ReferencesNetworking Commands For Troubleshooting Windows - GeeksforGeeksNine Switch Commands Every Cisco Network Engineer Needs to Know

A technician is configuring a wireless access point in a public space for guests to use. Which of the following should the technician configure so that only approved connections are

allowed?

• Geofencing

• Captive portal

• Secure SNMP

• Private VLANs

Answer: B

A captive portal is a web page that requires users to authenticate or accept terms of service before they can access the internet through a wireless access point. A captive portal can be used to control who can use the wireless network, limit the bandwidth or time of usage, or display advertisements or information. A captive portal is a common feature of public wireless networks, such as those in hotels, airports, cafes, or libraries. A captive portal can prevent unauthorized or malicious users from accessing the network or consuming network resources.

ReferencesPublic Wireless Access Points Definition | Law InsiderAre Public Wi-Fi Networks Safe? What You Need To Know

A user cannot connect to the network, although others in the office are unaffected. The network technician sees that the link lights on the NIC are not on. The technician needs to

check which switchport the user is connected to, but the cabling is not labeled. Which of the following is the best way for the technician to find where the computer is connected?

• Look up the computer's IP address in the switch ARP table.

• Use a cable tester to trace the cable.

• Look up the computer's MAC address in the switch CAM table.

• Use a tone generator to trace the cable.

Answer: D

A tone generator is a device that emits an audible signal on a wire. A tone probe is a device that detects the signal on the wire. By attaching the tone generator to one end of the cable and using the tone probe to scan the other end, the technician can identify which switchport the cable is connected to. This method does not require any knowledge of the computer’s IP or MAC address, or access to the switch configuration. It is also faster and more reliable than physically tracing the cable or disconnecting the cable and looking for the link light to go out on the switch.

ReferencesHow to find what port im connected to on a switch from my PC?Switch Port Monitoring Guide - ComparitechFinding Out Which Network Switch Port My Computer is Connected

A network administrator is creating a VLAN that will only allow executives to connect to a data source. Which of the following is this scenario an example of?

• Availability

• Confidentiality

• Internal threat

• External threat

• Integrity

Answer: B

Confidentiality is the principle of preserving authorized restrictions on information access and disclosure, including means for protecting personal privacy and proprietary information1. By creating a VLAN that will only allow executives to connect to a data source, the network administrator is implementing a form of network segmentation that enhances the confidentiality of the data. This prevents unauthorized users or processes from accessing or modifying the data, which could compromise its integrity or availability. Confidentiality is one of the components of the CIA triad, a widely used information security model that guides the efforts and policies aimed at keeping data secure234.

ReferencesDefending Your Network: A Comprehensive Guide to VLAN Hopping AttacksThe CIA triad: Definition, components and examples | CSO OnlineExecutive Summary — NIST SP 1800-25 documentationThe CIA Triad — Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability ExplainedConfidentiality, Integrity and Availability - DevQA.io

A network administrator walks into a data center and notices an unknown person is following closely. The administrator stops and directs the person to the security desk. Which of

the following attacks did the network administrator prevent?

• Evil twin

• Tailgating

• Piggybacking

• Shoulder surfing

Answer: B

Tailgating is a type of physical security attack in which an unauthorized person follows an authorized person into a restricted area, such as a data center, without proper identification or authentication. Tailgating can allow attackers to access sensitive data, equipment, or network resources, or to plant malicious devices or software. The network administrator prevented tailgating by stopping and directing the unknown person to the security desk, where they would have to verify their identity and purpose.

ReferencesDigital Threats and Cyberattacks at the Network LevelNetwork attacks and how to prevent them

Which of the following is most closely associated with attempting to actively prevent network intrusion?

• IDS

• Firewall

• IPS

• VPN

Answer: C

An intrusion prevention system (IPS) is a network security tool that continuously monitors network traffic for malicious activity and takes action to prevent it, such as reporting, blocking, or dropping it. An IPS is different from an intrusion detection system (IDS), which only detects and alerts about threats, but does not stop them. A firewall is a device or software that filters network traffic based on predefined rules, but it does not analyze the traffic for anomalies or signatures of known attacks. A VPN is a virtual private network that creates a secure tunnel between two endpoints, but it does not prevent intrusions from within the network or from compromised endpoints.

ReferencesWhat is an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)? | FortinetWhat is an Intrusion Prevention System? - Palo Alto Networks

An administrator needs to ensure an access switch is sending the appropriate logs to the network monitoring server. Which of the following logging levels is most appropriate for the

access layer switch?

• Level 0

• Level 2

• Level 5

• Level 7

Answer: C

Logging levels are used to categorize the severity and importance of log messages generated by network devices. The lower the level, the higher the priority. Level 0 is the most critical, while level 7 is the most verbose and least important. Level 5 is the default logging level for most Cisco devices, and it corresponds to notifications. Notifications are messages that indicate normal but significant events, such as interface status changes, configuration changes, or system restarts. These messages are useful for monitoring the health and performance of the network, and they do not generate excessive traffic or consume too much memory or CPU resources. Therefore, level 5 is the most appropriate logging level for an access layer switch, which connects end devices to the network and does not need to log debug or informational messages.

ReferencesHow to configure logging in Cisco IOSCisco Guide to Harden Cisco IOS DevicesCisco Privilege Levels – Explanation and Configuration

A network consultant is installing a new wireless network with the following specifications:

5GHz

1,300Mbps

20/40/80MHz

Which of the following standards should the network consultant use?

802.11a

802.11ac

802.11b

802.11n

Answer: B

Clients have reported slowness between a branch and a hub location. The senior engineer suspects asymmetrical routing is causing the issue. Which of the following should the engineer

run on both the source and the destination network devices to validate this theory?

• traceroute

• ping

• route

• nslookup

Answer: A

Asymmetric routing occurs when traffic does not traverse the same path in both directions of a conversation. This can cause problems when there are stateful devices, such as firewalls or NAT devices, in the path that expect the traffic to be symmetrical. Asymmetric routing can also result in suboptimal TCP performance, as TCP assumes that the SYN and ACK packets take the same path1.

To validate the theory of asymmetric routing, the engineer should run the traceroute command on both the source and the destination network devices. The traceroute command shows the route that packets take to reach a destination, by displaying the IP addresses and hostnames of the routers along the path, as well as the time taken for each hop. By comparing the output of the traceroute command from both ends, the engineer can determine if the traffic is taking different paths in each direction, and identify where the asymmetry occurs2.

The ping command is not sufficient to validate the theory of asymmetric routing, as it only tests the connectivity and latency between two devices, but does not show the intermediate hops or the path taken by the packets. The route command shows the routing table of a device, but does not show the actual path taken by the packets. The nslookup command resolves a hostname to an IP address, or vice versa, but does not show the route or the connectivity between two devices.

ReferencesHow to Find & Fix Asymmetric Routing Issues | AuvikIdentifying and Troubleshooting Asymmetric Routing in WAAS - Cisco Community

After a firewall replacement, some alarms and metrics related to network availability stopped updating on a monitoring system relying on SNMP. Which of the following should the network

administrator do first?

• Modify the device's MIB on the monitoring system.

• Configure syslog to send events to the monitoring system.

• Use port mirroring to redirect traffic to the monitoring system.

• Deploy SMB to transfer data to the monitoring system.

Answer: A

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a protocol that allows network devices to communicate with a monitoring system and provide information about their status, performance, and configuration. SNMP relies on MIBs (Management Information Bases), which are collections of objects that define the types of information that can be accessed or modified on a device1.

When a firewall replacement occurs, the new firewall may have a different MIB than the old one, which means that the monitoring system may not be able to recognize or interpret the data sent by the new firewall. This can cause some alarms and metrics related to network availability to stop updating on the monitoring system. To fix this, the network administrator should modify the device’s MIB on the monitoring system, so that it matches the MIB of the new firewall and can correctly process the SNMP data2.

The other options are not relevant to the issue. Configuring syslog to send events to the monitoring system would not affect the SNMP data, as syslog is a different protocol that sends log messages from network devices to a central server. Using port mirroring to redirect traffic to the monitoring system would not help, as port mirroring is a technique that copies traffic from one port to another for analysis or troubleshooting purposes, but does not change the format or content of the traffic. Deploying SMB to transfer data to the monitoring system would not work, as SMB is a protocol that allows file sharing and access between network devices, but does not support SNMP data.

ReferencesGrafana & Prometheus SNMP: advanced network monitoring guideConfiguring Windows Systems for Monitoring with SNMP - ScienceLogic

Which of the following use cases would justify the deployment of an mGRE hub-and-spoke topology?

• An increase in network security using encryption and packet encapsulation

• A network expansion caused by an increase in the number of branch locations to the headquarters

• A mandatory requirement to increase the deployment of an SDWAN network

• An improvement in network efficiency by increasing the useful packet payload

Answer: B

mGRE (Multipoint GRE) is a type of GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation) tunnel that allows a single interface to support multiple tunnel endpoints, instead of having to configure a separate point-to-point tunnel for each destination. mGRE simplifies the configuration and management of large-scale VPN networks, such as DMVPN (Dynamic Multipoint VPN), which is a Cisco technology that uses mGRE, NHRP (Next Hop Resolution Protocol), and IPsec to create secure and dynamic VPN connections between a hub and multiple spokes1.

A network expansion caused by an increase in the number of branch locations to the headquarters would justify the deployment of an mGRE hub-and-spoke topology, because it would reduce the complexity and overhead of configuring and maintaining multiple point-to-point tunnels between the hub and each spoke. mGRE would also enable spoke-to-spoke communication without having to go through the hub, which would improve the network performance and efficiency23.

The other options are not directly related to the use case of mGRE hub-and-spoke topology. An increase in network security using encryption and packet encapsulation can be achieved by using IPsec, which is a separate protocol that can be applied to any type of GRE tunnel, not just mGRE. A mandatory requirement to increase the deployment of an SDWAN network can be met by using various technologies and vendors, not necessarily mGRE or DMVPN. An improvement in network efficiency by increasing the useful packet payload can be achieved by using various techniques, such as compression, fragmentation, or QoS, not specifically mGRE.

ReferencesUnderstanding Cisco Dynamic Multipoint VPN - DMVPN, mGRE, NHRPMGRE Easy Steps - Cisco CommunityWhat is DMVPN (Dynamic Multipoint VPN), NHRP, mGRE and How to configu - Cisco Community

Users report they cannot reach any websites on the internet. An on-site network engineer is able to duplicate the issue on a different PC. The network engineer then tries to ping a website

and receives the following message:

Ping request could not find host www.google.com. Please check the name and try again.

Which of the following is the next step the engineer should take?

• Ping 127. 0. 0. 1 to test local hardware.

• Test the website from outside the company.

• Ping internal name server functionality.

• Check internet firewall logs for blocked DNS traffic.

Answer: C

The error message “Ping request could not find host www.google.com” indicates that the network engineer’s PC cannot resolve the hostname www.google.com to its corresponding IP address. This means that there is a problem with the DNS (Domain Name System) service, which is responsible for translating hostnames to IP addresses and vice versa. The DNS service can be provided by internal or external name servers, depending on the network configuration.

The next step the engineer should take is to ping the internal name server functionality, which means to test if the PC can communicate with the name server that is configured in its network settings, and if the name server can resolve internal hostnames, such as those of the company’s servers or devices. To do this, the engineer can use the following commands:

• To find out the IP address of the name server, use ipconfig /all and look for the DNS Servers entry.
• To ping the name server, use ping  and check if the packets are sent and received successfully.
• To test the name resolution, use nslookup  and check if the name server returns the correct IP address.

If the ping or the nslookup commands fail, it means that the internal name server is not working properly, and the engineer should troubleshoot the name server configuration or connectivity. If the ping and the nslookup commands succeed, it means that the internal name server is working properly, but there is a problem with the external name resolution, and the engineer should check the internet firewall logs for blocked DNS traffic, or test the website from outside the company.

ReferencesWindows 10 can’t resolve hostnames - ping with IP works but not with hostnamePing request could not find host xyz.local. Please check the name and try againDNS problem, nslookup works, ping doesn’t

Users are connected to a switch on an Ethernet interface of a campus router. The service provider is connected to the serial 1 interface on the router. The output of the interfaces is:

E1/0: 192.168.8.1/24

S1: 192.168.7.252/30

After router and device configurations are applied, internet access is not possible. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

• The Ethernet interface was configured with an incorrect IP address.

• The router was configured with an incorrect loopback address.

• The router was configured with an incorrect default gateway.

• The serial interface was configured with the incorrect subnet mask.

Answer: C

The default gateway is the IP address of the router that connects a network to the internet or another network. The default gateway is usually configured on the devices that need to access the internet or other networks, such as PCs, servers, or routers. If the router was configured with an incorrect default gateway, it would not be able to forward packets to the correct destination, and internet access would not be possible.

The other options are not the most likely causes of the issue. The Ethernet interface is the physical port that connects a device to a network using a cable. If the Ethernet interface was configured with an incorrect IP address, it would cause a problem with the local network connectivity, not the internet access. The loopback address is a special IP address that refers to the device itself, usually used for testing or troubleshooting purposes. If the router was configured with an incorrect loopback address, it would not affect the internet access, as the loopback address is not used for routing packets to other networks. The serial interface is another type of physical port that connects a device to a network using a serial cable, often used for WAN connections. If the serial interface was configured with the incorrect subnet mask, it would cause a problem with the WAN connectivity, not the internet access, as the subnet mask is used to determine the network and host portions of an IP address.

ReferencesWhat is a Default Gateway? | HowStuffWorksWhat is an Ethernet Interface? - Definition from TechopediaWhat is a Loopback Address? - Definition from TechopediaWhat is a Serial Interface? - Definition from Techopedia

A user wants to avoid using a password to access a third-party website. Which of the following does the user need in order to allow this type of access to the third-party website?

• Multifactor

• RADIUS

• SSO

• Local authentication

Answer: C

A junior network engineer is trying to change the native network ID to a non-default value that can then be applied consistently throughout the network environment. Which of the following

issues is the engineer attempting to prevent?

• DDoS

• ARP spoofing

• VLAN hopping

• Rogue DHCP

Answer: C

VLAN hopping is a type of network attack where an attacker can send or receive traffic from a VLAN that they are not supposed to access. VLAN hopping can allow an attacker to bypass security policies, access sensitive data, or launch other attacks on the network. VLAN hopping can be performed using two methods: double tagging and switch spoofing1.

Double tagging is where the attacker sends a frame with two VLAN tags, one for the native VLAN and one for the target VLAN. The native VLAN is the VLAN that is used for untagged traffic on a trunk port. If the attacker’s access port is in the same VLAN as the native VLAN, the switch will accept the frame and forward it on the trunk port. The switch will remove the first tag, which is the native VLAN, and send the frame with the second tag, which is the target VLAN. The frame will then reach the target VLAN and be processed by the devices in that VLAN.

Switch spoofing is where the attacker sends Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) packets and tries to negotiate a trunk with the switch. DTP is a Cisco protocol that allows switches to automatically form trunks between them. If the switch’s port is configured with the default dynamic auto or dynamic desirable mode, it will accept the DTP packets and form a trunk with the attacker. The attacker will then have access to all VLANs on the trunk.

To prevent VLAN hopping, the junior network engineer is trying to change the native network ID to a non-default value that can then be applied consistently throughout the network environment. This means that the engineer is changing the VLAN that is used for untagged traffic on the trunk ports to a different VLAN than the default VLAN 1. This will prevent double tagging attacks, as the attacker’s access port will not be in the same VLAN as the native VLAN, and the switch will not accept the frames with two tags. The engineer should also disable DTP on the trunk ports and use the switchport nonegotiate command to prevent switch spoofing attacks2.

ReferencesVLAN Hopping - NetworkLessons.comVLAN Hopping on Native VLAN - Cisco Community

The issue is that the fiber-optic link between routers does not connect after the technicians verified the correct fibers with a light meter. There are two possible reasons for this:

• A. They used the wrong type of fiber transceiver: A fiber transceiver is a device that converts electrical signals to optical signals and vice versa. It is important to use the correct type of fiber transceiver that matches the fiber type, wavelength, and connector. For example, if the fiber is single-mode, the transceiver should also be single-mode. If the transceiver is mismatched, the link will not work.
• B. Incorrect TX/RX polarity exists on the link: TX/RX polarity refers to the alignment of the transmit (TX) and receive (RX) ports on both ends of the fiber link. The TX port on one end should connect to the RX port on the other end, and vice versa. If the polarity is reversed, the link will not work.

The other options are not likely to cause the issue:

• C. The connection has duplexing configuration issues: Duplexing refers to the ability of a link to send and receive data simultaneously (full duplex) or alternately (half duplex). Duplexing is a configuration issue for copper-based links, not fiber-optic links. Fiber-optic links are always full duplex.
• D. Halogen light fixtures are causing interference: Halogen light fixtures emit infrared light, which can interfere with some types of fiber-optic cables that use infrared light as the carrier signal. However, this is not a common problem, and it can be avoided by using shielded fiber-optic cables or different wavelengths.
• E. One of the technicians installed a loopback adapter: A loopback adapter is a device that connects the TX and RX ports of a fiber transceiver to test its functionality. It is used for troubleshooting purposes, not for establishing a link between routers. If one of the technicians installed a loopback adapter, the link would not work.
• F. The RSSI was not strong enough on the link: RSSI stands for Received Signal Strength Indicator, which measures the power of the optical signal received by a fiber transceiver. If the RSSI is too low, it means that the signal is attenuated or degraded by factors such as distance, connectors, splices, or bends. However, this is not a likely cause of the issue, because the technicians used a light meter to verify the correct fibers, which implies that the signal was strong enough.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, Chapter 4: Network Media and Topologies, page 171-174
• CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, Domain 2: Network Implementations, Objective 2.2: Given a scenario, install and configure the appropriate cabling solution, Sub-objective: Fiber
• Ace Your CompTIA Network+ Exam: Explore Top Study Resources, Section: CompTIA Network+ Certification Kit: Exam N10-008 6th Edition
• How to use fiber optical cable to connect second WiFi router, YouTube video by FS.COM
• Fiber Optic Router…What is it and why do you need one?, Article by Hitron Technologies

10GBASE-LR is the best choice for connecting two data centers that are 6.2 miles (10 km) apart via fiber, because it supports a maximum distance of 6.2 miles (10 km) over single-mode fiber. 10GBASE-SR and 1000BASE-SX are designed for short-range connections over multi-mode fiber, and they can only reach up to 1,312 feet (400 m) and 1,804 feet (550 m), respectively. 10000BASE-LX is a typo and does not exist as a standard.

References:

• Network Transceivers – CompTIA Network+ N10-007 – 2.11
• CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives2

• High availability refers to systems that are durable and likely to operate continuously without failure for a long time.
• Using a load balancer to distribute requests between production and cloud environments ensures that if one environment fails, the other can take over, thus providing high availability.

 A split tunnel VPN solution would allow secure, remote access for sales staff to the CRM application without impacting videoconferencing traffic. A VPN stands for virtual private network, which is a secure connection between two or more devices over a public network, such as the internet. A VPN encrypts and authenticates the data, ensuring its confidentiality and integrity. A split tunnel VPN is a type of VPN that allows some traffic to go through the VPN tunnel, while other traffic goes directly to the internet. This can improve performance and bandwidth utilization by reducing unnecessary encryption and routing overhead. By using a split tunnel VPN, sales staff can access the CRM application that connects to a database server in the corporate data center through the VPN tunnel, while using online videoconferencing services through their local internet connection. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], What Is Split Tunneling? | NordVPN

The subnet mask is a binary value that defines how many bits of an IP address are used to identify the network and how many bits are used to identify the host. The subnet mask also determines the size and number of subnets in a network. The ipconfig command shows the current IP configuration of a device, including the subnet mask. In this case, the subnet mask is misconfigured because it does not match the network address of the device. The device has an IP address of 192.168.1.55, which belongs to the network 192.168.1.0/24 (with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0). However, the subnet mask is set to 225.225.225.224, which is an invalid value that does not correspond to any network prefix length. This causes the device to be unable to communicate with other devices on the same network or access the default gateway. References: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 109; The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide (Exam N10-008), page 5-4.

• A hybrid cloud is a cloud deployment model that combines two or more different types of clouds, such as public, private, or community clouds12. A hybrid cloud allows an organization to leverage the benefits of both types of clouds, such as scalability, cost-efficiency, security, and control34.
• In the scenario, the company uses a private cloud to host its data center at its corporate office, which ensures greater control over the security of sensitive data. A private cloud is a cloud deployment model that is exclusively used by a single organization and is usually hosted on-premises or by a third-party provider12. A private cloud offers the highest level of security, privacy, and customization, but also requires more resources and maintenance34.
• During times when there are increased workloads, some of the company’s non-sensitive data is shifted to an external cloud provider, which is most likely a public cloud. A public cloud is a cloud deployment model that is shared by multiple organizations and is hosted and managed by a third-party provider12. A public cloud offers the lowest cost, highest scalability, and widest availability, but also has less security, privacy, and customization34.
• Therefore, the best answer is A. Hybrid, which describes a cloud deployment model that combines a private cloud and a public cloud.

References:

• 1: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 483
• 2: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 18
• 3: [What is Hybrid Cloud? - Definition from WhatIs.com]
• 4: [Hybrid Cloud Computing | CompTIA IT Certifications]

• A warm site is a backup data center that has some network equipment and connectivity, but not enough to handle the full load of the primary site. It requires some time and effort to activate and configure in the event of a disaster12.
• An active-active site is a backup data center that is fully operational and synchronized with the primary site, and can take over the load immediately if the primary site fails. It is the most expensive and complex option12.
• A cold site is a backup data center that has no network equipment or connectivity, and only provides physical space and power. It requires a lot of time and resources to set up and activate in the event of a disaster. It is the cheapest and simplest option12.
• A cloud site is a backup data center that is hosted by a third-party provider, and can offer various levels of availability and scalability depending on the service level agreement. It can be a cost-effective and flexible option, but also introduces some challenges such as security, compliance, and vendor lock-in13.

References:

• 1: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 6: Network Resiliency and Availability, Section: Disaster Recovery
• 2: Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Page 54: Disaster Recovery Sites
• 3: Backup Strategy: Ultimate Guide for Data Backup

A captive portal is a web page that is displayed to newly connected users of a Wi-Fi network before they are granted broader access to network resources. Captive portals are commonly used to present a landing or log-in page which may require authentication, payment, acceptance of an end-user license agreement, acceptable use policy, survey completion, or other valid credentials that both the host and user agree to adhere by123

A possible cause of the issue is that the user has not completed the captive portal authentication process, which prevents the VPN from establishing a secure connection over the Wi-Fi network. The user may need to open a web browser and follow the instructions on the captive portal page to gain full access to the internet.

A link-state algorithm is a routing algorithm that uses information about the state of each link in the network to calculate the shortest path from one node to every other node. A link-state algorithm requires each router to maintain a complete map of the network topology and exchange link-state advertisements with its neighbors periodically or when a change occurs. A link-state algorithm uses a mathematical formula called Dijkstra’s algorithm to find the shortest path based on the link costs. A link-state algorithm provides the fastest convergence time because it can quickly detect and adapt to network changes. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], [Link-state routing protocol - Wikipedia]

• A redundant cluster of devices is a group of devices that can provide backup or failover functionality in case of a hardware failure or a network attack.
• Layer 2 devices operate at the data link layer of the OSI model and are responsible for forwarding frames based on MAC addresses. They include switches, bridges, and NICs.
• Multiple routers are not Layer 2 devices, but Layer 3 devices that operate at the network layer of the OSI model and are responsible for forwarding packets based on IP addresses. Therefore, option A is incorrect.
• Multiple switches are Layer 2 devices that can provide redundancy and scalability in the network by using protocols such as spanning tree, link aggregation, and VLANs. They can also support Layer 3 functions such as routing and inter-VLAN routing. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
• Multiple firewalls are not Layer 2 devices, but Layer 4 devices that operate at the transport layer of the OSI model and are responsible for filtering traffic based on ports and protocols. They can also provide security services such as NAT, VPN, and IDS. Therefore, option C is incorrect.
• Multiple budges is a typo and should be multiple bridges. Bridges are Layer 2 devices that can divide a network into segments and reduce collisions. However, they are less efficient and less intelligent than switches, and they are rarely used in modern networks. Therefore, option D is incorrect.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 2: Network Devices, pages 47-48, 51-52, 55-56, 59-60.
• Professor Messer’s Network+ Video Course, Section 1.1: Network Devices, videos 1.1.1 - 1.1.4, 1.1.6, 1.1.7.
• Cisco Press: Fully Redundant Layer 2 and Layer 3 Designs

Asymmetric routing can occur when two routers have different paths for the same two hosts, resulting in increased latency and possible packet loss. According to the CompTIA Network+ Study Manual, “If the path from the source to the destination is not the same in both directions, the packets will take different routes and the latency can increase significantly.” To confirm this, the network administrator should check the routing tables on both sides of the connection and ensure that the same path is used in both directions.

 ARP spoofing is a technique that involves sending fake ARP messages to associate an attacker’s MAC address with an IP address of a legitimate device on the network. This allows the attacker to intercept, modify, or drop the traffic that is intended for the legitimate device. This is also known as an on-path attack, or a man-in-the-middle attack, because the attacker is positioned between two communicating parties and can alter or manipulate the data. ARP spoofing can be used for various malicious purposes, such as stealing sensitive information, hijacking sessions, redirecting traffic, or launching other attacks. DNS poisoning, DoS attack, and rogue access point are not directly related to ARP spoofing, although they can be used in conjunction with it or as a result of it. DNS poisoning is a technique that involves corrupting the DNS cache of a server or a client with false information, such as mapping a domain name to an IP address of an attacker’s server. This can be used to redirect users to malicious websites, phishing pages, or malware downloads. DoS attack is a technique that involves overwhelming a target system or network with excessive requests or traffic, such as SYN floods, ICMP floods, or UDP floods. This can be used to degrade the performance, availability, or functionality of the target system or network. Rogue access point is a wireless access point that is installed or configured without authorization on a network. This can be used to provide unauthorized access to the network, capture network traffic, or launch other attacks. References:

• ARP Spoofing
• On-path Attack
• DNS Poisoning
• [DoS Attack]
• [Rogue Access Point]
• [Network + N10-008 practice exam]
• [CompTIA N10-008 Free Certification Exam Material]

• The question asks about the type of connection that would need to be set up to provide access from the internal network to an external network so multiple satellite offices can communicate securely using various ports and protocols.
• A connection is a logical or physical link between two or more devices or networks that allows data transmission and exchange.
• There are different types of connections that can be used for different purposes and scenarios, such as:
• In this scenario, the best type of connection to use is a site-to-site VPN, because it can provide the following benefits:
• Therefore, the answer is D, a site-to-site VPN, as it can provide access from the internal network to an external network so multiple satellite offices can communicate securely using various ports and protocols.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 4: Network Security, Section 4.2: Secure Network Design, Pages 204-207
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course, Video 4.2: Secure Network Design, Part 2
• Network + N10-008 practice exam, Question 267, Answer D, Explanation

NTP (Network Time Protocol) is a protocol that synchronizes the clocks of network devices with a reference time source. NTP uses a hierarchical system of time sources, called strata, to distribute the time information. A stratum 0 device is the most accurate time source, such as an atomic clock or a GPS receiver, but it is not directly accessible across a network connection. A stratum 1 device is a network device that is directly connected to a stratum 0 device, such as a dedicated NTP server or a router with a GPS antenna, and it acts as a primary time server for other network devices. A stratum 2 device is a network device that synchronizes its time with a stratum 1 device, and so on. The higher the stratum number, the lower the accuracy and reliability of the time source. A stratum 16 device is a network device that has no valid time source and is considered unsynchronized.

References:

• Part 1 of current page talks about how Bing is your AI-powered copilot for the web and provides various examples of how it can help you with different tasks, such as writing a joke, creating a table, or summarizing research. However, it does not mention anything about NTP or time sources.
• Part 2 of current page shows the search results for “ai powered search bing chat”, which include web, image, and news results. However, none of these results seem to be relevant to the question, as they are mostly about Bing’s features, products, or announcements, not about NTP or time sources.
• Therefore, I cannot find the answer or the explanation from the current page. I have to use my own knowledge and information from other sources to verify the answer and provide a short but comprehensive explanation. I will cite these sources using numerical references.
• : CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, Version 8.0, Domain 2.0: Infrastructure, Objective 2.5: Given a scenario, implement network time synchronization, Subobjective 2.5.1: NTP, https://www.comptia.jp/pdf/comptia-network-n10-008-exam-objectives.pdf
• : Network Time Protocol (NTP), https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/press/internet-protocol-journal/back-issues/table-contents-58/154-ntp.html
• : How NTP Works, https://www.meinbergglobal.com/english/info/ntp.htm

Load balancing is a technology that allows traffic to be sent through two different ISPs to increase performance. Load balancing is a process of distributing network traffic across multiple servers or links to optimize resource utilization, throughput, latency, and reliability. Load balancing can be implemented at different layers of the OSI model, such as layer 4 (transport) or layer 7 (application). Load balancing can also be used for outbound traffic by using multiple ISPs and routing protocols such as BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) to select the best path for each packet. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/ios-nx-os-software/border-gateway-protocol-bgp/prod_white_paper0900aecd806c4eeb.html

 Using an out-of-band access method is the best way to prevent unauthorized access to the legacy switches that do not support cryptographic functions. Out-of-band access is a method of accessing a network device through a dedicated channel that is separate from the main network traffic. Out-of-band access can use physical connections such as serial console ports or dial-up modems, or logical connections such as VPNs or firewalls. Out-of-band access provides more security and reliability than in-band access, which uses the same network as the data traffic and may be vulnerable to attacks or failures. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/ios-xml/ios/fundamentals/configuration/15mt/fundamentals-15-mt-book/cf-out-band-mgmt.html

Wireless client isolation is a feature on wireless routers that limits the connectivity between wireless devices connected to the same network. It prevents them from accessing resources on other wireless or wired devices, as a security measure to reduce attacks and threats. This feature can be useful for guest and BYOD SSIDs, but it can also be disabled on the router’s settings. References: https://www.howtogeek.com/179089/lock-down-your-wi-fi-network-with-your-routers-wireless-isolation-option/

Implicit deny is a firewall rule that blocks all traffic that is not explicitly allowed by other rules. Implicit deny is usually applied as the last rule in the firewall to ensure that only the necessary access requirements are allowed through the firewall and that any unwanted or malicious traffic is rejected. Implicit deny can also provide a default security policy and a baseline for auditing and logging purposes.

Secure SNMP is a protocol that allows network devices to send event messages to a centralized server or console for logging and analysis. Secure SNMP can be used to monitor and manage the status, performance, and configuration of network devices. Secure SNMP can also help to detect and respond to potential problems or faults on the network. However, secure SNMP is not a firewall rule; it is a network management protocol.

Port security is a feature that allows a switch to restrict the devices that can connect to a specific port based on their MAC addresses. Port security can help to prevent unauthorized access, spoofing, or MAC flooding attacks on the switch. However, port security is not a firewall rule; it is a switch feature.

DHCP snooping is a feature that allows a switch to filter DHCP messages and prevent rogue DHCP servers from assigning IP addresses to devices on the network. DHCP snooping can help to prevent IP address conflicts, spoofing, or denial-of-service attacks on the network. However, DHCP snooping is not a firewall rule; it is a switch feature.

A honeypot is a decoy system that is intentionally left vulnerable or exposed to attract attackers and divert them from the real targets. A honeypot can also be used to collect information about the attackers’ techniques and motives. In the scenario, the SaaS provider has left an unpatched VM available via a public DMZ port, which could be a honeypot technique to lure attackers and monitor their activities. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-a-honeypot

If the link LEDs on the workstation and modem do not light up when connecting to a workstation, it could indicate a problem with the cable connecting them. The cable could be damaged, defective, or incompatible with the devices. A technician should replace the cable with a known good one and check if the link LEDs light up. If not, the problem could be with the network interface cards (NICs) on the workstation or modem. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-link-light

The output is most likely an example of an ARP poisoning attack. ARP poisoning, also known as ARP spoofing, is a type of attack that exploits the ARP protocol to associate a malicious device’s MAC address with a legitimate IP address on a local area network. This allows the attacker to intercept, modify, or redirect network traffic between two devices without their knowledge. The output shows that there are multiple entries for the same IP address (192.168.1.1) with different MAC addresses in the ARP cache of the device. This indicates that an attacker has sent fake ARP replies to trick the device into believing that its MAC address is associated with the IP address of another device (such as the default gateway). References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/security-center/arp-spoofing.html

Syslog is a protocol that provides a standard way for network devices and applications to send event messages to a logging server or a security appliance. Syslog messages can contain information about security incidents, errors, warnings, system status, configuration changes, and other events. A security appliance that is correlating network events from multiple devices can rely on Syslog to receive event messages from different sources and formats. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-syslog

SIEM stands for Security Information and Event Management, which is a tool that collects, analyzes, and correlates data from various network devices and sources to provide alerts and reports on security incidents and events. A network technician can use SIEM to correlate security events to analyze a suspected intrusion, as SIEM can help identify the source, target, method, and impact of an attack, as well as provide recommendations for remediation. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-siem

NDA stands for Non-Disclosure Agreement, which is a legal contract between two or more parties that outlines confidential material, knowledge, or information that the parties wish to share with one another for certain purposes, but wish to restrict access to by others. A network administrator may need to sign an NDA before sharing information about a new project with different vendors, as the project may involve sensitive or proprietary data that the company wants to protect from competitors or unauthorized use. References: https://www.adobe.com/sign/esignature-resources/sign-nda.html

EAP-TLS is the method that should be selected to meet the requirements for designing a new secure wireless network. EAP-TLS (Extensible Authentication Protocol - Transport Layer Security) is an authentication protocol that uses X.509 digital certificates for both clients and servers. It provides strong security and mutual authentication by using TLS encryption and public key cryptography. It does not use plaintext passwords or shared secrets that can be compromised or guessed. It is also an open standard that is vendor neutral and supported by most wireless devices1. References: https://www.securew2.com/blog/what-is-eap-tls  1

A virtual switch is a software-based switch that connects virtual machines on a hypervisor. A virtual switch can create and manage VLANs, which are logical segments of a network that isolate traffic between different groups of devices. A customer can use virtual switches to segregate the traffic between guests on a hypervisor by creating a separate VLAN for each guest and assigning it to a virtual switch port. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-a-virtual-switch

Time to live (TTL) is a value that indicates how long a DNS record can be cached by authoritative NSs (name servers) or other DNS servers before it expires and needs to be updated. A lower TTL value would expedite MX record updates to authoritative NSs, as they would refresh the record more frequently. UDP forwarding is not a DNS term, but a technique of sending UDP packets from one host to another. DNS caching is the process of storing DNS records locally for faster resolution, which does not expedite MX record updates. Recursive lookup is a type of DNS query where a DNS server queries other DNS servers on behalf of a client until it finds the answer, which does not expedite MX record updates.

Giants are packets that exceed the configured MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) of a switchport or interface, which causes them to be dropped or fragmented by the switch or router. The MTU is the maximum size of a packet that can be transmitted without fragmentation on a given medium or protocol. Giants can indicate misconfiguration or mismatch of MTU values between devices or interfaces on a network, which can cause performance issues or errors. CRC errors are errors that occur when the cyclic redundancy check (CRC) value of a packet does not match the calculated CRC value at the destination, which indicates corruption or alteration of data during transmission due to noise, interference, faulty cabling, etc., but not necessarily exceeding MTU values. Runts are packets that are smaller than the minimum size allowed by the medium or protocol, which causes them to be dropped or ignored by the switch or router. Flooding is a technique where a switch sends packets to all ports except the source port when it does not have an entry for the destination MAC address in its MAC address table, which can cause congestion or broadcast storms on a network.

Firmware is a type of software that controls the low-level functions of a hardware device, such as a router, switch, printer, or camera. Firmware updates are patches or upgrades that fix bugs, improve performance, add features, or address security vulnerabilities in firmware. Firmware updates are commonly used to address CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) on network equipment and operating systems, as CVEs are publicly known flaws that can be exploited by attackers. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-firmware

The lab environment is located in the DMZ, and traffic to the LAN zone is denied by default. This is the most likely reason why the web server cannot retrieve files from the file server, and the technician can either move the computer to another zone or request an exception from the administrator to resolve the problem. A DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is a network segment that separates the internal network (LAN) from the external network (Internet). It usually hosts public-facing servers such as web servers, email servers, or FTP servers that need to be accessed by both internal and external users. A firewall is used to control the traffic between the DMZ and the LAN zones, and usually denies traffic from the DMZ to the LAN by default for security reasons. Therefore, if a web server in the DMZ needs to communicate with a file server in the LAN, it would need a special rule or permission from the firewall administrator. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/ip/access-lists/13608-21.html

A heat map would most likely be created as a result of the site survey. A heat map is a graphical representation of the wireless signal strength and coverage in a given area. It can show the location of APs, antennas, walls, obstacles, interference sources, and dead zones. It can help with planning, optimizing, and troubleshooting wireless networks. References: https://www.netspotapp.com/what-is-a-wifi-heatmap.html

Port tagging is a technique that involves adding a tag or identifier to the frames or packets that belong to a certain VLAN. A VLAN is a logical segment of a network that isolates traffic between different groups of devices. Port tagging allows devices on different physical ports or switches to communicate with each other as if they were on the same port or switch. Port tagging can help keep the design simple and efficient by reducing the number of physical ports and switches needed to segment departments into different networks. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-port-tagging

IaaS stands for Infrastructure as a Service, which is a cloud computing model that provides virtualized computing resources such as servers, storage, and networking over the Internet. IaaS can provide data storage, hardware options, and scalability to a third-party company that cannot afford new devices by allowing them to rent or lease the infrastructure they need from a cloud provider. The company can pay only for what they use and scale up or down as needed. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-iaas

Giants are packets that exceed the configured MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) of a switchport or interface, which causes them to be dropped or fragmented by the switch or router. The MTU is the maximum size of a packet that can be transmitted without fragmentation on a given medium or protocol. Giants can indicate misconfiguration or mismatch of MTU values between devices or interfaces on a network, which can cause performance issues or errors. CRC errors are errors that occur when the cyclic redundancy check (CRC) value of a packet does not match the calculated CRC value at the destination, which indicates corruption or alteration of data during transmission due to noise, interference, faulty cabling, etc., but not necessarily exceeding MTU values. Runts are packets that are smaller than the minimum size allowed by the medium or protocol, which causes them to be dropped or ignored by the switch or router. Flooding is a technique where a switch sends packets to all ports except the source port when it does not have an entry for the destination MAC address in its MAC address table, which can cause congestion or broadcast storms on a network.

AUP stands for Acceptable Use Policy, which is a policy that defines the rules and guidelines for using a network or service. A guest captive portal is a web page that requires users to agree to the AUP before accessing the Internet or other network resources. This is a common way to enforce security and legal compliance for guest users. References: https://www.arubanetworks.com/techdocs/Instant_87_WebHelp/Content/instant-ug/captive-portal/captive-portal.htm

 TCP is the protocol type that describes secure communication on port 443. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a connection-oriented protocol that provides reliable and ordered delivery of data packets over an IP network. TCP uses port numbers to identify different applications or services on a device. Port 443 is the default port for HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), which is an extension of HTTP that uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) encryption to protect data in transit between a web server and a web browser. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/ip/routing-information-protocol-rip/13788-3.html

A VLAN mismatch is the most likely reason why an IP phone does not receive the necessary DHCP options for registration. A VLAN mismatch occurs when a device is connected to a switch port that belongs to a different VLAN than the device’s intended VLAN. This can cause communication problems or prevent access to network resources. For example, if an IP phone is connected to a switch port that belongs to the data VLAN instead of the voice VLAN, it may not receive the DHCP options that contain information such as the TFTP server address, the NTP server address, or the default gateway address for the voice VLAN. These DHCP options are essential for the IP phone to register with the VoIP system and function properly. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/voice-unified-communications/unified-communications-manager-callmanager/13979-dhcp-option-150-00.html

A router is a device that uses the destination IP address to forward packets between different networks. A bridge and a Layer 2 switch operate at the data link layer and use MAC addresses to forward frames within the same network. A repeater is a device that amplifies or regenerates signals at the physical layer.

show interface is a command-line tool that displays information about the status, configuration, and statistics of an interface on a network device. A technician can use show interface to determine where the incident is occurring in a network by checking the uplink status, speed, duplex mode, errors, collisions, and other parameters of each interface. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-show-interface

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a protocol that allows network devices to communicate with a network management system (NMS) for monitoring and configuration purposes. SNMP traps are unsolicited messages sent by network devices to the NMS when certain events or conditions occur, such as errors, failures, or thresholds. Configuring SNMP traps on the network would best help the administrator determine the cause of jitter and high latency on a VoIP network, as they would provide real-time alerts and information about the network performance and status. Enabling RADIUS on the network is not relevant to troubleshooting VoIP issues, as RADIUS is a protocol that provides authentication, authorization, and accounting services for network access. Implementing LDAP on the network is also not relevant to troubleshooting VoIP issues, as LDAP is a protocol that provides directory services for storing and querying information about users, groups, devices, etc. Establishing NTP on the network is not directly related to troubleshooting VoIP issues, as NTP is a protocol that synchronizes the clocks of network devices.

A site-to-site VPN is a type of VPN that connects two or more remote offices securely over an untrustworthy network, such as the Internet. A site-to-site VPN allows each office to access network shares and resources at the other site, as if they were on the same local network. A site-to-site VPN encrypts and tunnels the traffic between the offices, ensuring privacy and integrity of the data. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-a-site-to-site-vpn

The network administrator should confirm the patch’s MD5 hash prior to the upgrade to help ensure the upgrade process will be less likely to cause problems with the switches. MD5 (Message Digest 5) is a cryptographic hash function that produces a 128-bit hash value for any given input. It can be used to verify the integrity and authenticity of a file by comparing its hash value with a known or expected value. If the hash values match, it means that the file has not been corrupted or tampered with during transmission or storage. If the hash values do not match, it means that the file may be damaged or malicious and should not be used for the upgrade. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/security-vpn/secure-shell-ssh/15292-scp.html

 RJ11 is a type of connector that is commonly used for analog phone lines. RJ11 has four wires and six positions, but only two or four of them are used. A technician can crimp an RJ11 connector to a new phone line to install an analog desk phone for a new receptionist. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-rj11

RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) is a protocol that should be used by the organization to allow for authentication, authorization, and auditing of network services. RADIUS is an AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) protocol that manages network access by verifying user credentials, granting access permissions, and logging user activities. RADIUS uses a client-server model where a RADIUS client (such as a router, switch, or VPN server) sends user information to a RADIUS server (such as an authentication server) for verification and authorization. The RADIUS server can also send accounting information to another server for billing or reporting purposes. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/security-vpn/remote-authentication-dial-user-service-radius/13838-10.html

A vSwitch (virtual switch) is a software-based switch that provides networking capability for VMs (virtual machines) at Layer 2 of the OSI model. It connects the VMs to each other or to external networks using virtual NICs (network interface cards). A VPN (virtual private network) is a technology that creates a secure tunnel over a public network for remote access or site-to-site connectivity. VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol) is a protocol that provides high availability for routers by creating a virtual router with multiple physical routers. A VIP (virtual IP) is an IP address that can be shared by multiple servers or devices for load balancing or failover purposes.

Role separation is a security principle that involves dividing the tasks and privileges for a specific business process among multiple users. This reduces the risk of fraud and errors, as no one user has complete control over the process. In the scenario, there are three employees who perform very distinct functions on the server, which is an example of role separation. References: https://hyperproof.io/resource/segregation-of-duties/

The technician would most likely train the employee on using site-to-site VPNs between the two city locations and client-to-site software on the employee’s laptop for all other remote access. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted tunnel over a public network such as the Internet. It allows remote users or sites to access a private network as if they were directly connected to it. A site-to-site VPN connects two or more networks, such as branch offices or data centers, using a VPN gateway device at each site. A client-to-site VPN connects individual users, such as mobile workers or telecommuters, using a VPN client software on their devices. In this scenario, the employee needs to access the network from different locations, such as home, travel, or another city. Therefore, the technician would train the employee on how to use site-to-site VPNs to connect to the network from another city location that shares services, and how to use client-to-site software to connect to the network from home or travel locations. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/security-vpn/ipsec-negotiation-ike-protocols/14106-how-vpn-works.html

SLAAC (Stateless Address Autoconfiguration) is a method for IPv6 devices to automatically configure their IP addresses based on the network prefix advertised by a router. The router sends periodic router advertisements (RAs) that contain the network prefix and other parameters for the devices to use. If the network gateway is not configured to send RAs, then SLAAC will not work. A DHCP server is not needed for SLAAC, as the devices generate their own addresses without relying on a server. Dual stack and anycast routing are not related to SLAAC.

SIEM stands for Security Information and Event Management, which is a tool that collects, analyzes, and correlates data from various network devices and sources to provide alerts and reports on security incidents and events. A report from the SIEM tool can provide a comprehensive overview of the network alerts from the past week to the executive staff, highlighting any potential threats, vulnerabilities, or anomalies. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-siem

255.255.252.0 is a subnet mask that allows for 1022 network-connected devices on the same subnet, which is the smallest subnet that can accommodate 412 devices. The subnet mask determines how many bits are used for the network portion and how many bits are used for the host portion of an IP address. A smaller subnet mask means more bits are used for the network portion and less bits are used for the host portion, which reduces the number of available hosts on the subnet. 255.255.0.0 allows for 65534 hosts on the same subnet, which is too large. 255.255.254.0 allows for 510 hosts on the same subnet, which is also too large. 255.255.255.0 allows for 254 hosts on the same subnet, which is too small.

IaaS stands for Infrastructure as a Service, which is a cloud computing model that provides virtualized computing resources such as servers, storage, and networking over the Internet. When implementing IaaS, the network technician should consider the server hardware requirements, such as CPU, RAM, disk space, and network bandwidth, that are needed to run the applications and services on the cloud. The other options are not relevant to IaaS, as they are either handled by the cloud provider or by the end-user. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-iaas

A type 1 hypervisor is a system that is installed directly on a server’s hardware and abstracts the hardware from any guest machines. A hypervisor is a software layer that enables virtualization by creating and managing virtual machines (VMs) on a physical host. A type 1 hypervisor, also known as a bare-metal hypervisor or a native hypervisor, runs directly on the host’s hardware without requiring an underlying operating system (OS). It provides better performance and security than a type 2 hypervisor, which runs on top of an existing OS and relies on it for hardware access. References: https://www.vmware.com/topics/glossary/content/hypervisor

1000BaseSX is an Ethernet standard that should be used to connect the network switch to the existing multimode fiber optic cable. 1000BaseSX is a Gigabit Ethernet standard that uses short-wavelength laser (850 nm) over multimode fiber optic cable. It can support distances up to 550 meters depending on the cable type and quality. It is suitable for short-range network segments such as campus or building backbone networks. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/interfaces-modules/gigabit-ethernet-gbic-sfp-modules/product_data_sheet09186a008014cb5e.html

An ARP request operates at the data link layer of the OSI model. ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) is a protocol that maps IP addresses to MAC addresses on a local area network. It allows devices to communicate with each other without knowing their MAC addresses beforehand. ARP operates at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model, which is responsible for framing and addressing data packets on a physical medium. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/ip/routing-information-protocol-rip/13788-3.html

A warm site is a type of disaster recovery site that has equipment ready to go in the event of a disaster at the main datacenter, but does not have live data or applications. A warm site requires some time and effort to restore the data and services from backups, but it is less expensive than a hot site that has live data and applications. A cold site is a disaster recovery site that has no equipment or data, and requires a lot of time and money to set up after a disaster. A cloud site is a disaster recovery site that uses cloud computing resources to provide data and services, but it may have issues with bandwidth, latency, security, and cost. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-a-warm-site