N10-008 CompTIA Network+ Exam Questions and Answers

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

 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

10 additional network connections are needed to transition from a star to a full-mesh topology. A star topology is a network topology where each device is connected to a central device, such as a switch or a hub. A full-mesh topology is a network topology where each device is directly connected to every other device. The number of connections needed for a full-mesh topology can be calculated by the formula n(n-1)/2, where n is the number of devices. In this case, there are six devices (one core and five distribution switches), so the number of connections needed for a full-mesh topology is 6(6-1)/2 = 15. Since there are already five connections in the star topology (one from each distribution switch to the core switch), the number of additional connections needed is 15 - 5 = 10. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/ip/routing-information-protocol-rip/13788-3.html

A hot site is the disaster recovery solution that the corporation should implement for its critical system that would cause unrecoverable damage to the brand if it was taken offline. A hot site is a fully operational backup site that can take over the primary site’s functions in case of a disaster or disruption. A hot site has all the necessary hardware, software, data, network connections, and personnel to resume normal operations with minimal downtime. A hot site is suitable for systems that require high availability and cannot afford any data loss or interruption. References: https://www.enterprisestorageforum.com/management/disaster-recovery-site/  1

The power level is a setting that determines how strong the wireless signal is from an access point (AP). If the power level is too high for an AP on the far side of a warehouse, it can cause interference and overlap with other APs on the same channel or frequency. This can result in handheld devices not connecting to the nearest APs, but connecting to the AP on the far side instead. A technician should adjust the power level of the AP on the far side to reduce interference and improve connectivity. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-power-level

An omnidirectional antenna was used instead of a unidirectional antenna, which is most likely the cause of the wireless network issues. An omnidirectional antenna provides wireless coverage in all directions from the antenna, which can cause signal overlap with adjacent offices and interference with other wireless networks. A unidirectional antenna, on the other hand, provides wireless coverage in a specific direction from the antenna, which can reduce signal overlap and interference and increase signal range and quality. A unidirectional antenna would be more suitable for a warehouse environment where users are located on one side of the building1. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless-mobility/wireless-lan-wlan/82068-omni-vs-direct.html  1

DNS poisoning is a type of attack that modifies the DNS records of a domain name to point to a malicious IP address instead of the legitimate one. This can result in users being directed to cloned websites that are stealing credentials, even if they enter the correct URL for the website. The incorrect DNS server address on the user’s PC could be a sign of DNS poisoning, as the attacker could have compromised the DNS server or spoofed its response to redirect the user’s queries. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-dns-poisoning

A wireless controller would be able to handle the requirement of implementing a large number of WAPs throughout the building and allowing users to move around without dropping their connections. A wireless controller is a device that centrally manages and configures multiple wireless access points (WAPs) on a network. It can provide features such as load balancing, roaming, security, QoS, and monitoring for the wireless network. A wireless controller can also support wireless mesh networks, where some WAPs act as relays for other WAPs to extend the wireless coverage. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/wireless/wireless-lan-controller/index.html

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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 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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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 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

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

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

A captive portal is a web page that requires users to authenticate before they can access the internet. If the session time-out configuration is too short, users may experience intermittent internet connectivity and have to reconnect using the web authentication process each time. The network administrator can verify the session time-out configuration on the captive portal settings and adjust it if needed. References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 2.0 (Exam Number: N10-006), Domain 1.0 Network Architecture, Objective 1.8 Explain the purposes and use cases for advanced networking devices.

 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

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

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.

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.

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/

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

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

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.

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

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)

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 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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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/

Zero Trust is a security framework that requires all users, whether in or outside the organization’s network, to be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated for security configuration and posture before being granted or keeping access to applications and data. Zero Trust prevents attackers from moving laterally through a system by applying granular policies and controls based on the principle of least privilege and by segmenting and encrypting data flows across the network. References: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-network-n10-008-exam-objectives-(2-0), https://www.crowdstrike.com/cybersecurity-101/zero-trust-security/

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

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

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.

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

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.

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/

 The software on the workstation should be configured to send the query to 10.1.2.255, which is the local subnet broadcast address. A broadcast address is a special address that allows a device to send a message to all devices on the same subnet. It is usually derived by setting all the host bits to 1 in the network address. In this case, the network address is 10.1.2.0/27, which has 27 network bits and 5 host bits. By setting all the host bits to 1, we get 10.1.2.31 as the broadcast address in decimal notation, or 10.1.2.255 in dotted decimal notation. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/ip/routing-information-protocol-rip/13788-3.html

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

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.

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.

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 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/

• 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

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.

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/

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/

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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/

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

 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

According to the network troubleshooting methodology, the first step is to identify the problem and gather information about the current state of the network using the network troubleshooting tools that are available1. The next step is to determine if anything has changed in the network configuration, environment, or usage that could have caused or contributed to the performance issues1. This step helps to narrow down the possible causes and eliminate irrelevant factors. For example, the network administrator could check if there were any recent updates, patches, or modifications to the fileshare server or the network devices that connect to it. They could also check if there was an increase in network traffic or demand for the fileshare server resources2.

The other options are not correct because they are not the next steps in the network troubleshooting methodology. Implementing a fix to resolve the connectivity issues (A) is premature without determining the root cause of the problem. Establishing a theory of probable cause © is a later step that requires testing and verification. Documenting all findings, actions, and lessons learned (D) is the final step that should be done after resolving the problem and restoring normal network operations1.

Port security is a feature that can be configured on a switch interface to limit and identify the MAC addresses of workstations that are allowed to connect to that specific port. This can help ensure that only a specific workstation (or workstations) can connect to the interface. According to the CompTIA Network+ Study Manual, “Port security can be used to specify which MAC addresses are allowed to connect to a particular switch port. If a port security violation is detected, the switch can take a number of different actions, such as shutting down the port, sending an SNMP trap, or sending an email alert.”

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

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

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.

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

Screened Subnet devices – Web server, FTP server

Building A devices – SSH server top left, workstations on all 5 on the right, laptop on bottom left

DataCenter devices – DNS server.

A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated

The syslog entries are indicative of link flapping, which is when a switch port rapidly transitions between the up and down states. This can cause intermittent connectivity issues, network instability, and increased CPU utilization on the switch. Link flapping can be caused by various factors, such as faulty cables, misconfigured interfaces, duplex mismatches, or network attacks. To troubleshoot link flapping, the technician should check the physical layer, verify the interface settings, and monitor the network traffic for anomalies.

References:

• What is Link Flapping? - CompTIA1
• Troubleshooting Switch Port and Interface Problems - Cisco2
• Network Troubleshooting - N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 4.1 - YouTube3

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/

Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. High humidity can cause corrosion, condensation, and short circuits in electronic devices. Low humidity can cause static electricity and damage sensitive components. The optimal humidity range for a data center is between 40% and 60%. Based on the report, the humidity level in the server room is 70%, which is too high and can affect the performance and reliability of the network equipment. Therefore, the best recommendation to the client is to install a humidity sensor and a dehumidifier to control the humidity level in the server room.

References: Network+ Study Guide Objective 5.1: Summarize the importance of physical security controls.

• QUE  rogue access point is an unauthorized wireless device that is connected to a network without the knowledge or consent of the network administrator12. It can provide unauthorized access to internal resources, bypass security policies, and expose the network to various attacks12.
• A hidden SSID is a wireless network name that is not broadcasted by the access point. It is intended to increase security by preventing unauthorized users from discovering the network, but it can also be used by rogue access points to avoid detection3 .
• A wireless bridge is a device that connects two or more wireless networks or segments. It can extend the range of a wireless network, but it can also be used by rogue access points to connect to the corporate LAN .
• Therefore, the scenario described in the question is an example of a rogue access point attack, where an unapproved wireless bridge is connected to the corporate LAN and broadcasts a hidden SSID, providing unauthenticated access to internal resources.
• The other options are not correct because:

References:

• 1: Rogue Access Points and Evil Twins - Baeldung
• 2: Whats the difference between an evil twin and a rogue access point? - Information Security Stack Exchange
• 3: What is a Hidden SSID? - How-To Geek
• : How to Find Hidden & Saved Passwords in Windows - Lifewire
• : What is a Wireless Bridge? - Linksys
• : How to Set Up a Wireless Bridge - PCMag
• : What is an Evil Twin Attack? - Norton
• : Which attack is more dangerous: Evil Twin or ARP spoofing? - Information Security Stack Exchange
• : What is ARP Spoofing? - Palo Alto Networks
• : How to Prevent ARP Spoofing - Cloudflare
• : What is VLAN Hopping? - Cisco
• : How to Prevent VLAN Hopping Attacks - Pluralsight

STION NO: 398 A network security engineer locates an unapproved wireless bridge

• The question asks about the most likely cause of a switchport sharing issue on a Layer 2 switch.
• The answer is not A, because Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a protocol that prevents loops in a switched network by blocking redundant links. It does not affect the ability of users to connect to a switchport, unless the port is in a blocking state due to a loop detection.
• The answer is not B, because VLAN trunking is a method of carrying multiple VLANs over a single link, such as a switchport. It does not prevent users from connecting to a switchport, unless the port is configured with an incompatible trunking protocol or VLAN ID.
• The answer is not D, because Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) is a security feature that validates ARP packets and prevents ARP spoofing attacks. It does not block users from connecting to a switchport, unless the port is configured with an incorrect IP-MAC binding or DHCP snooping database.
• The answer is C, because port security is a security feature that limits the number and type of MAC addresses that can access a switchport. It can prevent users from connecting to a switchport, if the port is configured with a maximum MAC address limit that is reached by the first user, or with a static MAC address that does not match the subsequent users.

References:

• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 3: Network Components, Section 3.1: Network Devices, p. 125
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 3: Network Components, Section 3.1: Network Devices, p. 126
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 3: Network Components, Section 3.1: Network Devices, p. 128
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 6: Network Security, Section 6.3: Network Security Devices and Technologies, p. 342

 A zero trust network is a network in which users and devices need to mutually authenticate before any network resource can be accessed. A zero trust network assumes that no one and nothing can be trusted by default, even if they were previously verified or are within the network perimeter. A zero trust network uses various technologies and practices, such as data and log aggregation, cybersecurity analytics, continuous diagnostics and mitigation, user behavior analytics, microsegmentation, and identity and access management, to enforce granular and dynamic policies based on the context and behavior of the users and devices123.

References:

• What is Zero Trust? | Internet of Things | CompTIA3
• The Death of the Perimeter: Zero Trust is (Almost) Here to Stay | Cybersecurity | CompTIA2
• CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam N10-008 Practice Test 17 - ExamCompass1

The term that refers to a weakness in a mechanism or technical process is vulnerability. A vulnerability is a flaw or gap in a system’s security that can be exploited by an attacker to gain unauthorized access, compromise data, or cause damage. A vulnerability can be caused by design errors, configuration errors, software bugs, human errors, or environmental factors. For example, an outdated software version that has known security holes is a vulnerability that can be exploited by malware or hackers. References: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 342; The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide (Exam N10-008), page 13-7.

• DHCP scope exhaustion occurs when there are no more available IP addresses in the DHCP pool to assign to new clients12.
• This can cause network connectivity issues for clients that rely on DHCP to obtain an IP address dynamically12.
• The symptoms of DHCP scope exhaustion include:
• The solution for DHCP scope exhaustion is to either increase the size of the DHCP pool, split the network into smaller subnets with their own DHCP scopes, or implement a DHCP relay agent to forward DHCP requests to another DHCP server with more available addresses12.
• Incorrect firewall settings, inappropriate VLAN assignment, hardware failure, and overloaded CAM table in switch are not likely causes of the network connectivity issues described in the question, as they would affect all clients or specific segments of the network, not randomly selected users12. References:
• 1: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam Cram, 6th Edition, Chapter 3: IP Addressing and Subnetting, p. 98-99
• 2: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, 1st Edition, Chapter 4: IP Addressing, p. 156-157

To see the configuration of a specific port on a switch, the network technician should use the "show interface" command. This command provides detailed information about the interface, including the current configuration, status, and statistics for the interface.

• 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

HIDS (host-based intrusion detection system) is a type of security software that monitors and analyzes the activity on a host device, such as a computer or a server. HIDS can detect and alert on intrusions, such as malware infections, unauthorized access, configuration changes, or policy violations. HIDS can also actively mitigate intrusions by blocking or quarantining malicious processes, files, or network connections1.

HIPS (host-based intrusion prevention system) is similar to HIDS, but it can also prevent intrusions from happening in the first place by enforcing security policies and rules on the host device2. MDS (multilayer switch) is a network device that combines the functions of a switch and a router, and it does not directly protect a host device from intrusions3. NIPS (network-based intrusion prevention system) is a network device that monitors and blocks malicious traffic on the network level, and it does not operate on the host device level4.

To allow each device to access its expected network without additional connections, the administrator needs to configure VLANs (virtual LANs) on the switch. VLANs are logical groups of devices that share the same broadcast domain, regardless of their physical location or connection. VLANs can improve network performance, security, and management by isolating traffic and reducing broadcast storms. To configure VLANs on the switch, the administrator needs to assign each device port to a specific VLAN and set the VLAN tagging mode. VLAN tagging is a method of adding a VLAN identifier to the Ethernet frames to indicate which VLAN they belong to. There are two types of VLAN tagging: untagged and tagged. Untagged VLAN tagging means that the switch removes the VLAN identifier from the frames before sending them to the device port. This is suitable for end devices that do not support VLAN tagging, such as PCs, printers, etc. Tagged VLAN tagging means that the switch keeps the VLAN identifier on the frames when sending them to the device port. This is suitable for devices that support VLAN tagging, such as routers, servers, other switches, etc. To allow each device to access the rest of the network, the administrator needs to configure a trunk port on the switch that connects to the uplink. A trunk port is a port that can carry traffic from multiple VLANs using tagged VLAN tagging. This way, the switch can send and receive frames from different VLANs to and from the rest of the network. Therefore, the administrator should do the following to meet the requirements:

• Untag an individual VLAN per device port. This will assign each device port to a specific VLAN and remove the VLAN identifier from the frames before sending them to the device port. This will allow each device to access its expected network without additional connections.
• Tag the three VLANs across the uplink. This will configure a trunk port on the switch that connects to the uplink and add the VLAN identifier to the frames before sending them to the uplink. This will allow the switch to carry traffic from multiple VLANs to and from the rest of the network.

References:

• VLANs and Trunks
• VLAN Tagging Explained with DTP Protocol
• Network + N10-008 practice exam
• [CompTIA N10-008 Free Certification Exam Material]
• [Free Practice Questions for CompTIA Network+Exam (N10-008)]

Creating a plan of action is the step of the troubleshooting methodology that would most likely include checking through each level of the OSI model after the problem has been identified. According to the web search results, the troubleshooting methodology consists of the following steps: 12

• Define the problem: Identify the symptoms and scope of the problem, and gather relevant information from users, devices, and logs.
• Establish a theory: Based on the information collected, hypothesize one or more possible causes of the problem, and rank them in order of probability.
• Test the theory: Test the most probable cause first, and if it is not confirmed, eliminate it and test the next one. Repeat this process until the root cause is found or a new theory is needed.
• Create a plan of action: Based on the confirmed cause, devise a solution that can resolve the problem with minimal impact and risk. The solution may involve checking through each level of the OSI model to ensure that all layers are functioning properly and that there are no configuration errors, physical damages, or logical inconsistencies34
• Implement the solution: Execute the plan of action, and monitor the results. If the problem is not solved, revert to the previous state and create a new plan of action.
• Verify functionality: Confirm that the problem is fully resolved and that the network is restored to normal operation. Perform preventive measures if possible to avoid recurrence of the problem.
• Document the findings: Record the problem description, the solution, and the outcome. Update any relevant documentation, such as network diagrams, policies, or procedures.

References1: Troubleshooting Methods for Cisco IP Networks 2: Troubleshooting Methodologies - CBT IT Certification Training 3: How to use the OSI Model to Troubleshoot Networks 4: How is the OSI model used in troubleshooting? – Sage-Answer

 The servers can communicate with each other but not the internet, indicating local network connectivity is fine. The distribution switch’s VLAN and IP configuration are correct, and the engineer can reach the core router, suggesting the issue is not with the switch or the router. The most likely cause is that the servers do not have a default gateway configured, which is necessary for traffic to leave the local network and reach the internet.

A WLAN controller is a device that manages and controls multiple wireless access points (WAPs) in a wireless LAN (WLAN). A WLAN controller has the capability to centrally manage configuration, logging, and firmware versioning for distributed WAPs. A WLAN controller can also provide load balancing, security, and quality of service (QoS) for the WLAN.

References: Network+ Study Guide Objective 3.1: Explain the purposes and use cases for advanced networking devices.

Fiber-optic cables are cables that use light signals to transmit data over long distances at high speeds. Fiber-optic cables are sensitive to dirt, dust, moisture, or other contaminants that can interfere with the light signals and cause link loss or signal degradation. To troubleshoot link loss issues with fiber-optic cables, one of the steps that should be completed next is to clean the fiber-optic cable ends with a lint-free cloth or a specialized cleaning tool. Cleaning the fiber-optic cable ends can remove any dirt or debris that may be blocking or reflecting the light signals and restore the link quality.

A captive portal is a web page that is presented to a user before they are allowed to access a network. It is used to authenticate users and to ensure that all users have accepted the terms of use for the network. By deploying a captive portal, the cafeteria can require users to enter their phone number as the passphrase, while still providing an additional layer of security. Reference: CompTIA Network+ Study Guide, 8th Edition, page 182.

 Flow data is a summary of network traffic that can be used to monitor and analyze network performance, utilization, and security. Flow data can provide information such as source and destination IP addresses, ports, protocols, bytes, packets, and timestamps. Flow data can be collected using protocols such as NetFlow, sFlow, or IPFIX. Flow data can help identify the source of network saturation without requiring a full packet capture, which would be impractical on a 40Gb connection with a 10Gb server.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Exam Objectives, page 51
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, Chapter 11: Switching Technologies2

• A /23 subnet mask has 23 bits set to 1 (255.255.254.0).
• The formula to calculate the number of usable host addresses in a subnet is 2^(32 - subnet bits) - 2.
• For a /23 subnet:

References:

• Professor Messer’s Network+ Study Guide
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide

The ARP table is a database that is used by a device to map MAC addresses to their corresponding IP addresses. When a device sends a packet to another device on the same network, it uses the MAC address of the destination device to deliver the packet. The ARP table allows the device to determine the IP address of the destination device based on its MAC address.

Ethernet flow control is a mechanism for temporarily stopping the transmission of data on Ethernet family computer networks. The goal of this mechanism is to avoid packet loss in the presence of network congestion.

Flow control is a mechanism that allows a device to regulate the amount of data it receives from another device, ensuring that the receiving device is not overwhelmed with data. If the device experiencing packet loss is receiving large bursts of data at times when it is not able to process it quickly enough, configuring flow control could help prevent packets from being lost.

"In theory, flow control can help with situations like a host that can’t keep up with the flow of traffic. It enables the host to send an Ethernet PAUSE frame, which asks the switch to hold up for some amount of time so the host can catch its breath. If the switch can, it’ll buffer transmissions until the pause expires, and then start sending again. If the host catches up early, it can send another PAUSE frame with a delay of zero to ask the switch to resume. In practice, flow control can cause latency trouble for modern real-time applications such as VoIP, and the same needs are usually met by QoS"

802.11n is a wireless standard that supports up to 600 Mbps data rate and operates in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. 802.11n uses multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology to increase the number of spatial streams and improve the wireless performance and range. 802.11n meets the requirements of the wireless network design.

References: Network+ Study Guide Objective 1.6: Explain the functions of network services.

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.

The open standard protocol Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) is similar to HSRP, the differences mainly being in terminology and packet formats. In VRRP, the active router is known as the master, and all other routers in the group are known as backup routers. There is no specific standby router; instead, all backup routers monitor the status of the master, and in the event of a failure, a new master router is selected from the available backup routers based on priority

EIGRP stands for Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol, which is a hybrid routing protocol that uses a successor and a feasible successor to determine the best route to a destination. A successor is the next-hop router that has the lowest cost (or metric) to reach the destination, and a feasible successor is a backup router that has a cost that is less than the cost of the successor. EIGRP uses the successor and the feasible successor to achieve fast convergence and load balancing. EIGRP also uses a Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL) to maintain the routing table and avoid routing loops. IS-IS, OSPF, and BGP are other routing protocols that do not use a successor and a feasible successor, but rather use different algorithms and criteria to select the best route.

References

• 1: EIGRP – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 2.1
• 2: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 150-151
• 3: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam Subnetting Quiz, question 20
• 4: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Practice Test, question 9

• The command tracert (or traceroute in some operating systems) is used to trace the route that a packet takes from the source to the destination. It displays the IP addresses and hostnames of the routers and devices along the path, as well as the time it takes for each hop.
• The command can help identify the issue of extreme latency by showing where the delay occurs in the network. For example, if the latency is high between the source and the first router, it may indicate a problem with the local network or the ISP. If the latency is high between two distant routers, it may indicate a problem with the intermediate network or the website’s server.
• The command ipconfig is used to display the IP configuration of the local device, such as the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers. It does not show the route or the latency of the packets to the destination.
• The command netstat is used to display the active connections and listening ports on the local device, as well as the protocol, local address, foreign address, and state of each connection. It does not show the route or the latency of the packets to the destination.
• The command ping is used to test the connectivity and the round-trip time of the packets to the destination. It does not show the route or the latency of each hop along the path. References:
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 3: Network Operations, Section 3.2: Troubleshooting Methodology and Tools, Page 147-148
• Professor Messer’s Network+ N10-008 Course Notes, Page 18
• Professor Messer’s Network+ N10-008 Video Training Course, Section 3.2: Network Troubleshooting Tools, Video 3.2.2: Command Line Tools

• The concept of Zero Trust is based on the principle of never trust, always verify. It means that every request for accessing network resources, regardless of where it originates from, must be authenticated and authorized before granting access12.
• Zero Trust is different from SSO (single sign-on), which allows users to log in once and access multiple applications without re-authenticating3. SSO simplifies the user experience, but does not provide the same level of security as Zero Trust.
• Zero Trust is also different from VPN (virtual private network), which creates a secure tunnel between a remote device and a network, encrypting the traffic and hiding the device’s IP address4. VPN provides privacy and protection from external threats, but does not verify the identity and permissions of the device or user accessing the network.
• Zero Trust is also different from role-based access control (RBAC), which assigns permissions to users or groups based on their roles and responsibilities5. RBAC helps to enforce the principle of least privilege, but does not verify the context and conditions of each access request.
• Therefore, the best answer is B. Zero Trust, which requires authentication and authorization for each application access, regardless of the source or location of the request.

References:

• 1: What is Zero Trust? A model for more effective security | CSO Online
• 2: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 472
• 3: [What is Single Sign-On (SSO)? - Definition from WhatIs.com]
• 4: [What is a VPN? | Virtual Private Networks Explained | Norton]
• 5: [What is Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)? - Definition from Techopedia]

The IEEE standard for link cost for a Fast Ethernet interface is 100, and for a Gigabit Ethernet interface is 19. These values are based on the bandwidth of the interface, with lower values indicating a higher-bandwidth interface.

Before taking any further action, it is important to verify that the problem reported by the users is the same as the one that prompted the firmware upgrade. It is possible that the firmware upgrade did resolve the original issue, but a new or different issue has arisen with similar symptoms. By gathering additional information from the users, such as error messages, screenshots, logs, or network traces, the technician can confirm or rule out this possibility and avoid wasting time and resources on unnecessary steps.

Reopening the service ticket, requesting a new maintenance window, and rolling back to the anterior firmware version (A) is a possible option if the firmware upgrade did not resolve the original issue and caused more problems. However, this should not be done without first verifying that the users’ concerns are related to the firmware upgrade and not a different issue.

Employing a divide-and-conquer troubleshooting methodology by engaging the firewall vendor’s support © is another possible option if the technician needs assistance from the vendor to diagnose or resolve the issue. However, this should also not be done without first gathering additional information from the users to narrow down the scope of the problem and provide relevant details to the vendor.

Escalating the issue to the IT management team in order to negotiate a new SLA with the user’s manager (D) is not a relevant option at this stage. An SLA (Service Level Agreement) is a contract that defines the expectations and responsibilities of both parties in terms of service quality, availability, performance, and response time. Negotiating a new SLA does not address the root cause of the issue or help to resolve it. Moreover, escalating an issue to management should only be done when all other options have been exhausted or when there is a significant impact or risk to the business.

• A service set identifier (SSID) is a name that identifies a wireless network12.
• A wireless network can have multiple SSIDs, each with different settings and security parameters, to create separate logical networks for different purposes or users12.
• However, having multiple SSIDs can also create some challenges, such as increased management overhead, reduced bandwidth, and interference12.
• A technician can consolidate a topology with multiple SSIDs into one unique SSID deployment, by using a single SSID for the entire wireless network and applying different policies or profiles based on other criteria, such as user roles, device types, or locations12.
• One of the benefits of having a unique SSID deployment is that it enables seamless roaming, which is the ability of a wireless device to move from one access point (AP) to another without losing connectivity or experiencing delays12.
• Seamless roaming is possible after this new configuration, because the device does not need to scan for and authenticate with different SSIDs as it moves across the network, but can simply switch to the best available AP that shares the same SSID12.
• The other options are not features that will be possible after this new configuration, because they are either unrelated or unaffected by the SSID deployment:

References:

• 1: Wireless LAN Topologies - N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 3.1
• 2: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Full Course for Beginners - Wireless LAN Topologies (3.1)
• 3: Wireless Network Types - N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 3.1
• 4: Wireless Security Protocols - N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 3.2
• [5]: Wireless Technologies - N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 3.3

A business continuity plan (BCP) is a document that outlines the procedures and strategies to ensure the continuity of critical business functions in the event of a disaster or disruption. A BCP is most likely to be associated with identifying and documenting critical applications that are essential for the organization’s operations and recovery. A BCP also defines the roles and responsibilities of the staff, the backup and restore processes, the communication channels, and the testing and maintenance schedules.

References: Network+ Study Guide Objective 5.2: Explain disaster recovery and business continuity concepts.

The situation in which an employee knowingly allows someone access to a restricted area without verifying authentication is called Tailgating. Here’s why:

• Piggybacking (Option A) refers to an unauthorized person following an authorized person into a secure area without their knowledge.
• Shoulder surfing (Option C) involves someone observing sensitive information (such as passwords) by looking over another person’s shoulder.
• Phishing (Option D) is a form of social engineering where attackers deceive individuals into revealing confidential information.

Therefore, the correct answer is B. Tailgating

The solution that the security team is implementing to record the actions of potential attackers in an isolated network is a honeypot. A honeypot is a decoy system that simulates a real network or service, but has no actual value or function. A honeypot is designed to attract and trap attackers who try to infiltrate or compromise the network, and then monitor and analyze their behavior and techniques. A honeypot can help the security team learn about the attackers’ motives, methods, and tools, and improve their defense strategies accordingly. References: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 358; The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide (Exam N10-008), page 14-1.

DEBUG is the log level that provides the most informative log information for troubleshooting a suspected configuration issue. Logging is a feature that allows network devices to record events and messages related to their operation and status. Logging can help network engineers to monitor, diagnose, and resolve network problems. Log levels are categories that indicate the severity or importance of a log message. Different log levels provide different amounts of detail and verbosity. DEBUG is the lowest log level, which means it provides the most detailed and verbose information about every action and event that occurs on a network device. DEBUG can help network engineers to identify configuration errors, misbehaving processes, or unexpected outcomes. However, DEBUG can also generate a lot of noise and overhead, which can affect the performance and availability of the network device. Therefore, DEBUG should be used sparingly and only when necessary. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], Understanding Logging Levels - Cisco

Port 25, by default, should be reserved for SMTP traffic to allow for a new cloud-based email server. SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, which is a network protocol that enables email communication between mail servers and clients. SMTP uses port 25 as its default port for sending and receiving email messages over TCP/IP networks. A cloud-based email server is an email server that is hosted on a cloud service provider’s infrastructure, rather than on-premise or in-house. A cloud-based email server can offer advantages such as scalability, reliability, security, and cost-effectiveness. To allow for a new cloud-based email server, a firewall should be configured to open port 25 for SMTP traffic. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], What Is SMTP? | Mailtrap Blog, Cloud Email Server: What Is It & How Does It Work? | Zoho Mail

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.

• 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.

The best channel for a new wireless access point is one that does not overlap with the existing channels used by other devices. Overlapping channels can cause interference and degrade the performance of the wireless network. According to the web search results, the 2.4 GHz band has 11 channels in the U.S., but only channels 1, 6, and 11 are non-overlapping. Since the existing devices are using channels 1 and 6, the new device should use channel 11 to avoid adjacent-channel interference12

References1: Why Channels 1, 6 and 11? | MetaGeek 2: How to Choose the Best Wi-Fi Channels for Your Network - Lifewire

During the TCP three-way handshake process, the following fields are negotiated:

• A. Sequence number: Initial sequence numbers are established during the handshake to keep track of the segments in the communication.
• C. Window size: This determines the amount of data that can be sent before receiving an acknowledgment.
• G. Acknowledgment number: This confirms receipt of the data and also indicates the next expected byte.

The other options are not negotiated during the three-way handshake:

• B. MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit): This is determined at the network layer and is not negotiated during the handshake.
• D. MSS (Maximum Segment Size): This is communicated during the handshake but not negotiated; it’s declared by the sender to inform the receiver of the maximum segment size it can handle.
• E. TTL (Time To Live): This is set in each IP packet to limit its lifespan and is not negotiated during the handshake.
• F. Flags: Specific flags are used during the handshake (SYN and ACK), but they are not “negotiated” per se.
• H. CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check): This is used for error-checking in frames at the data link layer and is not part of the three-way handshake.

Mike Meyers

"Internet Small Computer Systems Interface (iSCSI) is built on top of TCP/IP, enabling devices that use the SCSI protocol to communicate across existing networks using cheap, readily available hardware."

Jason Dion

"iSCSI (IP Small Computer System Interface)

- Lower cost, built using Ethernet switches (<10 Gbps)

- Relies on configuration allowing jumbo frames over the network"

 When a personal router and switch are installed on a network without proper configuration, they can act as a Rogue DHCP server. This means the router could start assigning IP addresses to devices on the network, which can lead to IP address conflicts and connectivity issues

• The question asks about the best wireless standard for a WLAN project that involves MU-MIMO and dual-band frequencies.
• The answer is not A, because 802.11ac is a wireless standard that supports MU-MIMO, but only operates on the 5GHz frequency band, which does not meet the project requirement of compatibility with 2.4GHz clients.
• The answer is not C, because 802.11g is a wireless standard that operates on the 2.4GHz frequency band, but does not support MU-MIMO, which is a key feature for improving connection performance in high-density areas.
• The answer is not D, because 802.11n is a wireless standard that operates on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, but only supports SU-MIMO (Single-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output), which is less efficient and scalable than MU-MIMO for multiple concurrent connections.
• The answer is B, because 802.11ax is a wireless standard that supports MU-MIMO and operates on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, which meets the project requirements of compatibility and performance. 802.11ax is also known as Wi-Fi 6, and it offers higher data rates, lower latency, and better energy efficiency than previous wireless standards.

References:

• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 3: Network Components, Section 3.1: Network Devices, p. 121
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 3: Network Components, Section 3.2: Wireless Technologies, p. 134
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 3: Network Components, Section 3.2: Wireless Technologies, p. 136
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 3: Network Components, Section 3.2: Wireless Technologies, p. 139

MTBF is the disaster recovery metric that describes the average length of time a piece of equipment can be expected to operate normally. MTBF stands for mean time between failures, which is a measure of the reliability and availability of a device or system. MTBF is calculated by dividing the total operating time by the number of failures that occurred during that time. MTBF indicates how often a device or system fails and how long it can run without interruption. A higher MTBF means a lower failure rate and a longer operational life span. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], What Is Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)? | Definition & Examples | Forcepoint

When a user reports that internet access is not working, it is important to first determine if there have been any recent changes to the network or the user's computer that could have caused the issue. This could include changes to the network configuration, the installation of new software or hardware, or other events that could have impacted the user's ability to access the internet. By determining if anything has changed, the administrator can narrow down the possible causes of the issue and focus on addressing the most likely cause.

Input sanitization is the process of validating and filtering the user input to prevent malicious code or commands from being executed on the web server or the web browser. Input sanitization can prevent this type of attack, which is called cross-site scripting (XSS), by removing or escaping any special characters or scripts that are not expected or allowed in the input field. Input sanitization can be implemented on the server-side or the client-side, or both, to enhance the security of the web application.

References

• 1: Web Application Attacks – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 3.2
• 2: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 317
• 3: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam Subnetting Quiz, question 15
• 4: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Practice Test, question 6

Installing cameras in the server room is the best solution to identify who is responsible for the equipment being moved and misplaced. Cameras provide a way to monitor the server room in real time and can be used to identify suspicious activity. Additionally, they provide a way to review past activity and allow you to review footage to determine who may be responsible for the misplacement of equipment.

The policy that outlines the software and hardware requirements for using personally owned devices to conduct business is BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). BYOD is a practice that allows employees to use their own devices, such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones, to access corporate resources and applications. BYOD can offer benefits such as increased productivity, flexibility, and satisfaction for employees, as well as reduced costs for employers. However, BYOD also poses challenges and risks, such as security, compatibility, and support issues. Therefore, a BYOD policy is needed to define the rules and expectations for using personal devices in a business environment. A BYOD policy typically covers topics such as device eligibility, security requirements, acceptable use, data ownership, privacy, and liability. References: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 362; The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide (Exam N10-008), page 14-2.

DHCP exhaustion is a situation where the DHCP server runs out of available IP addresses to assign to clients. This can happen due to misconfiguration, malicious attacks, or high demand. When a client requests an IP address from the DHCP server and does not receive a response, it may resort to using an APIPA address, which is a self-assigned address in the range of 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.255.254. APIPA addresses are only valid for local communication and cannot access the internet or other networks. Therefore, a workstation showing an APIPA address indicates that it failed to obtain a valid IP address from the DHCP server, most likely due to DHCP exhaustion

An email protection gateway is an appliance that can filter and block malicious emails and attachments before they reach the recipients. An email protection gateway can mitigate the risk of hyperlinks from inbound emails by scanning the links for malicious content, rewriting the links to point to a safe domain, or blocking the links altogether. An email protection gateway can also perform other functions such as spam filtering, antivirus scanning, encryption, and data loss prevention. A DNS server, a proxy server, an endpoint email client, and a sandbox are not appliances that can enable this capability, as they have different purposes and functions.

References

• 1: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 304
• 2: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam Subnetting Quiz, question 15
• 3: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Practice Test, question 5
• 4: Email Protection Gateway – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 3.2

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)

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

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

• The Network Time Protocol (NTP) is a protocol that synchronizes the clocks of network devices and servers over the internet or a local network12. NTP uses a hierarchical system of time sources, where the most accurate and authoritative time servers are at the top level (stratum 0) and lower-level servers (stratum 1 to 15) obtain and distribute time information from them34.
• NTP is essential for creating an accurate timeline during a troubleshooting process, because it ensures that all network devices and servers have the same and correct time settings56. This allows the network administrator to correlate and analyze the logs, events, and alerts from different sources and identify the root cause and impact of the network issues78.
• The other options are not relevant for creating an accurate timeline during a troubleshooting process. The IP helper is a feature that allows a router to forward DHCP requests from clients to a DHCP server on a different network segment9 . The Syslog is a standard for logging and monitoring network events and messages from different devices and applications . The MySQL is a relational database management system that can store and manipulate data from various sources . These options do not affect the time synchronization of the network devices and servers, which is the key factor for creating an accurate timeline.

References:

• 1: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 213
• 2: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 9
• 3: [What is Network Time Protocol (NTP)? - Definition from WhatIs.com]
• 4: [Network Time Protocol (NTP) | CompTIA IT Certifications]
• 5: [Why is NTP Important? | Network Time Foundation]
• 6: [Why NTP is important for network troubleshooting | Network World]
• 7: [How to Troubleshoot Network Problems with NTP and Chrony | Linux Journal]
• 8: [Network Troubleshooting Using NTP | Pluralsight]
• 9: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 216
• : [What is IP Helper? - Definition from Techopedia]
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 217
• : [What is Syslog? - Definition from WhatIs.com]
• : [What is MySQL? - Definition from WhatIs.com]
• : [MySQL | CompTIA IT Certifications]

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

East-west data traffic in a data center refers to the traffic that flows laterally within the data center, typically between servers within the same data center. This type of traffic usually flows between top-of-rack (ToR) switches, which connect multiple servers or devices in the same rack to each other or to other racks without necessarily routing through the core or distribution layers of the network architecture. This is opposed to north-south traffic, which typically flows in and out of the data center to the wider network or internet. Therefore, the correct answer is "top-of-rack switches"​​.

A protocol analyzer is the best way to verify traffic to and from the server. A protocol analyzer, also known as a packet sniffer or network analyzer, is a tool that captures and analyzes the network packets that are sent and received by a device. A protocol analyzer can show the source and destination IP addresses, ports, protocols, and payload of each packet, as well as any errors or anomalies in the network communication. A protocol analyzer can help troubleshoot network connectivity issues by identifying the root cause of the problem, such as misconfigured firewall rules, incorrect routing, or faulty network devices12.

To use a protocol analyzer to verify traffic to and from the server, the customer can follow these steps:

• Install a protocol analyzer tool on a device that is connected to the same network as the server, such as Wireshark3 or Microsoft Network Monitor4.
• Select the network interface that is used to communicate with the server, and start capturing the network traffic.
• Filter the captured traffic by using the IP address or hostname of the server, or by using a specific port or protocol that is used by the database service.
• Analyze the filtered traffic and look for any signs of successful or failed connection attempts, such as TCP SYN, ACK, or RST packets, or ICMP messages.
• If there are no connection attempts to or from the server, then there may be a problem with the network configuration or device settings that prevent the traffic from reaching the server.
• If there are connection attempts but they are rejected or dropped by the server, then there may be a problem with the server configuration or service settings that prevent the traffic from being accepted by the server.

The other options are not the best ways to verify traffic to and from the server. nmap is a tool that can scan a network and discover hosts and services, but it cannot capture and analyze the network packets in detail. ipconfig is a command that can display and configure the IP settings of a device, but it cannot monitor or test the network communication with another device. Speed test is a tool that can measure the bandwidth and latency of a network connection, but it cannot diagnose or troubleshoot specific network problems.

• SSO stands for Single Sign-On, which is a technology that allows users to log in once and access multiple applications without entering their credentials again1.
• SSO simplifies the user experience and enhances security by reducing password fatigue and enforcing password policies1.
• SSO is an example of an identity and access management (IAM) solution that integrates with different authentication methods and protocols2.
• LDAP, EAP, and TACACS+ are not correct answers because they are not authentication methods that allow access to multiple applications after logging on. They are protocols that facilitate authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) functions3.
• LDAP stands for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol, which is a protocol that provides access to directory services that store information about users, groups, and devices3.
• EAP stands for Extensible Authentication Protocol, which is a framework that supports various authentication methods, such as passwords, certificates, tokens, and biometrics3.
• TACACS+ stands for Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System Plus, which is a protocol that provides centralized AAA services for network devices and users3.

References:

• What is SSO? | How single sign-on works
• Single Sign-On - CompTIA Network+ Certification (N10-008): The Total Course
• Network+ (Plus) Certification | CompTIA IT Certifications

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 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​​.

The type of network being described here is a WAN (Wide Area Network). BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is commonly used for routing between different autonomous systems (ASes) over large geographical distances, such as connecting branch offices across states or countries.

• WAN (Wide Area Network): A WAN spans a large geographic area and connects multiple LANs (Local Area Networks) or other networks. It allows communication between distant locations, such as connecting branch offices, data centers, or remote sites. BGP is often used in WANs to exchange routing information between different ASes.
• BGP (Border Gateway Protocol): BGP is an exterior gateway protocol used for routing between autonomous systems (ASes). It enables routers in different ASes to exchange information about network reachability and select optimal paths for data transmission.

The best command for the administrator to run first on the switch is show vlan, which displays the VLAN configuration information on the switch, such as the VLAN IDs, names, and ports. The show vlan command can help the administrator to verify if the printer is assigned to the correct VLAN, and if there is any mismatch or misconfiguration that prevents the printer from being reachable. The show route command displays the routing table on the switch, which is not relevant for the printer connectivity, as the printer is configured with the correct gateway. The show arp command displays the ARP cache on the switch, which maps the IP addresses to the MAC addresses of the devices. The show arp command can help the administrator to check if the switch has learned the MAC address of the printer, but it is not the best command to run first, as the ARP cache can be cleared or updated frequently. The show config command displays the running configuration on the switch, which includes the VLAN configuration, but it also includes other information that is not related to the printer issue, such as the hostname, the interface settings, the security settings, and so on. The show config command can be overwhelming and time-consuming to analyze, so it is not the best command to run first.

References

• 1: VLANs and Trunking – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 2.3
• 2: N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 5.5
• 3: Interface Configurations – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 2.3
• 4: Configuring VLANs – CompTIA Network+ N10-006 – 2.6

• 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

Channel overlap is a situation where multiple wireless networks use the same or adjacent frequency channels, causing interference and degradation of performance. According to the image, the corporate SSID is using channels 9, 10, 11, and 6, which are overlapping with each other and with other networks in the area. This can reduce the signal quality and strength, increase the noise and latency, and cause dropouts and connectivity issues. To avoid channel overlap, it is recommended to use non-overlapping channels, such as 1, 6, and 11, in the 2.4 GHz band, or to switch to the 5 GHz band if possible12.

References

1 - What happens when wifi channels overlap? - Server Fault

2 - Is it better to use a crowded 2.4GHz Wi-Fi channel 1, 6, 11 or “unused” 3, 4, 8, or 9? - Super User

• The address 127.0.0.1 is a special IP address that is used to refer to the local host or the computer itself12.
• This address is also known as the loopback address, because it loops back to the same device without going through any network devices12.
• A network technician can use this address to perform traffic diagnostic tests on a potentially faulty network card, by sending and receiving packets to and from the same device12.
• This way, the technician can check if the network card is functioning properly, without involving any external factors such as network congestion, firewall rules, or routing issues12.
• The address 10.10.10.10 (A) is a private IP address that is used for internal network communication, but it is not a loopback address12.
• The address 192.168.0.1 © is another private IP address that is often used as the default gateway for home routers, but it is also not a loopback address12.
• The address 255.255.255.0 (D) is a subnet mask that is used to define the network and host portions of an IP address, but it is not an IP address itself12. References:
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, Chapter 2: Network Protocols and Services, Section 2.1: TCP/IP, pp. 52-53.
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course, Section 2.1: TCP/IP, Video: Loopback and Link-Local Addresses.

• The firewall rules are set to deny any traffic from any source to specific destination IP addresses on any port.
• The destination IP addresses are in different ranges, but one of them is in the multicast range of 224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.25512.
• The multicast range is used to send data to multiple recipients at once, such as streaming video or audio34.
• The multicast server on the network is likely using an IP address in the multicast range to broadcast its data to the clients.
• Therefore, the firewall rule that is most likely causing the issue is the one that denies any traffic to the IP address 232.1.4.9, which is in the multicast range.
• The other rules are not likely to affect the multicast server, unless it is using one of those IP addresses as well.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 2: Network Protocols and Services, page 51.
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 2.1: Common TCP and UDP Ports, page 15.
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 2: Network Protocols and Services, pages 53-54.
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Training Course, Video 2.1: Common TCP and UDP Ports, 6.

• Channel overlap occurs when two or more wireless access points (APs) use the same or adjacent frequency channels within the same area12. This can cause interference and degradation of the wireless signal quality, resulting in increased latency and packet drops for the Wi-Fi-connected devices12.
• Channel overlap is one of the most common causes of Wi-Fi performance issues, especially in densely populated areas where there are many wireless networks operating in the same spectrum12. The 2.4 GHz band, which is widely used by Wi-Fi devices, has only three non-overlapping channels (1, 6, and 11) in most regions, making it more prone to channel overlap than the 5 GHz band, which has more non-overlapping channels available12.
• To fix channel overlap, network administrators should perform a site survey to identify the existing wireless networks and their channel usage, and then configure their APs to use the least congested or non-overlapping channels12. Alternatively, they can use APs that support automatic channel selection, which can dynamically adjust the channel based on the network conditions12.
• The other options are not the most likely reasons for the issue. Distance from the AP can affect the signal strength and quality, but it does not explain why the issue occurred only after the new company moved in3. Bandwidth latency is a measure of the delay in data transmission, which can be affected by various factors such as network congestion, routing, or quality of service, but it is not a cause of the issue itself4. RF attenuation is the loss of signal power due to distance, obstacles, or interference, which can also affect the Wi-Fi performance, but it is not specific to the scenario described in the question5. Network congestion is the state of high demand and low availability of network resources, which can cause latency and packet loss, but it is not necessarily related to channel overlap6. References:
• 1: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, Chapter 4: Wireless Networks, Section 4.4: Wireless Network Troubleshooting7
• 2: Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Page 25: Wireless Troubleshooting8
• 3: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, Chapter 4: Wireless Networks, Section 4.2: Wireless Network Implementations7
• 4: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, Chapter 2: Network Protocols and Services, Section 2.5: Bandwidth and Latency7
• 5: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, Chapter 4: Wireless Networks, Section 4.1: Wireless Network Fundamentals7
• 6: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, Chapter 3: Routing, Section 3.5: Network Congestion7
• 7: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide2
• 8: Professor Messer’s CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Training Course5

In DNS, the PTR (Pointer) record is used specifically in reverse DNS lookups to map an IP address to a domain name, which is the opposite of the more common forward DNS lookups that map domain names to IP addresses. The PTR record is the principal type of record used in reverse DNS lookups, making it the correct answer. AAAA records store IPv6 addresses, CNAME records are used for aliases, and TXT records hold text information, none of which are primarily used in reverse DNS configurations​​.

• A network interface can drop packets due to various reasons, such as congestion, errors, misconfiguration, or hardware issues.
• OID duplication and MIB mismatch are not likely causes of packet drops, as they are related to SNMP management and monitoring, not to the actual data transmission.
• Encapsulation errors can cause packet drops, but they are usually detected and corrected by the lower layers of the OSI model, such as the data link layer or the physical layer. If the cable and interfaces are in working order, then encapsulation errors are unlikely.
• CPU usage, on the other hand, can directly affect the performance of a network interface, especially if it is integrated with the motherboard or the device. A high CPU usage can indicate that the device is overloaded with processing tasks, such as routing, filtering, encryption, or compression. This can result in packet drops, as the device cannot handle the incoming or outgoing traffic efficiently.
• Therefore, the most likely cause of packet drops in this scenario is CPU usage, and the technician should check the device’s CPU utilization and try to reduce it by optimizing the configuration, upgrading the hardware, or distributing the load to other devices. References:
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, Chapter 5: Network Troubleshooting Methodology and Tools, page 247
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 2.1: Network Interface Metrics, page 17

Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) is a protocol that allows for redundant routers on the network with a single IP address. VRRP works by creating a virtual router that consists of one master router and one or more backup routers. The virtual router has its own IP address and MAC address that are shared among the routers in the group. The master router responds to traffic sent to the virtual router’s IP address, while the backup routers monitor the master router’s status. If the master router fails, one of the backup routers takes over as the new master router and continues to respond to traffic. This way, VRRP provides high availability and fault tolerance for the network. References: https://www.comptia.org/training/books/network-n10-008-study-guide (page 230)

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.

Load balancing is a technique that can be used to provide fault tolerance and high performance while appearing as one URL to users. It is achieved by distributing the workload across multiple servers, which are usually located in different geographical locations. This allows for high performance and fault tolerance, as if one server fails, the other will take its place. Additionally, the multiple servers appear as one URL to the users, eliminating the need for the users to switch between servers.

• A cold site is a recovery solution that provides a physical location with minimal or no equipment, power, or network connectivity. It is the cheapest option among the four choices, but it also requires the most time and effort to restore the applications and data in the event of a disaster12.
• A warm site is a recovery solution that provides a physical location with some equipment, power, and network connectivity, but not enough to run all the applications and data. It is more expensive than a cold site, but it also reduces the recovery time and data loss12.
• A hot site is a recovery solution that provides a physical location with fully functional equipment, power, and network connectivity, as well as a replica of the applications and data. It is the most expensive option among the four choices, but it also offers the fastest recovery time and minimal data loss12.
• A cloud site is a recovery solution that uses a cloud service provider to host the applications and data. It can offer various levels of availability, scalability, and cost, depending on the service model and the service level agreement. It can also reduce the need for physical infrastructure and maintenance13.
• For lower-priority applications, a company may choose a cold site as the most cost-effective recovery solution, as it does not require a large upfront or ongoing investment. However, the company should also consider the trade-off between cost and recovery time, as a cold site may take longer to restore the applications and data than other solutions. The company should also have a backup strategy to ensure that the data can be retrieved from a secure location12. References:
• 1: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, Chapter 11: Network Operations, Section 11.4: Disaster Recovery2
• 2: Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Page 51: Disaster Recovery4
• 3: Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Page 52: Cloud Computing4
• 4: Professor Messer’s CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Training Course5

The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is the difference between the received wireless signal and the noise floor, which is the level of background noise on the spectrum. A high SNR means a good signal quality, while a low SNR means a poor signal quality. The noise floor can be affected by various sources of interference, such as cordless phones, microwaves, radar, etc. To troubleshoot a wireless connection issue caused by a low SNR, the technician should first identify and remove any electronics that might be causing interference in the area. This would improve the SNR and the wireless performance. Running diagnostics on the relevant devices, moving the access point to a different location, or escalating the issue to the vendor’s support team are possible steps to take after removing the interference sources, but not the next step. References:

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and Wireless Signal Strength
• Wireless: SNR, RSSI and Noise basics of wireless troubleshooting
• What is Signal-to-Noise Ratio and How to Measure it
• Network + N10-008 practice exam
• CompTIA N10-008 Free Certification Exam Material
• Free Practice Questions for CompTIA Network+Exam (N10-008)

Port mirroring is a feature that allows a switch to copy the traffic from one or more ports to another port, where a network analyzer or a monitoring device can capture and analyze the traffic. Port mirroring is useful for troubleshooting and security purposes, as it allows the network engineer to see the traffic that is passing through the switch without affecting the normal operation of the network.

References

• 1: Port Mirroring - CompTIA Network+ Certification (N10-008): The Total Course [Video]
• 2: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 5
• 3: CompTIA Network+ N10-005: 2.1 – Port Mirroring - Professor Messer IT Certification Training Courses
• 4: CompTIA Network+ N10-005: 1.4 – Port Mirroring

To achieve a Cat 6a certification for a company’s data cabling, the patch panel needs to be tested along with the cable and the connectors. A patch panel is a device that provides a convenient and flexible way to connect and route circuits for data transmission. It has multiple ports that can be wired to different devices or networks. A patch panel can also support different types of cables and connectors, such as RJ45, LC, or F-type.

A Cat 6a certification means that the cabling system meets the performance requirements of the ANSI/TIA-568.2-D standard for Category 6a, which specifies a bandwidth of up to 500 MHz and a maximum length of 100 meters for twisted-pair copper cables. To achieve this certification, the cabling system must pass a series of tests that measure parameters such as insertion loss, near-end crosstalk (NEXT), return loss, alien crosstalk (AXT), and propagation delay. These tests can be performed using a cable tester or a network analyzer.

The patch panel is an important component of the cabling system because it affects the signal quality and the reliability of the connections. If the patch panel is not properly wired, terminated, or labeled, it can cause errors, interference, or failures in the data transmission. Therefore, the patch panel must be tested along with the cable and the connectors to ensure that the cabling system meets the Cat 6a certification standards.

The other options are not relevant for the Cat 6a certification. RJ11 is a type of connector that is used for telephone lines, not data cabling. LC ports are used for fiber optic cables, not copper cables. F-type connectors are used for coaxial cables, not twisted-pair cables.

References:

https://community.fs.com/article/what-is-a-patch-panel-and-why-use-it.html

https://www.etechnophiles.com/what-is-rj11-pinout-uses/

https://www.fiber-optic-solutions.com/lc-fiber-connector-definition.html

• A captive portal is a web page that requires users to accept an acceptable use policy (AUP) or enter some credentials before they can access the internet or other network resources12. A captive portal can be implemented on a wireless network to ensure users agree to the terms and conditions of the network usage, such as security, privacy, and bandwidth policies34.
• A geofencing is a technology that uses GPS or RFID to define a virtual boundary around a physical location, such as a building or a campus56. Geofencing can be used to restrict or allow access to a wireless network based on the user’s location, but it does not require users to agree to an AUP before connecting78.
• Wireless client isolation is a feature that prevents wireless devices connected to the same access point or wireless network from communicating with each other . Wireless client isolation can enhance the security and privacy of the wireless network, but it does not require users to agree to an AUP before connecting .
• Role-based access control (RBAC) is a method of assigning permissions to users or groups based on their roles and responsibilities . RBAC can be used to enforce the principle of least privilege and limit the access to network resources based on the user’s role, but it does not require users to agree to an AUP before connecting .
• Therefore, the best answer is A. Captive portal, which should be implemented to achieve the goal of ensuring users agree to an AUP before connecting to a wireless network.

References:

• 1: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 491
• 2: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 19
• 3: [What is a Captive Portal? - Definition from Techopedia]
• 4: [Captive Portal | CompTIA IT Certifications]
• 5: [What is Geofencing? - Definition from WhatIs.com]
• 6: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 492
• 7: [Geofencing: What Is It and Why You Should Care | PCMag]
• 8: [Geofencing | CompTIA IT Certifications]
• : [What is Wireless Client Isolation? - Definition from Techopedia]
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 490
• : [How to Enable Wireless Isolation - SmallNetBuilder]
• : [Wireless Client Isolation | CompTIA IT Certifications]
• : [What is Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)? - Definition from Techopedia]
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 472
• : [Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Role-Based Security - Techopedia]
• : [Role-Based Access Control | CompTIA IT Certifications]

• The printer should be on the same subnet as the workstation to communicate.
• If the printer’s IP address and subnet mask do not align with the workstation’s network, it won’t connect.
• Adjusting the printer’s IP address and subnet mask to match the network configuration will likely resolve the issue.

The most likely issue is bottlenecking. Bottlenecking occurs when a component or device limits the performance or capacity of the network. In this case, the IPS (intrusion prevention system) may be causing a bottleneck by inspecting and filtering the incoming and outgoing traffic, which reduces the speed and bandwidth available for the network devices12

To confirm this issue, the network administrator can compare the speed test results before and after installing the IPS, and check the IPS configuration and logs for any errors or warnings. The network administrator can also try to bypass the IPS temporarily and run the speed test again to see if there is any improvement3

If the IPS is indeed the cause of the bottleneck, the network administrator can try to optimize the IPS settings, such as adjusting the inspection rules, thresholds, and priorities, to reduce the processing overhead and latency. Alternatively, the network administrator can upgrade the IPS hardware or software, or add more IPS devices to balance the load and increase the throughput45

1: What is Network Congestion? Common Causes and How to Fix Them? - GeeksforGeeks 2: Network congestion - Wikipedia 3: How to Fix Packet Loss - Lifewire 4: How to Optimize Your IPS Performance - Cisco 5: How to Avoid Network Bottlenecks - TechRepublic

• The firewall logs are the best source of information to determine whether an internal server was accessed by hosts on the internet, as they record all the traffic that passes through the firewall, including the source and destination IP addresses, ports, protocols, and actions taken by the firewall rules.
• The server’s syslog is a file that records events and messages related to the server’s operation, such as system errors, warnings, or notifications. It may not contain information about the network traffic to and from the server, especially if the server was shut down during the investigation.
• The NetFlow statistics are a network protocol that collects and analyzes data about the network traffic flows, such as the volume, type, and direction of the traffic. It can provide useful information about the network performance and utilization, but it may not show the details of the individual packets or the firewall actions.
• The audit logs on the core switch are a record of the configuration changes and commands executed on the switch, such as adding, deleting, or modifying VLANs, ports, or routing protocols. They can help troubleshoot or verify the switch’s operation, but they may not show the network traffic to and from the server.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 7: Network Security, Section 7.2: Network Security Devices and Technologies, p. 372-373
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 5.1: Network Monitoring Tools, p. 51
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Training Course, Video 5.1: Network Monitoring Tools, 12:28-14:02

The best option to install security updates on multiple switches is to use a TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) server and SSH (Secure Shell) connections. A TFTP server is a simple and lightweight file server that can host the update files and transfer them to the switches over the network. SSH is a secure and encrypted protocol that can be used to remotely access and configure the switches. The technician can use SSH to log into each switch, download the update file from the TFTP server, and apply the update. This method is faster and more efficient than using a terminal emulator and a console cable, which would require physical access to each switch and a serial connection. It is also more cost-effective and less disruptive than replacing the switches with new ones. Using a USB memory stick is also possible, but it would still require physical access to each switch and a USB port, which may not be available on all models.

References:

• [CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide], Chapter 5: Network Operations, Section 5.4: Firmware Updates, pp. 283-284
• [Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes], Section 5.4: Firmware Updates, p. 71
• [Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Training Course], Video 5.4: Firmware Updates, 9:07 minutes

Penetration testing is a type of security testing that is used to assess the security of a system or network by actively exploiting known vulnerabilities. It is used to simulate an attack on the system and identify any weaknesses that may be exploited by malicious actors. As stated in the CompTIA Security+ Study Guide, "penetration testing is a type of security assessment that attempts to gain unauthorized access to networks and systems by exploiting security vulnerabilities."

The most likely cause of outages due to newly installed hardware is a misconfiguration of the device settings. Therefore, the first step should be to review the device configuration and check for any errors or inconsistencies that might affect the WAN connectivity.

References: Network+ Study Guide Objective 2.1: Explain the importance of network documentation.

A biometric reader is a device that scans a person’s physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, iris, or face, and compares them to a database of authorized users. A biometric reader can be used to restrict access to a server room and prevent unauthorized entry. A biometric reader provides a high level of security and cannot be easily bypassed or duplicated.

References: Network+ Study Guide Objective 5.1: Summarize the importance of physical security controls.

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

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

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

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

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.

2.4GHz is the wireless frequency that would allow for the least signal attenuation when deploying a low-density wireless network with multiple types of building materials. Signal attenuation is the loss of signal strength or quality as it travels through a medium or over a distance. Signal attenuation can be affected by various factors such as distance, interference, reflection, refraction, diffraction, scattering, or absorption. Generally, lower frequencies have less signal attenuation than higher frequencies because they can penetrate obstacles better and travel farther. Therefore, 2.4GHz would have less signal attenuation than 5GHz, 850MHz, or 900MHz. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless-mobility/wireless-lan-wlan/82068-omni-vs-direct.html

Consistent labeling would be the concept that would best help the technician to confirm which switchport corresponds to the wall jack the PC is using. Consistent labeling is a practice of using standardized and descriptive labels for network devices, ports, cables, jacks, and other components. It can help with identifying, locating, and troubleshooting network issues. For example, a technician can use consistent labeling to trace a cable from a PC to a wall jack, and then from a patch panel to a switchport. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/solutions/Enterprise/Data_Center/DC_Infra2_5/DCInfra_6.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/

A door lock would be the best security device to use to provide mechanical access control to the MDF/IDF. A door lock is a device that prevents unauthorized access to a physical area by requiring a key, a code, a card, a biometric scan, or a combination of these factors to open it. A door lock can provide mechanical access control to the MDF/IDF, which are rooms that house network equipment such as switches, routers, servers, or patch panels. A door lock can prevent unauthorized persons from tampering with or stealing the network equipment or data. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/solutions/Enterprise/Data_Center/DC_Infra2_5/DCInfra_6.html

Clustering is a technique that involves grouping multiple servers or instances together to provide high availability and fault tolerance for a database. Clustering can help improve the availability of a SQL database by allowing automatic failover and load balancing between the cluster nodes. If one node fails or becomes overloaded, another node can take over the database operations without disrupting the service. References: https://www.educba.com/sql-cluster/

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.

The default gateway is the setting that the user most likely misconfigured on the PC that caused it to be unable to access websites by both FQDN and IP. The default gateway is a device, usually a router or a firewall, that connects a local network to other networks such as the Internet. It acts as an intermediary between devices on different networks and forwards packets based on their destination IP addresses. If the default gateway is not configured correctly on a PC, it will not be able to communicate with devices outside its local network, such as web servers or DNS servers. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/ip/routing-information-protocol-rip/16448-default-gateway.html

The antenna type affects the signal strength and coverage of a WAP. Different types of antennas have different radiation patterns and gain, which determine how far and wide the signal can reach. If the user experiences a weak signal in one direction but a strong signal in the opposite direction, it could mean that the antenna type is not suitable for the desired coverage area. The technician should consider changing the antenna type to one that has a more balanced or directional radiation pattern. References: https://community.cisco.com/t5/wireless-small-business/wap200-poor-signal-strength/td-p/1565796

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

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

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

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

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts user data and demands a ransom for its decryption. Ransomware can prevent users from accessing their files and applications, and cause data loss or corruption. A proper backup implementation is essential to recover from a ransomware attack, as it can help restore the encrypted data without paying the ransom or relying on the attackers’ decryption key. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-ransomware

Quality of service (QoS) is a mechanism that prioritizes network traffic based on different criteria, such as application type, source and destination address, port number, etc., and allocates bandwidth and resources accordingly. QoS would best improve performance for video conferencing, as it would ensure that video traffic gets higher priority and lower latency than other types of traffic on the network. Packet shaping is a technique that controls the rate or volume of network traffic by delaying or dropping packets that exceed certain thresholds or violate certain policies, which may not improve performance for video conferencing if it causes packet loss or jitter. Port mirroring is a technique that copies traffic from one port to another port on a switch for monitoring or analysis purposes, which does not improve performance for video conferencing at all. Load balancing is a technique that distributes network traffic across multiple servers or devices for improved availability and scalability, which does not

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.

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/

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

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

The firewall administrator is implementing a PAT (Port Address Translation) rule that directs HTTP traffic to an internal server listening on a non-standard socket. PAT is a type of NAT (Network Address Translation) that allows multiple devices to share a single public IP address by using different port numbers. PAT can also be used to redirect traffic from one port to another port on the same or different IP address. This can be useful for security or load balancing purposes. For example, a firewall administrator can configure a PAT rule that redirects HTTP traffic (port 80) from the public IP address of the firewall to an internal server that listens on a non-standard port (such as 8080) on its private IP address. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/ip/network-address-translation-nat/13772-12.html

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

A reservation is a feature of DHCP that assigns a specific 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, regardless of its location or connection time. A network administrator can set up a reservation for each loT device to accomplish the requirements of reducing manual configuration, assigning a specific IP address, and allowing devices to move to different switchports on the same VLAN. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-dhcp

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.

The default credentials are the username and password that come with a device or service when it is first installed or configured. They are often easy to guess or find online, which makes them vulnerable to unauthorized access or attacks. The default credentials should be changed to something unique and strong as soon as possible to avoid this situation. If the default credentials were not changed, someone could have accessed the SOHO router and changed the WiFi settings without the employees’ knowledge. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/network-security-basics-6-easy-ways-to-protect-your-network

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.

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.

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

netstat -a is a command that displays information about active TCP connections and listening ports on a system. A network administrator can use netstat -a to check if the database engine is listening on a certain port, as well as verify if there are any connections established to or from that port. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-netstat

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

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

 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

 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 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

RG-6 is a type of coaxial cable that is commonly used by cable companies to provide Internet access from the demarcation point back to the central office. It has a thicker conductor and better shielding than RG-59, which is another type of coaxial cable. Multimode and Cat 5e are types of fiber optic and twisted pair cables respectively, which are not typically used by cable companies. Cat 6 and 100BASE-T are standards for twisted pair cables, not types of cabling.

A damaged cable is most likely the cause of the desktop not connecting to the network. A damaged cable can cause physical layer issues such as loss of signal, attenuation, interference, or crosstalk. These issues can prevent the desktop from establishing a link with the switch and result in the LED status light on the switchport being off. Other possible causes of physical layer issues are faulty connectors, ports, or transceivers. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/lan-switching/ethernet/14119-37.html

 A UTM appliance stands for Unified Threat Management appliance, which is a device that combines multiple security functions into one solution. A UTM appliance can provide firewall, IDS/IPS, antivirus, VPN, web filtering, and other security features. A network technician can use a UTM appliance in place of an edge firewall and an IDS to prevent future attacks, as a UTM appliance can block malicious traffic and detect and respond to intrusions more effectively. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-utm

An omni antenna should be used by the AP to provide service in a radius surrounding a radio. An omni antenna is a type of antenna that has a 360-degree horizontal radiation pattern. It can provide wireless coverage in all directions from the antenna with varying degrees of vertical coverage. It is suitable for indoor environments where users are located around the AP1. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless-mobility/wireless-lan-wlan/82068-omni-vs-direct.html  1

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

Role-based access is a security capability that assigns permissions to users based on their roles or functions within an organization. It allows the network administrator to maintain these permissions with the least administrative effort, as they only need to configure the security groups for each role once and then assign users to those groups. Mandatory access control is a security capability that assigns permissions based on security labels or classifications, which requires more administrative effort to maintain. User-based permissions are a security capability that assigns permissions to individual users, which is not scalable or efficient for large organizations. Least privilege is a security principle that states that users should only have the minimum level of access required to perform their tasks, which is not a security capability by itself.

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

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.