N10-008 CompTIA Network+ Exam Questions and Answers

"Benefits of Voice VLAN

It ensures that your VoIP (Voice over Internet Phone) devices do not have to contend directly with all the broadcasts and other traffic from the data VLAN. A voice VLAN can simplify network configuration in some circumstances."

https://community.fs.com/blog/auto-voip-vs-voice-vlan-what-s-the-difference.html

Jumbo Frames

"When jumbo frames on a VoIP/UC network are enabled, it can cause the same kind of delay to your network transmissions."

"VoIP uses will always not benefit from jumbo frame, as VoIP like gaming, is latency and time sensitive. Jumbo Frame for Internet Purpose: You will not see any performance boost as the files that came across the internet does not support jumbo frame."

https://www.ankmax.com/newsinfo/1358641.html#:~:text=VoIP%20uses%20will%20always%20not,does%20not%20support%20jumbo%20frame.

"To summarize this general best practice guide, you should NOT enable jumbo frame feature as a general home user."

The technician should be most concerned about data integrity and security. If information on the local database server was changed during a file transfer to a remote server, it could indicate that unauthorized access or modifications were made to the data. It could also indicate a failure in the file transfer process, which could result in data loss or corruption. The technician should investigate the cause of the changes and take steps to prevent it from happening again in the future. Additionally, they should verify the integrity of the data and restore it from a backup if necessary to ensure that the correct and complete data is available. The technician should also take appropriate actions such as notifying the system administrator and management of the incident, and following the incident management process to minimize the damage caused by the incident.

Jumbo frames are Ethernet frames that can carry more than the standard 1,500 bytes of payload data. Jumbo frames can support payloads of up to 9,000 bytes, depending on the network device and configuration. Jumbo frames can improve network performance by reducing the overhead of packet headers and increasing the efficiency of data transmission. Jumbo frames can also reduce the CPU utilization of the sender and receiver devices, as they require fewer interrupts and processing cycles. However, jumbo frames also have some drawbacks, such as increased latency, fragmentation, and compatibility issues. Therefore, jumbo frames should be used with caution and only in networks that support them end-to-end.

A technician who is configuring a bandwidth-monitoring tool that supports payloads of 1,600 bytes should enable jumbo frames for this tool, as this would allow the tool to capture and analyze more data per frame and provide more accurate and detailed results. However, the technician should also ensure that the network devices and interfaces that the tool is connected to also support jumbo frames, and that the MTU (maximum transmission unit) is set to the same value across the network path.

ReferencesWhat are Jumbo Frames?How to Enable Jumbo FramesCompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition (Exam N10-008)

Wireless AC is a wireless standard that supports up to 1.3Gbps data rate and operates in the 5GHz frequency band only. Wireless AC is also backward compatible with wireless A and N devices that use the 5GHz band. Wireless AC is suitable for high-performance applications such as HD video streaming and online gaming. References: Network+ Study Guide Objective 2.2: Explain the purposes and properties of routing and switching. Subobjective: Wireless standards and their characteristics.

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

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

The appropriate next step in this situation would be to check for the existence of a known exploit in order to assess the risk. This is important because it will help the network administrator determine the severity of the vulnerability and the potential impact it could have on the organization. Once the network administrator has assessed the risk, they can then take appropriate action to address the vulnerability. This might include patching the application, deploying a new server to host the application, or implementing other security measures to mitigate the risk. It is generally not advisable to immediately shut down the vulnerable application server, as this could disrupt business operations and cause significant downtime. Similarly, installing a network access control agent on the server may not be the most effective solution, as it would not address the underlying vulnerability.

The application layer of the OSI model (Open Systems Interconnection) is responsible for providing services to applications that allow users to access and download files from a remote computer. These services include file transfer, email, and web access, as well as other related services. In order for a user to access and download files from a remote computer, the application layer must provide the necessary services that allow the user to interact with the remote computer.

• The OSI model is a conceptual framework that divides the communication process into seven layers: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, and Application1.
• Each layer has a specific function and interacts with the adjacent layers. The lower layers deal with the physical transmission of data, while the higher layers deal with the logical representation and processing of data1.
• UDP stands for User Datagram Protocol, which is a connectionless and unreliable protocol that provides fast and efficient data transfer2.
• UDP operates at the transport layer, which is the fourth layer of the OSI model. The transport layer is responsible for providing end-to-end communication between applications, ensuring reliable and ordered delivery of data, and managing flow control and congestion avoidance3.
• The transport layer uses port numbers to identify different applications and services, and encapsulates the data from the upper layers into segments or datagrams. UDP uses datagrams, which are simple packets that contain a source port, a destination port, a length, a checksum, and the data payload2.
• A technician would view UDP information at the transport layer, because this is where UDP adds its header and performs its functions. UDP information includes the source and destination ports, the length and checksum of the datagram, and the data payload2. References:
• 1: The OSI Model – The 7 Layers of Networking Explained in Plain English
• 2: User Datagram Protocol
• 3: OSI model - Wikipedia

Fibre Channel is a high-speed network technology that is mainly used for storage area networks (SANs). It provides reliable and secure data transfer between servers and storage devices, such as disk arrays, tape libraries, and optical jukeboxes. It uses protocols such as SCSI, FCP, and FICON to transport data over optical fiber or copper cables678

Fibre Channel transceivers are devices that convert electrical signals to optical signals and vice versa, and allow Fibre Channel devices to communicate over different media types and distances. They are usually pluggable modules that fit into standard ports on Fibre Channel switches, adapters, and storage devices. They have different specifications and standards, such as SFP, SFP+, QSFP, and CFP, depending on the data rate, wavelength, and cable type they support.

8 Gbps transceivers are Fibre Channel transceivers that support a data rate of 8 gigabits per second, which is also known as Fibre Channel-8G or 8GFC. They are typically SFP+ modules that use 850 nm wavelength and multimode fiber for short-reach applications, or 1310 nm wavelength and single-mode fiber for long-reach applications. They can support cable distances up to 10 km or 40 km, depending on the fiber type and quality.

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.”

• The question asks about the option that is used to provide disaster recovery capabilities to spin up critical devices using internet resources.
• Disaster recovery is the process of restoring normal operations after a disruptive event, such as a natural disaster, a cyberattack, or a power outage. Disaster recovery involves planning, testing, and implementing strategies to minimize downtime and data loss.
• One of the strategies for disaster recovery is to use a cloud site, which is a virtualized environment that can be accessed over the internet. A cloud site can provide on-demand resources, scalability, and flexibility for disaster recovery purposes. A cloud site can also reduce the cost and complexity of maintaining a physical backup site.
• Therefore, the answer is A, a cloud site, as it can provide disaster recovery capabilities to spin up critical devices using internet resources.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 5: Network Operations, Section 5.3: Disaster Recovery Concepts and Processes, Pages 279-280
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course, Video 5.3: Disaster Recovery Concepts and Processes, Part 2
• Network + N10-008 practice exam, Question 978, Answer A, Explanation

DNS (Domain Name System) is a service that translates domain names into IP addresses. Corporate intranet websites are usually hosted on private IP addresses that are not accessible from the public internet. Therefore, the user’s laptop needs to use the correct DNS server that can resolve the intranet domain names to the private IP addresses. If the user changed the network parameters at the airport and did not revert them back, the laptop might be using a public DNS server that does not have the records for the intranet websites. This would cause the user to access all internet websites but not corporate intranet websites.

References:

• An Overview of DNS - N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 1.61
• DNS Configuration – CompTIA A+ 220-11012
• CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 53

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

The distribution layer is the layer that connects the access layer to the core layer in a hierarchical network design. The distribution layer is responsible for routing, filtering, and policy enforcement between the LAN and the WAN. A router is a layer 3 device that can perform these functions and connect to different WAN technologies.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 151
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, Deluxe Edition, page 322
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam Cram, page 233

STP stands for Spanning Tree Protocol, which is a network protocol that prevents loops in a switched network by blocking redundant links. STP allows only one active path between any two network devices, and dynamically reconfigures the network topology in case of link failures or changes. STP is essential for proper stability of the network switches, especially when they are cabled in a redundant or complex topology that involves multiple switches and firewalls. Without STP, loops can cause broadcast storms, MAC address table instability, and duplicate frames, which can degrade the network performance and availability. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) Explained | NetworkLessons.com

QSFP+ is a type of transceiver that supports 40 gigabit Ethernet (40GbE) over four lanes of 10 gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) each. QSFP+ stands for quad small form-factor pluggable plus, and it is a compact and hot-swappable module that plugs into a QSFP+ port on a network device. QSFP+ transceivers can support various types of cables and connectors, such as direct attach copper (DAC), active optical cable (AOC), or fiber optic cable.

Multimode is a type of fiber optic cable that supports multiple modes of light propagation within the core. Multimode fiber optic cable can carry higher bandwidth and data rates than single-mode fiber optic cable, but over shorter distances. Multimode fiber optic cable is commonly used for short-reach applications, such as within a data center or a campus network. Multimode fiber optic cable can be paired with QSFP+ transceivers to achieve 40GbE connectivity.

The other options are not correct because they do not support 40GbE. They are:

• SFP+. SFP+ is a type of transceiver that supports 10 gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) over a single lane. SFP+ stands for small form-factor pluggable plus, and it is a compact and hot-swappable module that plugs into an SFP+ port on a network device. SFP+ transceivers can support various types of cables and connectors, such as direct attach copper (DAC), active optical cable (AOC), or fiber optic cable. However, SFP+ transceivers cannot support 40GbE by themselves, unless they are used in a breakout configuration with a QSFP+ transceiver.
• SFP. SFP is a type of transceiver that supports 1 gigabit Ethernet (1GbE) over a single lane. SFP stands for small form-factor pluggable, and it is a compact and hot-swappable module that plugs into an SFP port on a network device. SFP transceivers can support various types of cables and connectors, such as twisted-pair copper, coaxial cable, or fiber optic cable. However, SFP transceivers cannot support 40GbE by themselves, unless they are used in a breakout configuration with a QSFP+ transceiver.
• Cat 6a. Cat 6a is a type of twisted-pair copper cable that supports 10 gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) over distances up to 100 meters. Cat 6a stands for category 6 augmented, and it is an enhanced version of Cat 6 cable that offers better performance and reduced crosstalk. Cat 6a cable can be paired with 10Gbase-T transceivers to achieve 10GbE connectivity. However, Cat 6a cable cannot support 40GbE by itself, unless it is used in a breakout configuration with a QSFP+ transceiver.
• Cat 5e. Cat 5e is a type of twisted-pair copper cable that supports 1 gigabit Ethernet (1GbE) over distances up to 100 meters. Cat 5e stands for category 5 enhanced, and it is an improved version of Cat 5 cable that offers better performance and reduced crosstalk. Cat 5e cable can be paired with 1000base-T transceivers to achieve 1GbE connectivity. However, Cat 5e cable cannot support 40GbE by itself, unless it is used in a breakout configuration with a QSFP+ transceiver.

References1: QSFP+ - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics2: Multimode Fiber - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics3: Network+ (Plus) Certification | CompTIA IT Certifications4: SFP+ - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics5: SFP - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics6: Cat 6a - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics7: [Cat 5e - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics]

IPSec is a protocol that provides secure communication between two networks or hosts over an untrusted network, such as the Internet. IPSec uses encryption and authentication to protect the data from eavesdropping, tampering, and replay attacks. IPSec also supports pre-shared key (PSK) as one of the methods for initial authentication between the peers

• The question asks about the least amount of equipment to segment two departments that have cables terminating in the same room.
• Segmentation is the process of dividing a network into smaller logical units for security, performance, or management purposes.
• One way to segment a network is by using VLANs (virtual LANs), which are logical groups of devices that share the same broadcast domain, regardless of their physical location or connection.
• VLANs can be configured on switches that support Layer 2 or Layer 3 functionality. Layer 2 switches operate at the data link layer and forward frames based on MAC addresses. Layer 3 switches operate at the network layer and forward packets based on IP addresses.
• A Layer 3 switch can perform both Layer 2 and Layer 3 functions, and can also route traffic between different VLANs without the need for an external router. This makes it a versatile and efficient device for network segmentation.
• Therefore, the answer is C, a Layer 3 switch, as it can segment two departments with the least amount of equipment.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 2: Network Devices and Technologies, Section 2.1: Network Devices, Pages 74-75
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course, Video 2.1: Network Devices, Part 1
• Network + N10-008 practice exam, Question 977, Answer C, Explanation

The network troubleshooting methodology is a systematic process of identifying and resolving network problems. It consists of eight steps: 

1. Identify the problem.

2. Establish a theory of probable cause.

3. Test the theory to determine the cause.

4. Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and identify potential effects.

5. Implement the solution or escalate as necessary.

6. Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive measures.

7. Document findings, actions, and outcomes.

8. Write the lessons learned.

The last step, writing the lessons learned, is important for improving the network troubleshooting skills and knowledge. It involves reviewing the entire troubleshooting process, analyzing the root cause of the problem, evaluating the effectiveness of the solution, and identifying any best practices, tips, or tools that can be used for future reference. Writing the lessons learned can also help to update the network documentation, policies, and procedures, and share the experience and feedback with other network professionals

An AAAA record is a type of DNS record that maps a domain name to an IPv6 address. It is similar to an A record, which maps a domain name to an IPv4 address, but it uses a 128-bit address instead of a 32-bit one. An AAAA record allows a domain name to be resolved by both IPv4 and IPv6 clients, and it is necessary for accessing websites and services that use IPv6.

A broadcast storm is a situation where a network is flooded with broadcast packets, which are sent to all devices on the network. This can consume bandwidth, cause congestion, and degrade performance. A broadcast storm can be caused by improper network configurations, such as loops or misconfigured switches. In this scenario, the old switches may have created loops or failed to filter broadcast packets, resulting in a broadcast storm that overwhelmed the network.

References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 7.0 (N10-007), Objective 2.4: Given a scenario, use appropriate software tools to troubleshoot connectivity issues.

A protocol analyzer is a tool that can capture and analyze network traffic and identify security issues such as unauthorized devices, malicious packets, or misconfigured settings.

A Wi-Fi analyzer is a tool that can measure the signal strength, interference, and channel usage of wireless networks, but it cannot provide detailed information about network security.

Nmap and IP scanner are tools that can scan network hosts and ports for open services, vulnerabilities, or operating systems, but they cannot monitor network traffic in real time.

• 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

https://www.practicalnetworking.net/stand-alone/routing-between-vlans/#:~:text=A%20router%20will%20perform%20the,to%20communicate%20with%20one%20another .

PAT (Port Address Translation) is a type of Network Address Translation (NAT) that allows multiple devices to share a single public IP address by using different port numbers. PAT enables devices to access the internet without exposing their private IP addresses. A router is a device that can perform PAT by translating the source IP address and port number of outgoing packets and the destination IP address and port number of incoming packets. A Layer 3 switch is a device that can perform basic routing functions by using IP addresses, but it cannot perform PAT or other advanced routing features that a router can.

The cable type that the technician created is a crossover cable. A crossover cable is a type of twisted-pair cable that has the transmit and receive pairs reversed on one end. A crossover cable is used to connect two devices of the same type, such as two switches or two computers, without using a hub or a switch. A crossover cable can be made by crimping one end of the cable with TIA/EIA-568A standard and the other end with TIA/EIA-568B standard, or vice versa. These standards define the color coding and pin assignments for RJ-45 connectors on twisted-pair cables. References: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 53; The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide (Exam N10-008), page 2-4.

"WPA uses Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) for enhanced encryption. TKIP uses RC4 for the encryption algorithm, and the CompTIA Network+ exam may reference TKIP-RC4 in a discussion of wireless."

" WPA2 uses Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code

Protocol (CCMP) for integrity checking and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for encryption. On the Network+ exam, you might find this referenced as simply CCMP-AES"

A full-tunnel VPN is a type of virtual private network (VPN) that encrypts and routes all the traffic from the remote device to the corporate network, regardless of the destination or protocol. This provides a secure connection for the remote employees to access the corporate resources, as well as inspect and control the internet access through the corporate firewall and proxy servers. A full-tunnel VPN also prevents any leakage of sensitive data or exposure to malicious attacks from the public internet. A full-tunnel VPN is more secure than a split-tunnel VPN, which only encrypts and routes the traffic destined for the corporate network, while allowing the traffic for other destinations to bypass the VPN and use the local internet connection. A site-to-site VPN is a type of VPN that connects two or more networks, such as branch offices or data centers, over the internet. It is not suitable for connecting individual remote employees to the corporate network. SSH stands for Secure Shell, and it is a protocol that allows secure remote login and command execution over an encrypted channel. It is not a type of VPN, and it does not provide controlled internet access. References: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, Chapter 5, Section 5.3

SaaS stands for Software as a Service and is a cloud computing model where software applications are hosted and delivered over the internet by a service provider. SaaS can help the company cut the overall cost of its IT budget by eliminating the need to purchase, install, update, and maintain various computer programs on its own devices. The company can access the programs on an as-needed basis and pay only for what it uses. Multitenancy is a feature of cloud computing where multiple customers share the same physical or virtual resources. IaaS stands for Infrastructure as a Service and is a cloud computing model where computing resources such as servers, storage, and networking are provided over the internet by a service provider. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection over a public network.

References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 7.0 (N10-007), Objective 1.9: Compare and contrast common network service types.

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."

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

References:

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

The transport layer is the fourth layer of the OSI model, and it is responsible for end-to-end delivery of data over a network. It uses standard protocols such as TCP, UDP, and DCCP to enhance its functionalities. One of the main functions of the transport layer is to ensure that messages are transmitted to their destinations reliably and in the correct order. It also prevents data duplication by using sequence numbers, acknowledgments, and retransmission mechanisms

• The netstat -n command displays active TCP connections, but addresses and port numbers are expressed numerically and no attempt is made to determine names12. This option can be useful for checking the output in integer form, as well as for avoiding possible delays caused by name resolution12.
• The netstat command without any parameters displays active TCP connections, but addresses and port numbers are resolved to their corresponding names, such as hostnames and service names12. This option can be less informative and more time-consuming than the -n option12.
• The netstat -a command displays all active TCP connections and the TCP and UDP ports on which the computer is listening12. This option can be useful for checking the availability and status of ports, but it does not show the output in integer form12.
• The netstat -e command displays Ethernet statistics, such as the number of bytes and packets sent and received12. This option can be useful for checking the network performance and utilization, but it does not show the network connections or their addresses and port numbers12.

References:

• 1: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 5: Network Tools and Troubleshooting
• 2: netstat | Microsoft Learn
• : 28 Netstat Commands {A Comprehensive List With Examples} - phoenixNAP
• : How to Use the Netstat Command - Lifewire

A duplicate IP address occurs when two devices on the same network have the same IP address assigned to them. This can cause intermittent connection issues, as the network devices may not be able to distinguish between the two conflicting devices. A duplicate IP address can be caused by a visitor manually configuring a static IP address that is already in use by another device on the guest network. The network IP range of 192.168.1.0/28 has only 14 usable host addresses, so the chances of a duplicate IP address are higher than a larger network.

References

• 1: Troubleshooting IP Configurations – CompTIA Network+ N10-006 – 4.6
• 2: Troubleshooting Duplicate IP Addresses - CompTIA Network+ N10-005: 2.5
• 3: Network Address Translation – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 1.4

The data link layer is responsible for defining the format of data on the network and providing physical transmission of data. Devices that operate at this layer include switches and network interface cards (NICs). Encapsulations that are used at this layer include frames, which are units of data that contain a header, payload, and trailer. Frames are used to identify the source and destination of data on the network and to perform error detection. References: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 9; The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide (Exam N10-008), page 1-6.

According to the CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, the first step in the troubleshooting process is to identify the problem. This involves gathering information, understanding the symptoms, and clarifying the exact nature of the issue before proceeding to other steps like establishing theories or testing them1.

References: 1: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide - Chapter 15: Network Troubleshooting Methodology2

Duplex settings determine how data is transmitted and received over a network. If the devices have inconsistent duplex settings, such as half-duplex and full-duplex, they may experience performance issues, collisions, and errors. To troubleshoot the issue, the technicians should check the devices’ duplex settings and make sure they match the network’s configuration.

References:

• Gigabit Ethernet does not work - Microsoft Community1
• Network Tests: Are We Getting Gigabit Performance? - Tom’s Hardware2
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam Objectives

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

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

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

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

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

• BGP stands for Border Gateway Protocol, and it is the standard protocol for exchanging routing information between different autonomous systems (AS) on the internet12. An AS is a network or a group of networks under a single administrative control, such as an ISP or a large enterprise12.
• BGP is an Exterior Gateway Protocol (EGP), which means it is used to communicate with routers outside the local network or AS12. BGP allows each AS to advertise its own routes and policies to other ASes, and to learn the best routes to reach any destination on the internet12.
• BGP is generally used by major ISPs for handling large-scale internet traffic because it is highly scalable, flexible, and reliable12. BGP can handle millions of routes and thousands of ASes, and it can support various routing policies and preferences12. BGP also has mechanisms to detect and avoid routing loops, and to recover from network failures12.
• The other options are not suitable for handling large-scale internet traffic across different ASes. RIP (Routing Information Protocol) and EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol) are both Distance Vector protocols, which means they use the number of hops as the metric to find the best route34. They are also Interior Gateway Protocols (IGP), which means they are used to communicate with routers within the same network or AS34. RIP and EIGRP are not scalable or flexible enough to handle the complexity and diversity of the internet34. OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is a Link State protocol, which means it uses the speed and cost of the links as the metric to find the best route5. It is also an IGP, which means it is used to communicate with routers within the same network or AS5. OSPF is more scalable and flexible than RIP and EIGRP, but it still has limitations in handling large-scale internet traffic across different ASes5. References:
• 1: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, Chapter 3: Routing, Section 3.4: BGP6
• 2: Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Page 18: BGP7
• 3: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, Chapter 3: Routing, Section 3.2: RIP and EIGRP6
• 4: Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Page 16: RIP and EIGRP7
• 5: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, Chapter 3: Routing, Section 3.3: OSPF6
• 6: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide2
• 7: Professor Messer’s CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Training Course5

This is the port number for HTTPS, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. HTTPS is a secure version of HTTP, which is the protocol used to communicate between web browsers and web servers. HTTPS encrypts the data sent and received using SSL/TLS, which are cryptographic protocols that provide authentication, confidentiality, and integrity. HTTPS is commonly used for online transactions, such as banking and shopping, where security and privacy are important

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

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

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

The other options are not likely to cause the issue:

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

References:

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

• A basic service set (BSS) is a group of wireless devices that share the same service set identifier (SSID) and communicate with each other through a single access point (AP). A BSS is also known as an infrastructure mode network1.
• An extended service set (ESS) is a group of two or more BSSs that are connected by a distribution system (DS), such as a switch or a router. An ESS allows wireless devices to roam between different APs and maintain network connectivity. An ESS is also known as a wireless LAN (WLAN)2.
• An independent basic service set (IBSS) is a group of wireless devices that communicate with each other directly without using an AP or a DS. An IBSS is also known as an ad hoc network or a peer-to-peer network3.
• MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) is a technology that allows an AP to transmit data to multiple wireless devices simultaneously using multiple antennas and spatial streams. MU-MIMO can improve the network efficiency and performance by reducing the waiting time and increasing the throughput4.
• The scenario described in the question is an example of an IBSS, as the two laptops are connected directly to each other using 802.11ac without an AP. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

References:

• 1: BSS
• 2: ESS
• 3: IBSS
• 4: MU-MIMO

Hub-and-spoke is a network topology where each node connects to a central switching device, such as a hub or a switch. All traffic between the nodes must pass through the central device, which acts as a single point of communication and control. Hub-and-spoke topology is simple, easy to manage, and cost-effective, but it also has drawbacks, such as low redundancy, high latency, and scalability issues.

References:

• Network Topologies – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 1.21
• CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 92

• OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is a link-state routing protocol that is widely used in large-scale enterprise networks to support complex networks with multiple routers and balance traffic load on multiple links12. OSPF uses the Dijkstra algorithm to calculate the shortest path to each destination based on link cost, which can be influenced by bandwidth, delay, reliability, and load12. OSPF also supports hierarchical routing, which divides the network into areas and reduces the amount of routing information exchanged and processed12.
• RIPv2 (Routing Information Protocol version 2) is a distance-vector routing protocol that is mainly used in small to medium-sized networks with simple topologies and low bandwidth requirements12. RIPv2 uses hop count as the metric to determine the best path to each destination, and has a maximum hop count of 15, which limits its scalability12. RIPv2 also suffers from slow convergence, routing loops, and high bandwidth consumption due to periodic updates12.
• QoS (Quality of Service) is not a routing protocol, but a set of techniques and mechanisms that prioritize and manage network traffic according to different parameters, such as bandwidth, delay, jitter, packet loss, and application type13. QoS can enhance the performance and reliability of network services, especially for real-time and interactive applications, such as voice and video13. QoS can be implemented at different layers of the network, such as the application, transport, network, and data link layers13.
• STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) is not a routing protocol, but a network protocol that prevents loops and ensures redundancy in switched networks by creating a logical tree topology and blocking or enabling links based on their role and state1 . STP can also dynamically adjust to network changes, such as link failures or additions, by recalculating the tree and switching the link states accordingly1 . STP operates at the data link layer and uses bridge protocol data units (BPDUs) to exchange information among switches1 .

References:

• 1: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 3: Routing and Switching
• 2: Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Page 32: Routing Protocols
• 3: Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Page 36: Quality of Service
• : Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Page 38: Spanning Tree Protocol

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

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.

The technician was identifying the problem by gathering information with this note. This is the first step of the troubleshooting methodology, which is a systematic process of finding and resolving issues in a network or system. By gathering information, the technician can understand the symptoms, scope, and impact of the problem, as well as collect relevant data from various sources, such as users, logs, tools, or documentation. The note shows that the technician was asking questions to the user, checking the network status and configuration, and reviewing previous tickets to gather information about the problem. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], Troubleshooting Methodology - CompTIA Network+ N10-007 - 1.4 | Professor Messer IT Certification Training Courses

The most appropriate shortened version of the IPv6 address ef82:0000:00O0:000O:0O00:1ab1:1234:1bc2 is ef82::1ab1:1234:1bc2. IPv6 addresses are 128-bit hexadecimal values that are divided into eight groups of 16 bits each, separated by colons. IPv6 addresses can be shortened by using two rules: omitting leading zeros within each group, and replacing one or more consecutive groups of zeros with a double colon (::). Only one double colon can be used in an address. Applying these rules to the given address results in ef82::1ab1:1234:1bc2. References: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 114; The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide (Exam N10-008), page 5-7.

 Logging level is a setting that determines what types of events are recorded by a device and sent to a syslog server. Different logging levels have different severity levels, ranging from emergency to debug. If the technician performed a manual reconfiguration of the firewall, it is possible that the logging level was changed or reset to a lower level that does not include the connection events that were previously sent to the syslog server. To fix the issue, the technician should adjust the proper logging level on the new firewall to match the desired level of detail and severity for the connection events. References: Network+ Study Guide Objective 3.4: Explain common scanning, monitoring and patching processes and summarize their expected outputs. Subobjective: Syslog.

A toner is a tool that generates an audible signal that can be traced by a probe. A network technician can use a toner to identify the appropriate patch panel port by connecting the toner to one end of the patch cord and using the probe to scan the patch panel until the signal is detected. A toner is the easiest way to identify the patch panel port when the patch panel is not labeled, as it does not require a laptop, a cable tester, or a visual fault locator. A toner can also be used to locate breaks or shorts in a cable, or to verify continuity.

References:

• Using a Toner and Probe - CompTIA Network+ Certification (N10-008): The Total Course Video
• CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 141

A reservation for the server based on the MAC address means that the DHCP server will assign a specific IP address to the file server every time it requests one, based on its MAC address. This way, the file server will have a consistent IP address that users can access, without the need to manually configure it or use a separate scope. A reservation also ensures that the IP address of the file server will not be given to any other device by the DHCP server

A hybrid cloud deployment model is a combination of on-premise and cloud solutions, where some resources are hosted in-house and some are hosted by a cloud provider. A hybrid cloud model can offer the benefits of both public and private clouds, such as scalability, cost-efficiency, security, and control12. A hybrid cloud model can also reduce the impact for users, as they can access the key services from the on-site data center and the enterprise services from the cloud

A break in the cable means that there is no electrical continuity between the two ends of the cable, which prevents the signal from reaching the switch. A tone generator is a device that sends an audible signal through the cable, and if no tone is heard at the far end, it indicates a break in the cable.

Tamper detection is a physical security feature that can alert the technician when someone opens the server rack door without authorization. Tamper detection sensors can be installed inside the equipment or on the rack itself, and they can send an alert via email, SMS, or other methods. Tamper detection can help prevent unauthorized access, theft, or damage to the network assets.

References:

• Physical Security – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 4.51

This subnet mask will allow you to have six usable IP addresses in each subnet, with a minimum of wasted addresses. You can use the following formula to calculate the number of subnets and the subnet ID for each subnet:

Number of subnets = 2^network bits Subnet ID = (subnet number - 1) x number of host addresses + network address

The network bits are the number of 1s in the binary representation of the subnet mask, and the network address is the first address in the range. For example, if your range is 192.168.1.0/27, then the network bits are 27, the network address is 192.168.1.0, and the number of host addresses is 30. Therefore, the number of subnets is 2^27, and the subnet ID for the first subnet is (1 - 1) x 30 + 192.168.1.0 = 192.168.1.0. The subnet ID for the second subnet is (2 - 1) x 30 + 192.168.1.0 = 192.168.1.32, and so on.

References

• Subnet masks are covered in Objective 1.4 of the CompTIA Network+ N10-008 certification exam1.
• Subnet masks can be calculated based on binary and CIDR-block notations2.
• Subnet masks can be used to determine the number of host bits and host addresses3.

1: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 4 2: IPv4 Subnet Masks – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 1.41 3: Calculating IPv4 Subnets and Hosts – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 1.44

Tailgating is a type of physical security attack where an unauthorized person follows an authorized person into a restricted area without their consent or knowledge. Tailgating can allow an attacker to bypass security measures and gain access to sensitive information or resources. In this scenario, the technician experienced tailgating when the unknown individual walked in behind the technician without speaking. Piggybacking is similar to tailgating, but it involves the consent or cooperation of the authorized person. Evil twin is a type of wireless network attack where an attacker sets up a rogue access point that mimics a legitimate one. On-path is a type of network attack where an attacker intercepts and modifies traffic between two parties.

References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 7.0 (N10-007), Objective 3.2: Given a scenario, use appropriate network hardening techniques.

High availability is a quality of a system or component that assures a high level of operational performance for a given period of time. High availability means that an IT system, component, or application can operate at a high level, continuously, without intervention, for a given time period. High-availability infrastructure is configured to deliver quality performance and handle different loads and failures with minimal or zero downtime. High availability is important for web-based applications, as it ensures that the application is always accessible to the end users, even in the event of a server or component failure. High availability can be achieved by eliminating single points of failure, implementing redundancy, load balancing, and failover mechanisms.

• A network administrator would like to purchase a device that provides access ports to endpoints and has the ability to route between networks. This means that the device should be able to operate at both the data link layer (layer 2) and the network layer (layer 3) of the OSI model.
• An IPS (intrusion prevention system) is a security device that monitors network traffic and blocks or modifies malicious packets. It operates at the application layer (layer 7) of the OSI model and does not provide access ports or routing functions1.
• A Layer 3 switch is a device that combines the features of a switch and a router. It can forward frames based on MAC addresses at layer 2 and route packets based on IP addresses at layer 3. It also provides access ports to connect endpoints such as computers, printers, and servers. A Layer 3 switch is faster and more efficient than a router because it makes forwarding decisions in hardware using ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits)23.
• A router is a device that connects different networks and routes packets based on IP addresses at layer 3. It does not provide access ports to endpoints, but rather interfaces to other networks. A router makes forwarding decisions in software, which is slower and less scalable than a Layer 3 switch23.
• A wireless LAN controller is a device that manages and configures wireless access points (WAPs) in a wireless network. It operates at the data link layer (layer 2) and does not provide routing functions. It also does not provide access ports to endpoints, but rather wireless connections4.
• Therefore, the best device for the network administrator to purchase is B. A Layer 3 switch, as it provides access ports to endpoints and has the ability to route between networks.

References:

• Intrusion Prevention Systems – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 2.5
• Interface Configurations – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 2.3
• Quiz: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Post-Assessment Quiz
• Wireless LAN Controllers – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 2.4

Jitter is the variation in the time between packets arriving, caused by network congestion, timing drift, or route changes. In the context of VoIP, jitter is especially problematic because it affects the steady stream of packet delivery needed for coherent voice communication. When packets are received out of order, the audio can become jumbled and distorted, as the packets don't arrive in the sequence needed for correct playback. Jitter is the specific network metric responsible for causing the symptoms described in the scenario, whereas bandwidth, latency, and delay could contribute to network performance issues but would not specifically cause packets to be received out of order​​.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

The 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

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

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.

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

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

 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

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

References:

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

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

References:

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

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

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.

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

References:

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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/

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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/

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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/

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

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.

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

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/

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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

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

• 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

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.

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/

 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.

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

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

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

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

A 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

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

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.

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.

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/

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

References:

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

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

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.

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

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

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)

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

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

The 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.

• 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]

An MX record is a type of DNS record that specifies the mail server responsible for accepting email messages on behalf of a domain name. Therefore, an engineer who needs to update an MX record is most likely working on an email server project

• The question asks about the best configuration for the WLAN being tested, which involves channel bonding on an 802.11ac AP. Channel bonding is a technique that combines two or more adjacent channels into a wider channel to increase the bandwidth and throughput of the wireless network1.
• The answer is to set up the AP to perform a dynamic selection of the frequency according to regulatory requirements. This means that the AP will automatically choose the best available channel and adjust the transmit power based on the local regulations and the interference level2. This way, the AP can avoid using the channels that are occupied by the government radio system, which may have higher priority and authority over the spectrum3.
• Upgrading the equipment to an AP that supports manual configuration of the EIRP power settings is not the best solution, because it does not address the channel selection issue. EIRP stands for Effective Isotropic Radiated Power, which is the total power radiated by the antenna in all directions. Manual configuration of the EIRP may allow the administrator to increase or decrease the signal strength, but it may also violate the regulatory limits or cause more interference with other devices.
• Switching to 802.11n, disabling channel auto-selection, and enforcing channel bonding on the configuration is also not the best solution, because it may degrade the performance and compatibility of the WLAN. 802.11n is an older standard than 802.11ac, which has lower maximum data rates and fewer features. Disabling channel auto-selection may prevent the AP from adapting to the changing environment and finding the optimal channel. Enforcing channel bonding may increase the bandwidth, but it may also increase the interference and reduce the number of available channels.
• Deactivating the band 5GHz to avoid interference with the government radio is not the best solution, because it may limit the functionality and capacity of the WLAN. The 5GHz band has more channels and less congestion than the 2.4GHz band, which makes it suitable for high-performance applications and devices. Deactivating the band 5GHz may force the WLAN to use only the 2.4GHz band, which may reduce the speed, range, and reliability of the wireless network. References:
• Channel Bonding
• Dynamic Frequency Selection
• Radio Regulations
• [EIRP Calculator]
• [EIRP and Regulatory Domains]
• [802.11n vs 802.11ac]
• [Channel Auto-Selection]
• [Channel Bonding and Interference]
• [5GHz vs 2.4GHz]
• [5GHz Band Deactivation]

Software-defined network (SDN) is a network architecture that allows the network-forwarding elements to be controlled by a centralized software application. This enables the network to adapt to new business requirements with the least amount of operating effort, as the network administrator can configure and manage the network from a single console, without having to manually configure each device individually. SDN also provides more flexibility, agility, and scalability for the network, as it can dynamically adjust the network resources and policies based on the application needs and traffic conditions.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 5, section 1.3: “Explain the concepts and characteristics of routing and switching.”
• Software-Defined Networking – CompTIA Network+ N10-007 – 1.3, video lecture by Professor Messer.

• The question asks about the approach that the IT team is using to troubleshoot the global system outages. The IT team has identified multiple potential underlying causes throughout the enterprise and assigned each team member an area to troubleshoot.
• The answer is divide-and-conquer, which is a method of problem-solving that involves breaking down a complex problem into smaller and simpler subproblems, and solving them individually or in parallel1. This way, the IT team can isolate and eliminate the possible causes of the outages more efficiently and effectively.
• Top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top, and determine if anything changed are not the correct answers, because they are not the approaches that the IT team is using in this scenario. Top-to-bottom is a method of problem-solving that involves starting from the highest level of abstraction and working down to the lowest level of detail2. Bottom-to-top is a method of problem-solving that involves starting from the lowest level of detail and working up to the highest level of abstraction3. Determine if anything changed is a method of problem-solving that involves identifying and analyzing the changes that occurred before the problem arose. References:
• Divide-and-conquer
• Top-to-bottom
• Bottom-to-top
• [Determine if anything changed]
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide

 Biometrics is a type of authentication that uses a person’s physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, iris, or face, to verify their identity. An access control vestibule is a small room or area that separates two spaces and allows only one person to enter or exit at a time. Biometrics in an access control vestibule is the most effective physical security method to prevent tailgating, which is the unauthorized entry of a person behind another person who has legitimate access.

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

802.11ac is the latest wireless standard that supports the highest data rates and the most devices. It is backward compatible with previous standards such as 802.11b/g/n, so it can work with older devices as well. 802.11b is the oldest and slowest standard, 802.11g is faster but still outdated, and 802.11n is newer but not as fast or widespread as 802.11ac

• The concept that best represents the life expectancy of different models of data center equipment is MTBF, which stands for Mean Time Between Failures. MTBF is a measure of the average time that a device or component operates before it fails. It is calculated by dividing the total operating time by the number of failures. MTBF is an indicator of the reliability and durability of the equipment, and it can help the Chief Information Officer (CIO) to compare the expected performance and maintenance costs of different models.
• MTRR, which stands for Memory Type Range Register, is not a concept that represents the life expectancy of data center equipment. MTRR is a feature of some processors that allows them to control how the memory is accessed and cached. MTRR can improve the performance and efficiency of the processor, but it does not affect the longevity of the equipment.
• RPO, which stands for Recovery Point Objective, is not a concept that represents the life expectancy of data center equipment. RPO is a measure of the maximum amount of data that can be lost in the event of a disaster or disruption. It is determined by the frequency and method of data backup. RPO is an indicator of the data protection and recovery strategy, and it can help the CIO to plan for the worst-case scenario, but it does not reflect the durability of the equipment.
• RTO, which stands for Recovery Time Objective, is not a concept that represents the life expectancy of data center equipment. RTO is a measure of the maximum amount of time that it takes to restore the normal operations of the network after a disaster or disruption. It is determined by the complexity and availability of the recovery resources and processes. RTO is an indicator of the business continuity and resilience, and it can help the CIO to minimize the downtime and losses, but it does not reflect the reliability of the equipment. References:
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 3: Network Operations, Section 3.2: Troubleshooting Methodology and Tools, Page 150
• 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 3.2.3: Hardware Tools

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

802.11b (Wi-Fi 1)

11 Mbps

100 meter maximum effective range

802.11a (Wi-Fi 2)

54 Mbps

50 meter maximum effective range

The issue is that new employees are not able to print to the main networked copiers from their workstations after Switch 3 was added to the stack. Looking at the port configurations for Switch 3, we can see that the ports for printers (Ports 13-24) are shut down.

• A. Enable the printer ports on Switch 3: This should be done because, as per the configuration shown in the image, these ports are currently shut down. Enabling them would restore connectivity for printing.
• E. Reconfigure the VLAN on the printer ports on Switch 3: The VLAN for printers is set to 80 on Switch 3 while it is set to 60 on Switches 1 and 2. Changing VLAN of printer ports on Switch 3 to match with other switches (VLAN60) will ensure that they are all in the same broadcast domain and can communicate effectively.

The duplex settings do not need reconfiguration as they are already set to full duplex across all switches which facilitates efficient two-way communication.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, Chapter 3: Network Devices, page 115-116
• CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, Domain 2: Network Implementations, Objective 2.1: Given a scenario, install and configure the appropriate networking devices, Sub-objective: Configure switch ports
• Ace Your CompTIA Network+ Exam: Explore Top Study Resources, Section: CompTIA Network+ Certification Kit: Exam N10-008 6th Edition

 Implementing directional antennas on AP1 and AP2 is the best step for the technician to take to resolve the issue of undesired RSSI in the parking lot and other exterior areas near the building. RSSI stands for received signal strength indicator, which is a measure of how well a device can receive a wireless signal from an access point (AP). An AP is a device that provides wireless connectivity to a network. An antenna is a device that radiates or receives electromagnetic waves. A directional antenna is an antenna that focuses the wireless signal in a specific direction, resulting in higher gain and longer range. By using directional antennas on AP1 and AP2, which are located near the exterior walls of the building, the technician can reduce the wireless signal leakage to the outside areas and improve the wireless coverage inside the building. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], What Is RSSI and How Does It Affect Wireless Networks?, Directional Antennas: Everything You Need to Know

Cat 7 is a type of twisted-pair copper cable that supports up to 40 Gbps bandwidth and up to 100 meters cable length. Cat 7 is suitable for long cable runs that require high-speed data transmission. Cat 7 has better shielding and crosstalk prevention than lower categories of cables.

References: Network+ Study Guide Objective 1.5: Compare and contrast network cabling types, features and their purposes.

"EMI is a problem when cables are installed near electrical devices, such as air conditioners or fluorescent light fixtures. If a network medium is placed close enough to such a device, the signal within the cable might become corrupt. Network media vary in their resistance to the effects of EMI. Standard unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable is susceptible to EMI, whereas fiber cable, with its light transmissions, is resistant to EMI. When deciding on a particular medium, consider where it will run and the impact EMI can have on the installation."

The availability concept that the network technician should consider when selecting new network hardware is RTO (Recovery Time Objective). RTO is a metric that defines the maximum acceptable time for restoring a system or service after a disruption or failure. RTO is based on the impact and cost of downtime for the business and its customers. RTO helps determine the level of redundancy and backup needed for network hardware to ensure high availability and minimize downtime. References: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 346; The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide (Exam N10-008), page 13-9.

A jump server is a system that allows remote access to internal devices through a single, secure device on the public network. A jump server can be configured with an access control list (ACL) to limit who can access the system and what devices they can connect to. A jump server can also use secure protocols such as SSH or VPN to encrypt the communication between the remote user and the internal device. A jump server is different from a VPN, which creates a virtual private network between the remote user and the internal network. A jump server is also different from a secure shell, which is a protocol that allows remote command execution and file transfer. An API is an application programming interface that allows software components to interact with each other.

References:

• Other Network Appliances – SY0-601 CompTIA Security+ : 3.31

• A VLAN is a virtual local area network that logically separates devices on the same physical network. VLANs can improve network performance, security, and management by reducing broadcast domains and isolating traffic.
• A DHCP reservation is a feature that allows a network administrator to assign a specific IP address to a device based on its MAC address. This ensures that the device always receives the same IP address from the DHCP server, even if the lease expires or the device reboots.
• A networked printer is a device that can be shared by multiple users on the same network. A networked printer typically has a built-in network interface card (NIC) that allows it to communicate with other devices using TCP/IP protocols.
• A print server is a device or a software application that manages the printing requests from multiple clients. A print server can also provide additional features such as print queue management, printer driver installation, and printer status monitoring.
• A subnet is a logical division of an IP network that allows devices to communicate more efficiently and securely. A subnet is defined by a network address and a subnet mask, which determine the range of valid IP addresses within the subnet. Devices on the same subnet can communicate directly with each other without the need for a router.
• A ping is a network diagnostic tool that tests the connectivity and reachability between two devices by sending and receiving echo packets. A ping request can fail for various reasons, such as network congestion, firewall settings, routing issues, or device configuration errors.
• Based on the question, the networked printer is unavailable because it cannot be pinged from the print server in the same subnet. This means that there is a problem with the layer 2 connectivity between the two devices, which is determined by the MAC addresses and the VLANs. The most likely cause of this problem is that the printer and the print server are on different VLANs, which prevents them from communicating with each other. The other options are less likely because they affect the layer 3 connectivity, which is determined by the IP addresses and the gateways. A DNS failure would not affect the ping request, since it uses IP addresses and not hostnames. A DHCP scope exhaustion would not affect the printer, since it has a DHCP reservation that guarantees its IP address. An incorrect gateway would not affect the communication within the same subnet, since it is only used for routing packets to other networks. References:
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 2: Network Devices and Technologies, Section 2.2: Network Device Functions and Features, Subsection: Print Servers, pp. 76-77.
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 3: Network Operations, Section 3.3: Network Configuration Management, Subsection: DHCP, pp. 144-146.
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 4: Network Security, Section 4.2: Network Segmentation and Isolation, Subsection: VLANs, pp. 202-204.
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 1.5: Network Troubleshooting Methodology, Subsection: Identify the Problem, pp. 16-17.
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 2.2: Network Devices, Subsection: Print Servers, p. 28.
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 2.6: Network Addressing, Subsection: DHCP, p. 38.
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 2.7: Network Addressing, Subsection: Subnetting, p. 39.
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 3.5: Network Segmentation, Subsection: VLANs, p. 58.

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

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

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

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

The switch processes the data by flooding it out of every port, except the one on which it came in. Flooding is a process where a switch sends a data frame to all ports except the source port when it does not have an entry for the destination MAC address in its MAC address table. Flooding allows the switch to learn the MAC addresses of the devices connected to its ports and update its MAC address table accordingly. Flooding also ensures that the data frame reaches its intended destination, even if the switch does not know its location. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/lan-switching/spanning-tree-protocol/10556-16.html

TACACS+ is a protocol that provides centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) for network devices and users. TACACS+ can help improve the security of the management console on the company’s switches by verifying the identity and credentials of the administrators, enforcing granular access policies and permissions, and logging the configuration changes made by each administrator. This way, the network administrator can ensure only authorized and authenticated users can access and modify the switch settings, and also track and correlate the changes made by each user. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-tacacs

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 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

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

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

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

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/

172.19.0.2 is a valid IP address configuration for the device that uses a static RFC1918 address for the network and allows for a connection over NAT (Network Address Translation). RFC1918 addresses are private IP addresses that are not routable on the public Internet and are used for internal networks. The RFC1918 address ranges are 10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12, and 192.168.0.0/16. NAT is a technique that translates private IP addresses to public IP addresses when communicating with external networks, such as the Internet. FE80::1 is an IPv6 link-local address that is not a static RFC1918 address and does not allow for a connection over NAT. 100.64.0.1 is an IPv4 address that belongs to the shared address space range (100.64.0.0/10) that is used for carrier-grade NAT (CGN) between service providers and subscribers, which is not a static RFC1918 address and does not allow for a connection over NAT. 169.254.1.2 is an IPv4 link-local address that is automatically assigned by a device when it cannot obtain an IP address from a DHCP server or manual configuration, which is not a static RFC1918 address and does not allow for a connection over NAT. 224.0.0.12 is an IPv4 multicast address that is used for VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol), which is not a static RFC1918 address and does not allow for a connection over NAT.

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 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.

 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

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

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.

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

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

 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

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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. A network administrator can implement a honeypot to analyze attacks directed toward the company’s network, as a honeypot 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-a-honeypot

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

VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the most appropriate way to enable secure remote printing. VPN 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. VPN can be used for various purposes such as accessing corporate resources, bypassing geo-restrictions, or enhancing privacy and security. VPN can also be used for remote printing by allowing users to connect to a printer on the private network and send print jobs securely over the VPN tunnel. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/security-vpn/ipsec-negotiation-ike-protocols/14106-how-vpn-works.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 virtual switch is a software-based switch that connects virtual machines on a hypervisor. A virtual switch can create and manage VLANs, which are logical segments of a network that isolate traffic between different groups of devices. A customer can use virtual switches to segregate the traffic between guests on a hypervisor by creating a separate VLAN for each guest and assigning it to a virtual switch port. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-a-virtual-switch

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

 Jitter is most likely causing the issue of intermittent one-way audio and dropped conversations for the company that uses VoIP telephones. Jitter is a 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 10ms1. The company has recorded ping times that exceed 50ms, which indicates high jitter and latency on their network. References: https://www.voip-info.org/voip-jitter/  1

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

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

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

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.

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

Change management documentation is a record of the changes that have been made to a system or process, including the reason, date, time, and impact of each change. A technician can reference this documentation to find what solution was implemented to resolve a previously encountered issue, as well as any potential side effects or dependencies of the change. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-change-management

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

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

 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

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

 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

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

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

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 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

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

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