Question 1

To successfully use Variable Length Subnet Masking (VLSM) in a routed IPv4 network, what capability must the routing protocols in use provide?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question evaluates your understanding of what makes a routing protocol classless and therefore compatible with Variable Length Subnet Masking. VLSM allows you to use different subnet masks within the same network address space, which greatly improves efficiency but also requires routing protocols to carry more detailed information than older classful protocols did. Given Data / Assumptions: - We are designing or troubleshooting a network that uses VLSM, meaning different subnet masks for different subnets of the same major network. - Routing protocols are responsible for advertising reachable networks between routers. - Some older routing protocols are classful and do not carry subnet mask information, while newer ones are classless and do. - The question asks what specific capability routing protocols must have for VLSM to function correctly. Concept / Approach: In a classful world, routing updates only include the major network ID (such as 192.168.0.0) and rely on default masks based on the class (for example, /24 for Class C). This breaks when you use VLSM because different subnets of the same major network may have different masks. To support VLSM, a routing protocol must explicitly transmit the subnet mask or prefix length along with each route. Protocols that do this are called classless and include RIPv2, Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol, Open Shortest Path First, and Intermediate System to Intermediate System. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that VLSM means using multiple subnet masks within the same network address space to tailor subnet sizes to actual needs.Step 2: Understand that routers must be able to distinguish between these different subnets and their exact boundaries.Step 3: Recognize that this requires each routing update to include not only the network address but also the subnet mask or prefix length.Step 4: Identify that protocols which do this are described as classless, because they do not rely solely on old classful rules.Step 5: Conclude that the necessary capability is the transmission of subnet mask (prefix length) information with each route. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify this by comparing RIPv1 and RIPv2. RIPv1 does not send subnet masks in its updates and is therefore classful and incompatible with VLSM in many designs. RIPv2, on the other hand, includes subnet mask information, making it classless and able to handle discontiguous networks and VLSM. Similar behavior is found in OSPF and EIGRP, which always carry prefix information. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Support for multicast is useful for efficient update distribution but is not directly required for VLSM. Multi-protocol support for IPv4 and IPv6 is unrelated to whether subnet mask information is carried. Unequal cost load balancing is a feature of certain protocols like EIGRP but is not required for VLSM. Automatic translation between public and private addresses describes Network Address Translation, which operates at the edge of networks and is not a property of dynamic routing protocols used for VLSM. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes think that any modern feature such as multicast support or advanced metrics automatically implies VLSM capability, which is not true. The core requirement is simple but specific: the protocol must carry the subnet mask or prefix length alongside the network address in routing updates. Remembering this detail helps quickly identify which protocols are classless and which are not. Final Answer: Routing protocols must be able to transmit subnet mask or prefix length information with each route in order to support VLSM.

Question 2

If you can successfully ping a remote computer by its IP address but not by its hostname, which network service is most likely experiencing a problem?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This troubleshooting question focuses on distinguishing between connectivity problems and name resolution problems in a TCP/IP network. Being able to reach a host by IP address but not by hostname is a classic symptom that points to a very specific layer and service in the network stack. Given Data / Assumptions: - Pinging the remote host using its IP address works, so basic IP connectivity is fine. - Pinging the same host using a hostname or fully qualified domain name fails. - No information suggests general packet loss or routing problems. - We must identify which network service is most likely at fault in this scenario. Concept / Approach: When ping by IP succeeds, it proves that routing, switching, and the remote host's IP configuration are functional. The failure of ping by name indicates that the client cannot translate the hostname into the correct IP address. This translation is performed by Domain Name System. Therefore, a misconfigured DNS server, incorrect DNS client settings, or missing DNS records are the most likely causes. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Interpret the successful ping by IP as evidence that the underlying network path is working.Step 2: Interpret the failed ping by hostname as evidence of name resolution failure rather than connectivity failure.Step 3: Recall that DNS is the standard service responsible for resolving hostnames to IP addresses.Step 4: Consider that ARP resolves IP to MAC addresses on the local link, which must already be working if ping by IP is successful.Step 5: Conclude that DNS is the most likely service experiencing a problem. Verification / Alternative check: In real troubleshooting, you can verify this diagnosis by running a command such as nslookup or dig on the hostname. If these commands fail or return incorrect IP addresses, it confirms a DNS issue. You can also check the DNS server settings in the client configuration or temporarily add an entry to the local hosts file to see whether name resolution succeeds without DNS. Why Other Options Are Wrong: DHCP provides IP configuration to clients. If DHCP were failing, the client might not have a valid IP address at all, but it would not selectively break only name based pings. ARP operates at the local link level and must be functioning if ping by IP is working. ICMP provides echo requests and replies, and its operation is proven by the successful IP based ping. NTP synchronizes time and is unrelated to IP versus name reachability. Common Pitfalls: One common pitfall is to assume a routing problem whenever any network request fails. Another is to overlook DNS misconfigurations such as wrong server address, missing DNS suffix, or stale records. Remember that the distinction between IP based and name based connectivity is a strong clue pointing directly to DNS, which speeds up root cause analysis. Final Answer: If you can ping by IP but not by name, the most likely problem is with the DNS service or configuration.

Question 3

On a Windows PC, which switch must you add to the ipconfig command to display full TCP/IP configuration details, including DNS server settings?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your familiarity with basic Windows command line tools used for network troubleshooting. The ipconfig utility displays IP configuration information, but by default it shows only a subset of details. To verify Domain Name System configuration and other advanced parameters, you must use a specific switch that expands the output. Given Data / Assumptions: - The operating system is Windows. - We are using the ipconfig command at a command prompt or PowerShell window. - We want to see detailed information, including DNS servers, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol details, and possibly physical addresses. - The question asks which switch must be added to ipconfig to get these expanded details. Concept / Approach: On Windows, ipconfig without switches displays basic information such as IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway for each adapter. To show the full configuration, including DNS servers, DHCP lease information, and possibly WINS and other settings, you must use the /all switch. Windows uses the forward slash style for switches in many traditional console tools. Other combinations such as -all or /dns are not valid in this context for showing the whole configuration. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that ipconfig /all is the standard command shown in documentation and troubleshooting guides to display complete adapter details.Step 2: Remember that /all reveals DNS server addresses, DHCP server, lease obtained and expiration times, and adapter specific information.Step 3: Recognize that /dns is not a valid ipconfig switch and that Windows tools typically do not use the hyphen form such as -all for ipconfig.Step 4: Exclude any options that are not documented or that would not show full output.Step 5: Select /all as the correct switch to add. Verification / Alternative check: If you have access to a Windows system, you can run ipconfig and observe the limited output. Then run ipconfig /all and compare. You will see additional lines for each adapter, including host name, primary DNS suffix, node type, whether DHCP is enabled, physical address, and the list of DNS servers. This experiment confirms that /all is the switch that provides full details. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The /dns and -dns options are not recognized as valid switches for ipconfig and will either generate an error or be ignored. The -all syntax is not standard for this tool, which uses the slash. The /full option is also not a documented switch for ipconfig and will not show the needed output. Using any of these incorrect options would prevent administrators from seeing the DNS configuration they need to verify. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse the syntax of Unix style tools, which often use hyphenated switches, with Windows tools such as ipconfig, which use slash switches. Another pitfall is to assume there is a special /dns switch just because the question mentions DNS. In practice, ipconfig /all is the go to command for most IP configuration troubleshooting in Windows environments. Final Answer: You should use the ipconfig /all command to display the full configuration, including DNS server settings.

Question 4

In an IP routing environment, which of the following is a primary result and benefit of route aggregation (route summarization)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on the concept of route aggregation, also known as route summarization, in IP networks. Aggregating routes allows a router to advertise a single summary route that represents multiple more specific networks, which can dramatically improve the scalability and performance of large routing domains such as service provider backbones and enterprise cores. Given Data / Assumptions: - Multiple contiguous network prefixes can be represented by a single summary prefix. - Routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP support various forms of summarization. - The question asks about the main result of route aggregation, not its configuration details. - We assume that summarization has been done correctly so that reachability is preserved for the covered networks. Concept / Approach: Route aggregation reduces the number of entries that routers need to maintain in their routing tables. Instead of tracking each small network separately, a router advertises and stores a single larger prefix that covers all of them. This leads to smaller routing tables, which reduces memory consumption and speeds up route lookup operations. It can also produce more stable routing behavior by limiting the propagation of small changes in part of the network. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Consider an example where a router knows four /24 networks that are contiguous and can be summarized into a single /22.Step 2: Without summarization, both that router and its neighbors must maintain and process four separate routes.Step 3: With summarization, the router can advertise a single /22 route representing all four /24 networks.Step 4: This directly decreases the number of routing table entries from four to one for that set of networks.Step 5: As the network grows, repeating this practice across many areas leads to significantly smaller and more manageable routing tables. Verification / Alternative check: Service providers routinely use summarization at the edges of their networks to prevent detailed internal routes from flooding the global Internet routing table. If every small subnet were advertised individually, core routers would need enormous memory and CPU resources to keep up. The fact that summarization is widely used in practice to keep tables under control confirms that smaller routing tables are a key benefit. Why Other Options Are Wrong: More complete routing tables actually means more specific entries, which is the opposite of what summarization aims to achieve. Summarization reduces, not increases, routing table size and thus can reduce memory usage instead of increasing it. Proper summarization also tends to stabilize CPU usage by preventing frequent flapping of individual routes. Automatic failover requires redundancy and appropriate metrics or tracking, not just summarization; while summarization can be part of a resilient design, it does not by itself implement failover. Common Pitfalls: Some learners wrongly equate more prefixes with better routing information, ignoring the scaling challenges this creates. Others worry that summarization always causes loss of detail that will break routing, but when used at the right boundaries it preserves connectivity while simplifying tables. It is important to remember that the main goal of summarization is to decrease routing table size and improve scalability, not to provide more detailed information. Final Answer: The primary result of route aggregation is smaller, more scalable routing tables.

Question 5

In Microsoft Windows, which command corresponds to the Cisco traceroute command by displaying the sequence of routers (hops) traversed on the way to a network destination?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your familiarity with troubleshooting tools across different operating systems. Network engineers often move between Cisco IOS and Windows environments, so knowing the equivalent commands for common tasks such as path tracing is important for diagnosing connectivity problems. Given Data / Assumptions: - On Cisco routers and many Unix based systems, the traceroute command is used to discover the path packets take to a given destination. - On Windows, there is a similar utility that performs this function. - The question asks for the Windows command that serves as the functional counterpart to traceroute on Cisco IOS. Concept / Approach: The Cisco traceroute command works by sending probe packets with increasing Time To Live values and listening to ICMP Time Exceeded responses, revealing each router hop along the way. Windows includes a command line tool called tracert that uses a similar mechanism. While the spelling is slightly different, the behavior and purpose align closely, making tracert the Windows version of traceroute. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that traceroute is the generic name of the tool on many platforms, including Cisco IOS and Linux.Step 2: Remember that on Windows, the path tracing tool is named tracert, which is short for trace route.Step 3: Recognize that typing tracert followed by a hostname or IP address shows each hop along the path, similar to traceroute on Cisco.Step 4: Note that other Windows commands like ping and arp serve different diagnostic purposes and do not list the sequence of intermediate routers.Step 5: Select tracert as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: On a Windows system, you can run tracert www.example.com and observe the output. It will show each hop, including the router IP addresses and round trip times. This is conceptually identical to running traceroute on a Cisco router. This behavior confirms that tracert is indeed the Windows equivalent. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The ping command tests basic connectivity by sending ICMP echo requests but does not reveal intermediate hops. The traceroute command name is not recognized on standard Windows command prompts, although some third party tools might provide it. The arp command manages IP to MAC address mappings and does not test paths through the network. Pathping is another Windows tool that combines ping and tracing functionality, but the direct, classic counterpart to traceroute is tracert, which exams usually expect. Common Pitfalls: One pitfall is to assume that Windows uses exactly the same command name as Cisco and Unix, which is not the case. Another is to confuse tracert with pathping; while both can show path related information, tracert is the more direct analogy to traceroute. Remembering the slight change in spelling from traceroute to tracert is enough to answer this kind of question quickly. Final Answer: The Windows command that corresponds to Cisco's traceroute is tracert.

Question 6

On a Windows PC, which command will display the current IP-to-MAC address mappings (the ARP cache) for all interfaces?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your knowledge of how to inspect Address Resolution Protocol cache information on a Windows host. ARP is used on IPv4 networks to map IP addresses to MAC addresses on the local link. When troubleshooting local connectivity or suspected ARP issues, viewing the ARP table is a common diagnostic step. Given Data / Assumptions: - The operating system is Windows. - You want to see which IP addresses are currently mapped to which MAC addresses on the local segments. - The question asks for the command that displays IP-to-MAC mappings for all interfaces, not just one specific entry. Concept / Approach: On Windows, the arp command allows you to view and manipulate the ARP cache. Using arp -a lists the ARP entries for all interfaces, showing Internet addresses, physical addresses, and the type (dynamic or static). Other tools such as ping, tracert, and netstat serve different purposes, such as testing reachability or viewing routing tables, and do not directly show the ARP cache. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that ARP is responsible for mapping IP addresses to MAC addresses.Step 2: On Windows, remember that arp without parameters will show usage information, while arp -a displays the complete ARP table.Step 3: Note that arp -a output lists each interface and the corresponding Internet addresses and physical addresses stored in the cache.Step 4: Recognize that the ping command does not display mappings, but can generate ARP entries by causing communication with hosts.Step 5: Choose arp -a as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: On a Windows system, you can run arp -a after pinging some local devices. The output will show their IP addresses and MAC addresses, confirming that you are looking at the ARP cache. If you clear the cache and repeat the process, you can see entries appear again after communication, reinforcing your understanding of ARP behavior. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The ping command sends ICMP echo requests and shows replies but does not list ARP entries directly. The traceroute and tracert commands show paths through the network, not link layer mappings. Netstat -r displays the routing table, including default gateways and network destinations, but not the IP-to-MAC address mappings maintained by ARP. Common Pitfalls: Some learners mistakenly assume that ping or tracert will show everything they need about connectivity, including ARP data. Others confuse ARP caching with routing table entries. Remember that ARP is a link layer companion to IP on local segments, and the arp -a command is the go to tool for inspecting its state on Windows. Final Answer: The command arp -a displays the IP-to-MAC address mappings (ARP cache) on a Windows PC.

Question 7

On a Cisco router, which command displays the current ARP table showing IP-to-MAC address mappings learned on the interfaces?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your familiarity with Cisco IOS commands for viewing ARP information. On routers, ARP plays a crucial role in mapping next hop IP addresses to local MAC addresses so that packets can be forwarded correctly onto Ethernet and other broadcast media. Knowing how to display the ARP table is essential for troubleshooting local connectivity issues. Given Data / Assumptions: - We are using a Cisco router running IOS or a similar operating environment. - We want to see the ARP table, which maps IP addresses to hardware (MAC) addresses for connected networks. - The question asks for the specific show command that displays this information. Concept / Approach: The show ip arp command on Cisco routers displays the ARP table for IPv4. It shows protocol type, the IP address, age, hardware address, and interface. This table is populated as the router communicates with devices on directly connected networks. Other commands such as traceroute and show mac-address-table have different purposes related to path tracing or switch CAM tables. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that ARP is used on routers to resolve next hop IPv4 addresses into MAC addresses on local segments.Step 2: On Cisco IOS, remember that many diagnostic commands are accessed with the show keyword.Step 3: Recognize that show ip arp is the standard command to list ARP entries for IPv4 on routers.Step 4: Note that commands like arp -a are used on Windows, not on Cisco IOS.Step 5: Select show ip arp as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: In a lab or production environment, you can execute show ip arp on a Cisco router and observe the output. Entries typically include the IP address of directly connected hosts and routers, their MAC addresses, and the interface on which they were learned. Clearing the ARP cache and then generating traffic will cause new entries to appear, confirming that the command is tied directly to ARP resolution. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The traceroute and tracert commands display hop by hop paths but not ARP mappings. The arp -a command is specific to Windows hosts, not Cisco routers. show mac-address-table is used primarily on switches to display which MAC addresses have been learned on which ports and VLANs; it is related but distinct from the ARP cache maintained on routers. Common Pitfalls: One pitfall is to confuse the switch MAC address table with the router ARP table, since both involve MAC addresses. Another is to assume that the same arp -a syntax applies across platforms. Remember that on Cisco routers, show ip arp is the correct way to inspect ARP entries for IPv4, whereas other commands focus on different aspects of network operation. Final Answer: The Cisco router command show ip arp displays the ARP table with IP-to-MAC address mappings.

Question 8

When a ping to the IPv4 loopback address on a host fails, what can you most reasonably assume about the state of the local TCP/IP stack?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is about interpreting the results of a diagnostic ping to the loopback address, typically 127.0.0.1 in IPv4. The loopback test is designed to verify the internal TCP/IP stack on the host, independent of external hardware. Understanding what a failure at this level implies is crucial for effective troubleshooting. Given Data / Assumptions: - The host attempts to ping its own loopback address (127.0.0.1) and the ping fails. - Loopback traffic is processed entirely inside the local operating system and is not sent onto the network interface or wire. - No information is given about external connectivity tests such as pinging remote hosts. Concept / Approach: A ping to the loopback address verifies that the local TCP/IP stack is installed, bound to the network subsystem, and able to send and receive Internet Control Message Protocol packets internally. Because loopback traffic does not use the physical NIC, cabling, or external network, a failure at this level almost always indicates a problem with the TCP/IP stack itself or with the operating system networking components, not with remote devices or wiring. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognize that loopback addressing is handled entirely within the host kernel or networking stack.Step 2: Understand that a successful ping to 127.0.0.1 shows that IP, ICMP, and related local services are operating.Step 3: Therefore, if a ping to 127.0.0.1 fails, the failure occurs before the packet would ever reach the NIC or external network.Step 4: Conclude that the TCP/IP stack has likely failed to initialize correctly or is misconfigured at a fundamental level.Step 5: Rule out remote host configuration, cabling, and switch issues because the test does not involve those components. Verification / Alternative check: In practice, if ping 127.0.0.1 fails, you would typically next check whether the TCP/IP protocol is installed and enabled in the operating system, and possibly reinstall or repair the network stack. You might also check system logs for driver or kernel errors. If ping 127.0.0.1 later succeeds but pings to local or remote IPs fail, that would point the troubleshooting towards the NIC or network, confirming that loopback and external connectivity tests diagnose different layers. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The IP address of the local host may be misconfigured, but that does not directly cause a loopback ping to fail, since loopback addresses are separate. The remote host's address is irrelevant because no remote host is involved. The NIC may be faulty, but loopback tests do not use the NIC at all, so failure here does not definitively prove NIC failure. Switch port problems also do not affect loopback operations, because no traffic is sent onto the wire for loopback pings. Common Pitfalls: People sometimes assume that any ping failure must indicate a cable, NIC, or switch problem. This overlooks the layered nature of networking. Another pitfall is not performing the loopback test at all and jumping directly to external tests, which can make troubleshooting more confusing. Remember that loopback failure is a strong indicator of a local stack issue, not an external connectivity problem. Final Answer: If a ping to the loopback address fails, you can reasonably assume that the local TCP/IP stack has failed to initialize correctly.

Question 9

When a ping to the local host's own configured IP address (not the loopback address) fails while other tests succeed, what is the most reasonable assumption about the problem?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question builds on the idea of layered network troubleshooting, specifically focusing on what it means when you cannot ping your own assigned IP address. This test is slightly different from pinging the loopback address and offers clues about the state of the network interface card and its bindings. Given Data / Assumptions: - The host attempts to ping its own configured IP address on a local interface, not the loopback address. - We assume that the TCP/IP stack itself has already been tested and may be working (for example, by a successful loopback ping). - The ping to the local IP fails, indicating that the operating system cannot reach that address as configured. - There is no mention of remote hosts or default gateway tests in this specific question. Concept / Approach: Pinging the local IP address tests whether the operating system has correctly bound the IP configuration to the network interface and whether the interface is functioning. If the loopback test works but pinging the local IP fails, the problem usually lies with the NIC driver, the hardware itself, or incorrect binding of the IP stack to that interface. It does not primarily indicate remote host or gateway issues, because the test does not require leaving the local machine or segment. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Distinguish between a ping to 127.0.0.1 (testing the IP stack) and a ping to the host's own IP (testing the binding to the NIC).Step 2: Assume the IP stack itself is functional if loopback tests succeed, which places focus on the NIC and its configuration.Step 3: If the host cannot reach its own IP address, this suggests that the interface is not correctly processing traffic addressed to that IP.Step 4: Common causes include a faulty NIC, missing or corrupted drivers, or incorrect protocol bindings.Step 5: Conclude that the NIC is not functioning or not bound correctly, making option C the best match. Verification / Alternative check: In practice, you would next check Device Manager on Windows or similar tools on other operating systems to see whether the NIC reports errors. You might also disable and re-enable the interface, reinstall drivers, or assign a different IP address to test again. If the NIC is replaced or the driver is fixed and pinging the local IP begins to work, that confirms the diagnosis. Why Other Options Are Wrong: An incorrect IP address on the local host could cause issues reaching external networks, but the host should still respond to that address if it believes it owns it, once configured. Problems on a remote host do not affect the host's ability to ping itself. A complete failure of the IP stack would also break loopback tests, which is a different symptom. A down default gateway explains failures reaching remote networks, not failures to reach the local IP address. Common Pitfalls: Many people jump directly to checking remote hosts and gateways when they see ping failures, ignoring the possibility of local NIC issues. Another pitfall is to assume that if link lights are on, the NIC must be fine, when driver or binding problems can still exist. Following a structured test sequence (loopback, local IP, gateway, remote host) helps to pinpoint the layer where the failure occurs. Final Answer: If a ping to the local host's own IP address fails, the most reasonable assumption is that the NIC is not functioning properly or the IP stack is not correctly bound to that interface.

Question 10

If you want administrators to see a message every time they log in to a Cisco router, which global configuration command should you use to configure this Message of the Day banner?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on basic Cisco IOS configuration related to login banners. Organizations often display legal notices, security warnings, or informational messages when users connect to network devices. The Message of the Day banner is a standard way to present such messages to administrators and users at login time. Given Data / Assumptions: - The device is a Cisco router (or similar IOS based device). - We want a message displayed to anyone who connects to the router, usually before the login prompt appears. - The question asks for the correct command format for configuring this banner in global configuration mode. Concept / Approach: On Cisco IOS, the banner motd command is used in global configuration mode to define the Message of the Day banner. After the command, you specify a delimiter character and then type the text of the banner, ending with the same delimiter. This banner is displayed on console, Telnet, and sometimes SSH connections before login. Other keywords such as banner login and banner exec are available for different banner types, but banner motd is the classic answer for a general login message. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Enter global configuration mode on the router, typically with configure terminal.Step 2: Use the command banner motd followed by a delimiter (for example, #) and then type the desired message.Step 3: End the banner by typing the delimiter character again on a new line.Step 4: Verify that the banner appears when you disconnect and reconnect to the router.Step 5: Recognize that the syntax message banner motd or message motd does not match IOS command structure, whereas banner motd does. Verification / Alternative check: Documentation and lab exercises commonly show examples such as banner motd #Unauthorized access is prohibited#. Logging in to the router after applying this configuration displays the message between the delimiters before you see the Username or Password prompt. This practical behavior confirms that banner motd is the correct command to use for a general login message. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Commands like message banner motd and message motd do not follow Cisco IOS command syntax and will result in errors. The phrase banner message motd is also not valid; IOS expects the keyword sequence banner motd rather than inserting the word message. The fictional banner login motd command combines two different banner types and is not a standard IOS command. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to confuse the different banner types and their commands, such as banner motd, banner login, and banner exec. While these all configure banners, the exam question specifically refers to the common Message of the Day banner shown at login, for which banner motd is the canonical command. Another pitfall is forgetting to choose a delimiter that does not appear in the message itself, which can cause configuration issues. Final Answer: The correct command is banner motd, which configures a Message of the Day banner displayed when administrators log in.

Question 11

On a Cisco router, which command should you use to save the current running configuration in RAM to NVRAM so that it is preserved across reloads?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question examines your knowledge of how to save configuration changes on a Cisco router so that they are not lost when the device reboots. Administrators often modify settings in the running configuration and must then explicitly copy those changes to the startup configuration stored in Nonvolatile RAM. Given Data / Assumptions: - You have made changes to the router configuration in RAM (the running configuration). - You want these settings to be retained after a reload or power cycle. - Cisco IOS separates running-config (in RAM) and startup-config (in NVRAM). - The question asks for the command that copies the running configuration into NVRAM. Concept / Approach: On Cisco routers, the command copy running-config startup-config (often abbreviated copy run start) is used in privileged EXEC mode to save the current running configuration to the startup configuration file in NVRAM. This ensures that when the router boots, it loads the saved configuration. Confusing this direction or using the wrong source and destination can lead to loss of changes or overwriting of the desired configuration. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Confirm that you are in privileged EXEC mode, where the prompt ends with #.Step 2: Use the full command copy running-config startup-config or its accepted abbreviation copy run start.Step 3: When prompted, press Enter to accept the default source and destination filenames, unless you want to override them.Step 4: Wait for the router to confirm that the copy operation is successful.Step 5: Recognize that copy starting to running would merge startup into running, not the other way around, and that other sample options are not valid IOS syntax. Verification / Alternative check: After executing copy run start, you can reload the router or compare the startup and running configurations with show startup-config and show running-config. If the settings match, the save was successful. In many real environments, administrators also schedule regular backups of the configuration to external servers using copy running-config tftp for extra safety. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The command copy current to starting is not valid IOS syntax. The option copy starting to running does the reverse of what is required; it takes the configuration from NVRAM and merges it into RAM. The long form copy running-config startup-config is syntactically correct but is shown in global configuration prompt formatting in the option, which is misleading, whereas the question emphasizes the shorthand used in privileged EXEC mode. write erase would clear the configuration altogether, which is the opposite of saving it. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to forget to save changes at all, leading to configuration loss when the router reloads. Another is to accidentally copy startup-config to running-config after making changes, overwriting work in progress. Understanding the direction implied by copy source destination, and remembering that run start saves changes, helps avoid these issues. Final Answer: You should use the command Router#copy run start to save the running configuration in RAM to NVRAM as the startup configuration.

Question 12

On a Cisco router, which command will show you whether a DTE or DCE cable is connected to serial interface 0 by displaying detailed hardware controller information?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question addresses low level hardware diagnostics on Cisco routers, specifically the ability to determine whether a serial interface is connected using a Data Communication Equipment or Data Terminal Equipment cable. This is particularly relevant in lab environments where one router often provides clocking to another and you must know which end is DCE. Given Data / Assumptions: - The interface in question is serial 0, often written as s0 or serial 0 in commands. - You want to know whether the connected cable is considered DTE or DCE from the router's perspective. - Standard show interface commands provide useful status but may not include this specific hardware level detail. Concept / Approach: On Cisco devices, the show controllers command displays internal diagnostic information about interfaces, including whether a synchronous serial interface sees a DTE or DCE cable. For example, show controllers s0 may output a line stating cable type DTE or cable type DCE. This is more detailed than the general show interface output, which focuses on line status, encapsulation, and statistics, but not necessarily cable type. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that DCE devices provide clocking on synchronous serial links, and DTE devices receive that clock.Step 2: In lab setups, one router often plays the role of DCE, so you need to know which end is which to configure clock rate correctly.Step 3: Recognize that show interface serial 0 provides information such as IP address, line protocol status, and encapsulation, but not necessarily cable type.Step 4: Remember that show controllers s0 accesses hardware specific details, including DCE or DTE designation.Step 5: Select show controllers s0 as the correct command. Verification / Alternative check: In a lab, you can run show controllers s0 on each router connected by a back to back serial cable. One side will typically report that it has a DCE cable, while the other reports a DTE cable. The router with the DCE cable is the one where you must set the clock rate on the interface. This real world behavior corroborates the purpose of the show controllers command. Why Other Options Are Wrong: show interface s0 and show interface serial 0 provide general interface status but do not always include cable type details. The command show serial 0 controllers does not match standard IOS syntax. show ip interface s0 focuses on IP related details and again does not display physical cable type. Only show controllers s0 is explicitly designed to provide the low level hardware information that includes DTE or DCE designation. Common Pitfalls: Many learners default to show interface for all diagnostics and forget that some hardware specific information is available only through show controllers. Another pitfall is confusing DTE and DCE roles and not realizing that only the DCE end can provide clocking on a lab link. Memorizing the association between show controllers and serial DCE/DTE information helps resolve these issues quickly in exams and real configurations. Final Answer: The command show controllers s0 displays controller details, including whether a DTE or DCE cable is connected to serial 0.

Question 13

If you erase the contents of NVRAM (startup configuration) on a Cisco router and then reboot it, which mode will the router enter on startup?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of how a Cisco router behaves when there is no startup configuration stored in NVRAM. In real networks and in Cisco certification exams, you must know what happens after you erase the startup configuration and reload the router, because this is a common step when preparing devices for reuse or lab work. Given Data / Assumptions: The router originally had a configuration saved in NVRAM as the startup configuration. The contents of NVRAM have been erased using a command such as erase startup-config or write erase. The router is then reloaded with a normal IOS image available in flash. No configuration file is present for the router to load at boot time. Concept / Approach: During the boot process, a Cisco router loads the IOS image from flash and then attempts to load the startup configuration from NVRAM into RAM as the running configuration. If NVRAM is empty, the router cannot find a startup configuration. In that case, IOS enters a special interactive Setup mode, also called the initial configuration dialog, which guides the administrator through a series of questions to create a basic configuration. The command prompt you see first is user EXEC, but the characteristic behaviour is the automatic start of Setup mode. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: The router powers on and runs the bootstrap code stored in ROM.Step 2: The bootstrap code locates and loads the IOS image from flash into memory.Step 3: IOS attempts to load the startup configuration from NVRAM into RAM as running-config.Step 4: Because NVRAM is empty, IOS detects that no startup configuration exists.Step 5: IOS presents the initial configuration dialog, commonly called Setup mode, asking whether you want to enter basic configuration commands. Verification / Alternative check: In a lab, if you erase the startup configuration and reload, you will see a prompt similar to: Would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog? This confirms that the router has entered Setup mode and that NVRAM was empty at boot time. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A mentions user EXEC mode, which appears briefly, but without highlighting Setup mode it misses the main behaviour tested by this question.Option B is incorrect because the router does not drop directly into privileged EXEC mode with no configuration.Option D is wrong because ROM monitor mode is used when there is a problem with the IOS image, not simply because the configuration is missing.Option E is incorrect because the router does not automatically place you into global configuration mode with interfaces enabled. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse Setup mode with normal user or privileged EXEC modes. Setup mode is a guided configuration dialog that appears only when no startup configuration is present. Knowing this difference is important when you prepare routers for labs or when you inherit used equipment that must be wiped and reconfigured. Final Answer: The router will enter Setup mode (initial configuration dialog) used to create a new basic configuration after you erase NVRAM and reboot.

Question 14

On a Cisco router, which command correctly enters configuration mode for all default VTY lines (0 through 4)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of Cisco IOS command modes and syntax for configuring virtual terminal lines. VTY lines are used for remote access protocols such as Telnet and SSH. To apply passwords and access control to all default VTY lines, you must know how to enter the correct line configuration mode from global configuration mode. Given Data / Assumptions: The router uses the standard range of VTY lines from 0 to 4 for remote access. You are already in global configuration mode on the router. You want to configure all VTY lines in a single command, not one line at a time. Command prompts in options reflect different configuration modes. Concept / Approach: In Cisco IOS, the prompt tells you which configuration mode you are in. Global configuration mode is indicated by Router(config)#. From there, you can enter line configuration mode for VTY lines with the command line vty 0 4. The prompt then changes to Router(config-line)#, which confirms that you are configuring those lines. Any option that shows the wrong prompt or wrong syntax does not correctly configure the VTY lines. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: From privileged EXEC mode (Router#), enter global configuration mode with configure terminal, which changes the prompt to Router(config)#.Step 2: From global configuration mode, use the command line vty 0 4 to select all five default VTY lines.Step 3: The prompt changes to Router(config-line)#, indicating that you can now configure settings such as password and login for those lines.Step 4: Verify that you used the correct mode and syntax: the command must be issued at the Router(config)# prompt, not at user EXEC or interface configuration prompts.Step 5: Apply desired commands such as password, login, and transport input to control remote access. Verification / Alternative check: On an actual router, if you enter Router(config)# line vty 0 4 and press Enter, the IOS prompt changes to Router(config-line)#, confirming that you are in VTY line configuration mode. Using a different prompt or missing the config keyword will either generate an error or not change into the correct mode. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A is incorrect because the prompt Router# indicates privileged EXEC mode, not global configuration mode.Option C is wrong because line console 0 configures the console line, not the VTY lines.Option D uses an invalid keyword all; Cisco IOS expects a numeric range such as 0 4.Option E again uses the Router# prompt, which is not the correct mode to issue line configuration commands. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to forget to enter global configuration mode before attempting line configuration or to confuse console and VTY lines. Another common issue is misreading the prompt and thinking you are in the correct mode when you are not. Always verify that the prompt shows Router(config)# before issuing the line vty command. Final Answer: The correct command to configure all default VTY lines is Router(config)# line vty 0 4.

Question 15

In Cisco IOS global configuration mode, which command correctly sets the enable secret password to the value Cisco?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Controlling access to privileged EXEC mode on a Cisco router or switch is a key security task. Cisco IOS provides two main commands for this purpose: enable password and enable secret. The enable secret command stores the password in an encrypted form, which is recommended for production environments and is also commonly tested in certification exams. Given Data / Assumptions: You are working in global configuration mode on a Cisco device. You want to configure the encrypted enable secret password. The required password value is Cisco, with an uppercase C and lowercase letters isco. The device uses standard IOS syntax for password configuration. Concept / Approach: The correct syntax for configuring the enable secret password is enable secret followed directly by the desired password. The enable secret password is stored using a one way hash in the configuration file, so it is more secure than the clear text enable password. Case matters for the password itself from the user perspective, so Cisco is not the same as cisco when logging in, even though IOS is case insensitive for keywords. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Enter global configuration mode with configure terminal from the Router# prompt.Step 2: At the Router(config)# prompt, type enable secret Cisco and press Enter.Step 3: IOS accepts the command and stores an encrypted representation of Cisco in the running configuration.Step 4: Save the configuration to NVRAM using copy running-config startup-config if you want the password to persist across reloads.Step 5: When you later type enable at the user EXEC or privileged EXEC prompt, IOS prompts you for the secret password, and you must enter Cisco exactly with the correct case. Verification / Alternative check: After configuring the password, you can use show running-config to verify that an enable secret line exists. You will not see the clear word Cisco but an encrypted value instead, confirming that the secret password was set. Testing by logging out and reentering privileged mode also confirms that Cisco is required. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A is wrong because the extra word password is not part of the enable secret syntax.Option B sets the secret to cisco (all lowercase), which does not match the specified value Cisco.Option D uses enable password, which configures a clear text password rather than an encrypted secret and is not the recommended secure method.Option E refers to the service password-encryption command, which globally encrypts certain passwords but does not set the enable secret itself. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse enable password and enable secret or ignore case sensitivity in the password. Another mistake is assuming that service password-encryption replaces the need to configure an enable secret. In reality, enable secret is the stronger choice and takes precedence if both are configured. Final Answer: The correct command is enable secret Cisco, entered in global configuration mode.

Question 16

On a Cisco router, you type Router# sh ru and receive the error message % ambiguous command. Why is this message displayed?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Shortened commands and abbreviations are a convenient feature of Cisco IOS. However, these abbreviations must be unique so that IOS can determine exactly which full command you intend. When an abbreviation matches more than one possible command, IOS generates an ambiguous command error. Understanding this behaviour is important for troubleshooting command line issues in labs and production networks. Given Data / Assumptions: You are in privileged EXEC mode, as shown by the Router# prompt. You enter the command sh ru, intending to run show running-config. IOS responds with % ambiguous command, indicating that the router cannot determine a single matching command. The router has multiple show commands whose names begin with ru. Concept / Approach: Cisco IOS allows you to abbreviate commands as long as the abbreviation is unambiguous. For example, sh run is commonly used for show running-config because no other show command begins with run. However, the shorter abbreviation sh ru might match more than one show keyword, such as running-config and route or rusers on some systems. When IOS sees that ru could refer to multiple valid completions, it flags the input as ambiguous instead of guessing which command you wanted. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: The user types sh ru at the Router# prompt.Step 2: IOS parses the input and identifies sh as an abbreviation for show.Step 3: IOS then examines subcommands that begin with ru and discovers that more than one show command keyword starts with these characters.Step 4: Because the abbreviation ru is not unique, IOS cannot resolve it to a single command such as running-config.Step 5: IOS returns the error % ambiguous command to instruct the user to type more characters to make the command unique, for example sh run. Verification / Alternative check: You can type show ? at the router prompt to view all available show subcommands. By looking at the list, you will see several entries that begin with ru, which confirms why IOS treated sh ru as ambiguous. Typing show run works because run is long enough to be unique. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A suggests that more parameters are needed, but IOS uses different messages when options or arguments are missing.Option C is incorrect because show running-config definitely exists as a valid command.Option D is wrong because show running-config is appropriate in privileged EXEC mode, not in configuration mode.Option E incorrectly blames the IOS image; command ambiguity is a normal behaviour, not a sign of corruption. Common Pitfalls: Many learners assume that any short form of a command will always work. In practice, you must include enough characters to uniquely identify the command. When you see % ambiguous command, the solution is usually to type more of the keyword, not to change modes or reboot the router. Final Answer: The message appears because There is more than one show command that starts with the letters ru, so the abbreviation sh ru is not unique.

Question 17

If you type show interface serial 1 on a Cisco router and see Serial 1 is down, line protocol is down, at which OSI layer would you first suspect a problem?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Interface status messages on Cisco routers provide important clues about where a problem exists in the OSI model. The show interfaces command displays both the physical state of the interface and the line protocol state. Learning how to interpret messages such as is down, line protocol is down is essential for troubleshooting WAN links and serial connections. Given Data / Assumptions: The command show interface serial 1 was executed on a router. The output shows Serial 1 is down, line protocol is down. The interface is a serial interface, typically used for WAN connections. No additional configuration information is provided, so we focus on interpreting the overall status line. Concept / Approach: On Cisco devices, the first part of the status line (is up or is down) reflects the physical layer status. It indicates whether the interface detects carrier and whether the hardware is administratively enabled. The second part (line protocol is up or down) reflects data link layer status, such as keepalive messages and encapsulation. When both the interface and the line protocol are shown as down, this usually points to a physical layer problem, such as a bad cable, no clocking, or an unplugged connection. A data link layer problem typically shows up as is up, line protocol is down. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Interpret Serial 1 is down as indicating that the physical interface is not operational, either because it is administratively shut down or because there is no carrier detection.Step 2: Interpret line protocol is down as indicating that the data link encapsulation is also not operational, which is expected when the physical layer is down.Step 3: Recognize that when both states are down, the root cause is most often at the physical layer.Step 4: Consider common physical problems such as disconnected cables, faulty CSU or DSU, wrong clocking, or a shut interface.Step 5: Conclude that you should begin troubleshooting at the OSI Physical layer before investigating higher layer issues. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify this interpretation by checking cabling, LED indicators on CSU or DSU devices, and by using the no shutdown command on the serial interface. If the physical problem is resolved, the interface status will change to is up and the line protocol may then come up as well, confirming that the fault was at Layer 1. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B corresponds more to cases where the interface is up but the line protocol is down, which usually indicates a Layer 2 problem.Option C refers to Layer 3 routing issues, which would not normally cause both the interface and line protocol to show as down.Option D and Option E involve higher layer functions that depend on a working physical and data link layer and are not the first suspects here. Common Pitfalls: New engineers sometimes jump immediately to routing or configuration issues when they see connectivity problems. A structured approach starts at the bottom of the OSI model. When both the interface and line protocol are down, always suspect physical layer issues first before looking at Layer 2 or Layer 3 settings. Final Answer: You should first suspect a problem at the Physical layer (Layer 1) when you see Serial 1 is down, line protocol is down.

Question 18

Which Cisco IOS copy command loads a new Cisco IOS image from a TFTP server into the flash memory of a router?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Upgrading or replacing a Cisco IOS image is a routine task for network administrators. Often, the new image is stored on a TFTP server, and you must know the correct IOS command to copy that image into the router flash memory. This question focuses on the direction of the copy operation and the correct source and destination order in the syntax. Given Data / Assumptions: The new IOS image file resides on a TFTP server reachable from the router. You want to load this new image into the router flash memory so it can be used at the next boot. You are familiar with the copy source destination syntax in Cisco IOS. You know that flash memory stores IOS images, while TFTP is a remote server resource. Concept / Approach: The Cisco IOS copy command uses the format copy source destination. When you want to move a file from a TFTP server to flash, the TFTP server is the source and flash is the destination. Therefore, the correct command is copy tftp flash. Commands that reverse this order would attempt to upload from flash to TFTP, which is the opposite direction and is used for backups, not upgrades. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Determine that the desired direction is from the TFTP server (source) to the router flash (destination).Step 2: Recall the syntax copy tftp flash, which instructs the router to fetch a file from a TFTP server and store it in flash.Step 3: When you issue copy tftp flash, IOS prompts you for the TFTP server IP address and the name of the IOS image file.Step 4: After confirming the prompts, the router downloads the image and writes it into flash, replacing or adding to existing images as configured.Step 5: You can then adjust the boot system commands and reload the router to use the new image. Verification / Alternative check: After running copy tftp flash and completing the prompts, you can use dir flash: to verify that the new IOS image file is present. You can also use show version to confirm which image the router will boot. This confirms that the copy direction and command syntax were correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, copy flash ftp, refers to an FTP server, not a TFTP server, and would attempt to upload from flash to FTP.Option B, copy ftp flash, also uses FTP instead of TFTP.Option C, copy flash tftp, copies files from flash to a TFTP server, which is used for backups rather than loading a new image.Option E, copy running-config tftp, saves the current running configuration to a TFTP server and does not involve IOS images or flash memory. Common Pitfalls: The most common error is reversing the source and destination, resulting in overwriting or deleting an existing image accidentally. Another mistake is confusing TFTP with FTP in the command. Always verify the direction of the copy operation and confirm that you have enough flash space before starting an IOS upgrade. Final Answer: The correct command to load a new IOS image from a TFTP server into flash is copy tftp flash.

Question 19

You copy a configuration file from a network host to a Cisco router RAM. The configuration appears correct, but the router still does not pass traffic. What is one likely cause of this problem?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question explores a common troubleshooting scenario when applying a saved configuration to a Cisco router. Even when the configuration file looks correct, the router may still fail to pass user traffic. Often, the issue is related to interface status and the fact that certain attributes, such as the shutdown state, may not be overridden simply by copying a configuration file into RAM. Given Data / Assumptions: A configuration file has been copied from a network host to the router RAM, for example using copy tftp running-config. A review of the configuration shows that IP addresses, routing, and basic settings appear to be correct. Despite this, the router does not forward traffic as expected. No mention is made of manually issuing the no shutdown command on interfaces. Concept / Approach: When interfaces on a Cisco router are created or when default configurations exist, they often start in an administratively down state. The shutdown command must be removed with the no shutdown command to enable the interface. Copying a configuration into RAM merges the file with the existing running configuration; it does not automatically remove existing shutdown commands unless the file explicitly includes no shutdown statements. Therefore, it is possible for all interfaces to remain disabled even though the copied configuration contains correct addressing and routing. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: You copy the configuration from a TFTP server or other network host into running-config on the router.Step 2: The router merges the new configuration with the current running configuration instead of completely replacing it.Step 3: Interfaces that were previously in shutdown state remain shut unless the new configuration explicitly includes no shutdown commands.Step 4: When you examine the configuration, you see correct IP addresses and routing but may overlook the shutdown lines on each interface.Step 5: As a result, traffic does not pass because the interfaces are still administratively down, even though the configuration file seems correct. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify this behaviour by running show ip interface brief or show interfaces. These commands show the line status and protocol status of each interface. If the interfaces are administratively down, you must go into interface configuration mode and issue no shutdown. After bringing interfaces up, the router should start forwarding traffic according to the configuration. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A could be true in some cases, but the problem described emphasizes that the configuration looks correct, which suggests that interface states are more likely the issue.Option B is incorrect because copying a configuration into flash does not change running behaviour, and the scenario states that it was copied to RAM.Option D is unlikely because IOS corruption would typically cause boot failures or serious errors, not just lack of traffic forwarding.Option E is wrong because the router does not automatically revert to startup-config after a manual copy to running-config. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is assuming that copying a configuration always enables interfaces automatically. In practice, you must verify interface status and manually use no shutdown where needed. Many lab exercises fail for this simple reason, so always include interface status checks in your troubleshooting process. Final Answer: A likely cause is that The copy operation did not change the default shutdown state of the interfaces in the running configuration, so the interfaces remain administratively down.

Question 20

A new Cisco router from the corporate office already has a configuration present when you connect to the console. What should you do before entering and saving a completely new configuration?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: When a new router arrives from another site, it may already have a configuration stored in NVRAM. Before deploying this device in a different network, you usually want to remove the old configuration completely and start from a clean state. This question asks which memory component should be erased and what action should be taken before building a fresh configuration. Given Data / Assumptions: A new router sent from the corporate office already has an existing configuration. You connect through the console port and confirm that there are saved settings you do not want to keep. You intend to create a completely new configuration for this site. The router is a typical Cisco device with NVRAM, flash, and RAM. Concept / Approach: The startup configuration that loads during boot is stored in NVRAM. To remove the old configuration, you must erase the NVRAM contents with a command such as erase startup-config or write erase. After erasing, you should reload the router so it boots without a startup configuration, which triggers the initial configuration dialog or leaves you at a blank running configuration. Erasing RAM or flash is not appropriate for this task because RAM is cleared on reload anyway, and flash contains IOS images that you typically want to preserve. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: From the Router# prompt, run show startup-config to confirm that an unwanted configuration exists in NVRAM.Step 2: Use the command erase startup-config or write erase to clear the NVRAM configuration file.Step 3: Confirm the erase operation when prompted by the router.Step 4: Issue the reload command to restart the router so it boots without loading any previous configuration from NVRAM.Step 5: After the reload, enter either Setup mode or global configuration mode and build the new configuration for your environment, then save it to NVRAM. Verification / Alternative check: After erasing NVRAM and reloading, show startup-config should display no configuration or a minimal default. The router may prompt you to enter the initial configuration dialog, which confirms there is no saved configuration. This confirms that you are starting from a clean state before entering new settings. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A is misleading because RAM (running-config) is cleared automatically upon reload; erasing RAM is not the normal procedure.Option B is wrong because erasing flash removes the IOS image and potentially makes the router unbootable, which is not required to remove configuration.Option D may leave remnants of the old configuration and can cause unexpected behaviour due to merged settings.Option E focuses only on VLAN configuration and does not address the full router configuration stored in NVRAM. Common Pitfalls: Technicians sometimes edit configurations on top of existing ones, which can leave hidden commands and access lists in place. This leads to difficult troubleshooting later. The best practice for a repurposed router is usually to erase the startup configuration in NVRAM and reload, creating a truly clean slate. Final Answer: You should Erase NVRAM to remove the startup configuration and then restart the router before entering a new configuration.

CISCO Certification Questions