Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking 100-150 Practice Test 55
Question 540
A change reviewer considers: At the fictional Willowbrook Campus before a planned system change, the team observes: A work order specifies a dedicated console cable from a notebook to a switch for initial setup but the tech plugs into the switch's user-data uplink instead. During “Identify the console jack and attach a compatible USB or serial console adapter as specified.”, which precaution MOST specifically prevents a related risk?
- Do not invent an unapproved alternate gateway IP on endpoints during an outage.
- Do not add parallel Layer 2 links without appropriate loop-prevention controls.
- Do not confuse an Ethernet traffic uplink with a local serial console path.
- Do not route same-subnet traffic unnecessarily just because a gateway address is configured.
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:Correct. This precaution prevents a second fault while applying “Identify the console jack and attach a compatible USB or serial console adapter as specified.” at the fictional Willowbrook Campus. The required protection is “Do not confuse an Ethernet traffic uplink with a local serial console path.”; success still requires “Terminal output displays the switch CLI boot or login prompt from the correct interface.”.
Incorrect Answers
A:This caution is appropriate for a separate failure pattern: A network has a redundant router and a failed primary gateway but the host points to a single unavailable default gateway IP. The principal adjacent risk here is controlled by “Do not confuse an Ethernet traffic uplink with a local serial console path.”.
B:This caution is appropriate for a separate failure pattern: A junior engineer creates two direct Ethernet connections between switches and sees broadcast storms but disables all VLANs instead of checking Layer 2 loops. The principal adjacent risk here is controlled by “Do not confuse an Ethernet traffic uplink with a local serial console path.”.
D:This caution is appropriate for a separate failure pattern: A host sees another device on the same 192.168.7.0/24 segment and sends all packets to its gateway rather than using local neighbor resolution. The principal adjacent risk here is controlled by “Do not confuse an Ethernet traffic uplink with a local serial console path.”.
Question 541
During entry-level network support, consider: At the fictional Junction Student Center in a technician onboarding review, the team observes: A rack elevation places two redundant uplinks on separate switch ports but the installer connects both strands to the same unsupported transceiver and records two working paths. Which action MOST directly resolves the reported issue?
- Check the host's subnet mask and local neighbor resolution for the directly connected target.
- Trace and label each uplink against its designated source and destination ports.
- Identify the device's Layer 3 interfaces or SVIs and confirm inter-VLAN routing is enabled when required.
- Confirm the broadcast scope and identify the routing or relay service required for cross-VLAN needs.
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:Correct. In the fictional Junction Student Center case, Redundant topology requires distinct documented ports and correct optical terminations on each link. The specified corrective action, “Trace and label each uplink against its designated source and destination ports.”, directly targets that condition. Evidence of resolution: Both independent uplinks are visible in interface status and one can be isolated without losing all connectivity.
Incorrect Answers
A:That action addresses a different network issue: A host sees another device on the same 192.168.7.0/24 segment and sends all packets to its gateway rather than using local neighbor resolution. The present fictional Junction Student Center finding instead needs “Trace and label each uplink against its designated source and destination ports.”, verified by “Both independent uplinks are visible in interface status and one can be isolated without losing all connectivity.”.
C:That action addresses a different network issue: A technician says a Layer 3 switch can only learn MAC addresses and is incapable of routing between configured VLAN interfaces. The present fictional Junction Student Center finding instead needs “Trace and label each uplink against its designated source and destination ports.”, verified by “Both independent uplinks are visible in interface status and one can be isolated without losing all connectivity.”.
D:That action addresses a different network issue: A technician sends an ARP broadcast in VLAN 20 and expects it to flood into VLAN 30 without routing or relay. The present fictional Junction Student Center finding instead needs “Trace and label each uplink against its designated source and destination ports.”, verified by “Both independent uplinks are visible in interface status and one can be isolated without losing all connectivity.”.
Question 542
The local support team reports: At the fictional Junction Student Center in a technician onboarding review, the team observes: A rack elevation places two redundant uplinks on separate switch ports but the installer connects both strands to the same unsupported transceiver and records two working paths. What is the MOST specific underlying cause?
- Redundant topology requires distinct documented ports and correct optical terminations on each link.
- A dedicated management port may be out of band and is not necessarily part of normal data switching.
- A local serial console connection differs from remote network-based SSH or Telnet access.
- Incorrect access-port VLAN assignment places the endpoint in a different Layer 2 segment.
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:Correct. This mechanism fits the observed network symptom at the fictional Junction Student Center: Redundant topology requires distinct documented ports and correct optical terminations on each link. The corresponding remedy is “Trace and label each uplink against its designated source and destination ports.”. Confirmation: Both independent uplinks are visible in interface status and one can be isolated without losing all connectivity.
Incorrect Answers
B:That cause belongs to a different case: A device has both a dedicated management Ethernet jack and ordinary switched data ports, but an installer uses the management jack for end-user PC access. The observed fictional Junction Student Center condition is specifically explained by “Redundant topology requires distinct documented ports and correct optical terminations on each link.”.
C:That cause belongs to a different case: A technician attempts an out-of-band serial session by entering a device's IP address in a terminal emulator without connecting a console cable. The observed fictional Junction Student Center condition is specifically explained by “Redundant topology requires distinct documented ports and correct optical terminations on each link.”.
D:That cause belongs to a different case: A security printer should be reachable only on VLAN 40 but its access port is assigned to VLAN 10 and users cannot reach it at its planned subnet. The observed fictional Junction Student Center condition is specifically explained by “Redundant topology requires distinct documented ports and correct optical terminations on each link.”.
Question 543
The technician must verify the following scenario: At the fictional Junction Student Center in a technician onboarding review, the team observes: A rack elevation places two redundant uplinks on separate switch ports but the installer connects both strands to the same unsupported transceiver and records two working paths. The approved corrective action is: “Trace and label each uplink against its designated source and destination ports.” Which result BEST demonstrates success?
- The report distinguishes stack membership indication from Ethernet port speed.
- The destination matches a valid route and forwarding follows the intended interface.
- The interface recognizes the module and negotiates the planned speed with its peer.
- Both independent uplinks are visible in interface status and one can be isolated without losing all connectivity.
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:Correct. This is the required observable acceptance evidence for “Trace and label each uplink against its designated source and destination ports.” at the fictional Junction Student Center. It demonstrates correction of the original cause: Redundant topology requires distinct documented ports and correct optical terminations on each link.
Incorrect Answers
A:That result is evidence for a separate corrective action, “Use the correct switch model legend to identify the stack LED and its current operating state.”. It does not establish the intended outcome “Both independent uplinks are visible in interface status and one can be isolated without losing all connectivity.” for the fictional Junction Student Center case.
B:That result is evidence for a separate corrective action, “Check the routing table and add an approved appropriate route or default next hop.”. It does not establish the intended outcome “Both independent uplinks are visible in interface status and one can be isolated without losing all connectivity.” for the fictional Junction Student Center case.
C:That result is evidence for a separate corrective action, “Select a vendor-supported transceiver and interface speed compatible with the required uplink.”. It does not establish the intended outcome “Both independent uplinks are visible in interface status and one can be isolated without losing all connectivity.” for the fictional Junction Student Center case.
Question 544
A change reviewer considers: At the fictional Junction Student Center in a technician onboarding review, the team observes: A rack elevation places two redundant uplinks on separate switch ports but the installer connects both strands to the same unsupported transceiver and records two working paths. During “Trace and label each uplink against its designated source and destination ports.”, which precaution MOST specifically prevents a related risk?
- Do not infer a module supports 10Gb/s solely from a similar mechanical cage.
- Do not route same-subnet traffic unnecessarily just because a gateway address is configured.
- Do not claim link redundancy when both supposed paths terminate in one unverified connection.
- Do not change the printer IP to mask an incorrect access VLAN assignment.
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:Correct. This precaution prevents a second fault while applying “Trace and label each uplink against its designated source and destination ports.” at the fictional Junction Student Center. The required protection is “Do not claim link redundancy when both supposed paths terminate in one unverified connection.”; success still requires “Both independent uplinks are visible in interface status and one can be isolated without losing all connectivity.”.
Incorrect Answers
A:This caution is appropriate for a separate failure pattern: A distribution switch advertises 10-gigabit SFP+ uplinks and an installer selects an unsupported 1-gigabit-only module without checking compatibility. The principal adjacent risk here is controlled by “Do not claim link redundancy when both supposed paths terminate in one unverified connection.”.
B:This caution is appropriate for a separate failure pattern: A host sees another device on the same 192.168.7.0/24 segment and sends all packets to its gateway rather than using local neighbor resolution. The principal adjacent risk here is controlled by “Do not claim link redundancy when both supposed paths terminate in one unverified connection.”.
D:This caution is appropriate for a separate failure pattern: A security printer should be reachable only on VLAN 40 but its access port is assigned to VLAN 10 and users cannot reach it at its planned subnet. The principal adjacent risk here is controlled by “Do not claim link redundancy when both supposed paths terminate in one unverified connection.”.
Question 545
During entry-level network support, consider: At the fictional Bramble Insurance while checking a service ticket, the team observes: A topology shows a printer on a user access port and a distribution trunk between switches; the worker cables the printer into the inter-switch trunk's far end. Which action MOST directly resolves the reported issue?
- Select a vendor-supported transceiver and interface speed compatible with the required uplink.
- Attach the printer to its mapped access port and reserve the inter-switch trunk for switch uplinks.
- Validate the approved gateway availability mechanism and host default-gateway address.
- Check the model's USB purpose and use a supported Ethernet port for LAN uplink needs.
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:Correct. In the fictional Bramble Insurance case, Endpoints and switch-to-switch interconnections occupy different logical roles even when they use similar connectors. The specified corrective action, “Attach the printer to its mapped access port and reserve the inter-switch trunk for switch uplinks.”, directly targets that condition. Evidence of resolution: The printer is reachable on the intended access VLAN without a mismatched trunk endpoint.
Incorrect Answers
A:That action addresses a different network issue: A distribution switch advertises 10-gigabit SFP+ uplinks and an installer selects an unsupported 1-gigabit-only module without checking compatibility. The present fictional Bramble Insurance finding instead needs “Attach the printer to its mapped access port and reserve the inter-switch trunk for switch uplinks.”, verified by “The printer is reachable on the intended access VLAN without a mismatched trunk endpoint.”.
C:That action addresses a different network issue: A network has a redundant router and a failed primary gateway but the host points to a single unavailable default gateway IP. The present fictional Bramble Insurance finding instead needs “Attach the printer to its mapped access port and reserve the inter-switch trunk for switch uplinks.”, verified by “The printer is reachable on the intended access VLAN without a mismatched trunk endpoint.”.
D:That action addresses a different network issue: A help desk operator inserts a flash drive into a switch USB port and assumes it has added a new Ethernet forwarding interface. The present fictional Bramble Insurance finding instead needs “Attach the printer to its mapped access port and reserve the inter-switch trunk for switch uplinks.”, verified by “The printer is reachable on the intended access VLAN without a mismatched trunk endpoint.”.
Question 546
The local support team reports: At the fictional Bramble Insurance while checking a service ticket, the team observes: A topology shows a printer on a user access port and a distribution trunk between switches; the worker cables the printer into the inter-switch trunk's far end. What is the MOST specific underlying cause?
- Endpoints and switch-to-switch interconnections occupy different logical roles even when they use similar connectors.
- Dedicated system, stack and port LEDs indicate different categories of information.
- Ethernet switches normally learn source MAC addresses on incoming frames to associate hosts with ports.
- Unknown-unicast Ethernet switching typically floods the frame within the relevant VLAN, subject to port controls.
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:Correct. This mechanism fits the observed network symptom at the fictional Bramble Insurance: Endpoints and switch-to-switch interconnections occupy different logical roles even when they use similar connectors. The corresponding remedy is “Attach the printer to its mapped access port and reserve the inter-switch trunk for switch uplinks.”. Confirmation: The printer is reachable on the intended access VLAN without a mismatched trunk endpoint.
Incorrect Answers
B:That cause belongs to a different case: A technician photographs a stack member LED and labels it a line-rate speed indicator on a switch model with separate stacking status. The observed fictional Bramble Insurance condition is specifically explained by “Endpoints and switch-to-switch interconnections occupy different logical roles even when they use similar connectors.”.
C:That cause belongs to a different case: An access switch sees a source MAC arrive on port 5 but a trainee claims the MAC table can only learn destination MAC addresses. The observed fictional Bramble Insurance condition is specifically explained by “Endpoints and switch-to-switch interconnections occupy different logical roles even when they use similar connectors.”.
D:That cause belongs to a different case: A switch receives a unicast frame to a destination MAC it has not learned and a technician says the switch must drop it by default. The observed fictional Bramble Insurance condition is specifically explained by “Endpoints and switch-to-switch interconnections occupy different logical roles even when they use similar connectors.”.
Question 547
The technician must verify the following scenario: At the fictional Bramble Insurance while checking a service ticket, the team observes: A topology shows a printer on a user access port and a distribution trunk between switches; the worker cables the printer into the inter-switch trunk's far end. The approved corrective action is: “Attach the printer to its mapped access port and reserve the inter-switch trunk for switch uplinks.” Which result BEST demonstrates success?
- The reported port status matches the active LED mode and the device's management interface.
- The phone powers and negotiates its Ethernet link on the correct powered interface.
- The workstation receives its intended access VLAN while management stays isolated.
- The printer is reachable on the intended access VLAN without a mismatched trunk endpoint.
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:Correct. This is the required observable acceptance evidence for “Attach the printer to its mapped access port and reserve the inter-switch trunk for switch uplinks.” at the fictional Bramble Insurance. It demonstrates correction of the original cause: Endpoints and switch-to-switch interconnections occupy different logical roles even when they use similar connectors.
Incorrect Answers
A:That result is evidence for a separate corrective action, “Identify the current LED display mode and consult the model's port-status legend.”. It does not establish the intended outcome “The printer is reachable on the intended access VLAN without a mismatched trunk endpoint.” for the fictional Bramble Insurance case.
B:That result is evidence for a separate corrective action, “Identify a PoE-capable port and confirm the switch's available PoE budget.”. It does not establish the intended outcome “The printer is reachable on the intended access VLAN without a mismatched trunk endpoint.” for the fictional Bramble Insurance case.
C:That result is evidence for a separate corrective action, “Check the port roles and attach user workstations to approved front-panel switch access ports.”. It does not establish the intended outcome “The printer is reachable on the intended access VLAN without a mismatched trunk endpoint.” for the fictional Bramble Insurance case.
Question 548
A change reviewer considers: At the fictional Bramble Insurance while checking a service ticket, the team observes: A topology shows a printer on a user access port and a distribution trunk between switches; the worker cables the printer into the inter-switch trunk's far end. During “Attach the printer to its mapped access port and reserve the inter-switch trunk for switch uplinks.”, which precaution MOST specifically prevents a related risk?
- Do not invent an unapproved alternate gateway IP on endpoints during an outage.
- Do not set a static route through a next hop that the router cannot resolve or reach.
- Do not infer a port's VLAN role solely from the patch cable's color.
- Do not troubleshoot remote application sockets before restoring a failed gateway uplink.
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:Correct. This precaution prevents a second fault while applying “Attach the printer to its mapped access port and reserve the inter-switch trunk for switch uplinks.” at the fictional Bramble Insurance. The required protection is “Do not infer a port's VLAN role solely from the patch cable's color.”; success still requires “The printer is reachable on the intended access VLAN without a mismatched trunk endpoint.”.
Incorrect Answers
A:This caution is appropriate for a separate failure pattern: A network has a redundant router and a failed primary gateway but the host points to a single unavailable default gateway IP. The principal adjacent risk here is controlled by “Do not infer a port's VLAN role solely from the patch cable's color.”.
B:This caution is appropriate for a separate failure pattern: A router can reach an upstream router but cannot route to a downstream branch because its route points at an unrelated unreachable next-hop IP. The principal adjacent risk here is controlled by “Do not infer a port's VLAN role solely from the patch cable's color.”.
D:This caution is appropriate for a separate failure pattern: A PC sends traffic to a remote server but the gateway's Ethernet interface is down and the technician tries to edit only the server's application port. The principal adjacent risk here is controlled by “Do not infer a port's VLAN role solely from the patch cable's color.”.
Question 549
During entry-level network support, consider: At the fictional Glenhaven Council after a user reports a recurring problem, the team observes: A field engineer provides a port-to-port cable schedule for a small three-switch network, but the technician connects each switch to every other switch without checking loop control. Which action MOST directly resolves the reported issue?
- Identify and use the designated Ethernet data port for network traffic; reserve console for local administration.
- Follow the documented switch uplink topology and confirm approved spanning-tree or redundancy settings.
- Validate the approved gateway availability mechanism and host default-gateway address.
- Identify a PoE-capable port and confirm the switch's available PoE budget.
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:Correct. In the fictional Glenhaven Council case, Unplanned extra Layer 2 links can introduce a loop unless an approved redundancy protocol or design handles them. The specified corrective action, “Follow the documented switch uplink topology and confirm approved spanning-tree or redundancy settings.”, directly targets that condition. Evidence of resolution: The observed physical topology matches the approved drawing and no uncontrolled Layer 2 loop appears.
Incorrect Answers
A:That action addresses a different network issue: A technician connects an Ethernet patch lead to the blue-labelled console jack and wonders why no data-link address appears on the switch uplink. The present fictional Glenhaven Council finding instead needs “Follow the documented switch uplink topology and confirm approved spanning-tree or redundancy settings.”, verified by “The observed physical topology matches the approved drawing and no uncontrolled Layer 2 loop appears.”.
C:That action addresses a different network issue: A network has a redundant router and a failed primary gateway but the host points to a single unavailable default gateway IP. The present fictional Glenhaven Council finding instead needs “Follow the documented switch uplink topology and confirm approved spanning-tree or redundancy settings.”, verified by “The observed physical topology matches the approved drawing and no uncontrolled Layer 2 loop appears.”.
D:That action addresses a different network issue: A VoIP phone requires power through its Ethernet cable but a technician connects it to an otherwise working non-PoE Ethernet interface. The present fictional Glenhaven Council finding instead needs “Follow the documented switch uplink topology and confirm approved spanning-tree or redundancy settings.”, verified by “The observed physical topology matches the approved drawing and no uncontrolled Layer 2 loop appears.”.
Question 550
The local support team reports: At the fictional Glenhaven Council after a user reports a recurring problem, the team observes: A field engineer provides a port-to-port cable schedule for a small three-switch network, but the technician connects each switch to every other switch without checking loop control. What is the MOST specific underlying cause?
- Unplanned extra Layer 2 links can introduce a loop unless an approved redundancy protocol or design handles them.
- IPv4 routers decrement TTL to help prevent packets from looping indefinitely.
- Longest-prefix matching selects a specific matching route over a less-specific default route.
- Serial WAN ports and USB peripheral ports have different functions and physical signaling.
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:Correct. This mechanism fits the observed network symptom at the fictional Glenhaven Council: Unplanned extra Layer 2 links can introduce a loop unless an approved redundancy protocol or design handles them. The corresponding remedy is “Follow the documented switch uplink topology and confirm approved spanning-tree or redundancy settings.”. Confirmation: The observed physical topology matches the approved drawing and no uncontrolled Layer 2 loop appears.
Incorrect Answers
B:That cause belongs to a different case: A technician sees that packet TTL decreases at a routed hop and calls it corruption that must be repaired by disabling routing. The observed fictional Glenhaven Council condition is specifically explained by “Unplanned extra Layer 2 links can introduce a loop unless an approved redundancy protocol or design handles them.”.
C:That cause belongs to a different case: A branch router has a specific route to 10.20.0.0/16 and a default route, but the trainee expects all 10.x.x.x traffic to use the default. The observed fictional Glenhaven Council condition is specifically explained by “Unplanned extra Layer 2 links can introduce a loop unless an approved redundancy protocol or design handles them.”.
D:That cause belongs to a different case: A remote site uses a legacy serial WAN interface but a technician attaches a modern USB flash-memory cable expecting it to carry the circuit. The observed fictional Glenhaven Council condition is specifically explained by “Unplanned extra Layer 2 links can introduce a loop unless an approved redundancy protocol or design handles them.”.