N10-008 CompTIA Network+ Exam Questions and Answers

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

References:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

References:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the most appropriate way to enable secure remote printing. VPN is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted tunnel over a public network such as the Internet. It allows remote users or sites to access a private network as if they were directly connected to it. VPN can be used for various purposes such as accessing corporate resources, bypassing geo-restrictions, or enhancing privacy and security. VPN can also be used for remote printing by allowing users to connect to a printer on the private network and send print jobs securely over the VPN tunnel. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/security-vpn/ipsec-negotiation-ike-protocols/14106-how-vpn-works.html

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

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

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

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

A honeypot is a decoy system that is intentionally left vulnerable or exposed to attract attackers and divert them from the real targets. A honeypot can also be used to collect information about the attackers’ techniques and motives. A network administrator can implement a honeypot to analyze attacks directed toward the company’s network, as a honeypot can help identify the source, target, method, and impact of an attack, as well as provide recommendations for remediation. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-a-honeypot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Jitter is most likely causing the issue of intermittent one-way audio and dropped conversations for the company that uses VoIP telephones. Jitter is a variation in delay of packets arriving at the destination. It can cause choppy or distorted audio quality for VoIP applications, especially over WAN links that have limited bandwidth and high latency. The recommended jitter for VoIP is less than 10ms1. The company has recorded ping times that exceed 50ms, which indicates high jitter and latency on their network. References: https://www.voip-info.org/voip-jitter/  1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

References:

• CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

References:

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

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

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

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

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

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

References:

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

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

References:

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

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

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

 The size of a rack for installation depends on several factors, such as the available space, the power and cooling requirements, and the dimensions of the equipment to be installed. Two of the most important dimensions to consider are the switch depth and the server height. Switch depth refers to the length of the switch from front to back, which determines how much space is needed inside the rack. Server height refers to the vertical space occupied by the server, which is measured in rack units (RU) or U. One rack unit is equal to 1.75 inches. The height of the rack should be able to accommodate the total number of rack units needed for the servers and other devices, as well as some extra space for cable management and airflow. References: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, Chapter 2, Section 2.5

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

A helper address is an IP address that is configured on a router interface to forward DHCP broadcast messages to a DHCP server on another LAN. A DHCP broadcast message is a message that a workstation sends when it needs to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server. Since broadcast messages are not routed across different networks, a helper address is needed to relay the DHCP broadcast message to the DHCP server on another network. References: https://www.comptia.org/training/books/network-n10-008-study-guide (page 199)

A site-to-site VPN is a type of VPN that connects two or more networks over the Internet using a secure tunnel. A site-to-site VPN allows users to access network resources on a laptop without logging in to the VPN application, as long as the laptop is connected to one of the networks in the VPN. A site-to-site VPN is transparent to the users and does not require any additional software or configuration on the client devices.

References: Network+ Study Guide Objective 3.4: Explain the purposes and use cases for VPNs.

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

References:

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

• Disabling unneeded switchports is a security best practice that prevents unauthorized devices from connecting to the network and potentially compromising its integrity or confidentiality.
• By disabling the switchports that are not in use, the network manager reduces the attack surface and the risk of rogue devices, such as laptops, printers, or cameras, from accessing the network.
• Disabling unneeded switchports can also prevent MAC flooding attacks, which occur when an attacker sends a large number of spoofed MAC addresses to a switch, causing it to overflow its MAC address table and forward all traffic to all ports, effectively turning the switch into a hub.
• To disable a switchport, the network manager can use the command switchport mode shutdown on the interface configuration mode of the switch.
• Changing the default VLAN, configuring DHCP snooping, and writing ACLs are also security measures that can be applied to switches, but they are not the most likely ones in this scenario.
• Changing the default VLAN can prevent VLAN hopping attacks, which occur when an attacker sends frames with double 802.1Q tags to a switch, causing it to forward the frames to another VLAN.
• Configuring DHCP snooping can prevent DHCP spoofing attacks, which occur when an attacker sets up a rogue DHCP server on the network and offers fake IP addresses and gateway information to unsuspecting clients, redirecting their traffic to the attacker’s device.
• Writing ACLs can prevent unauthorized access to the switch or the network resources, by filtering traffic based on source and destination IP addresses, ports, protocols, or other criteria. References:
• Network + N10-008 practice exam Flashcards | Quizlet
• Network+ N10-008 Practice Test | CertBlaster | Free CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

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

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

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

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

Role-based access is a security technique that assigns permissions and privileges to users or groups based on their roles or functions within an organization. Role-based access can help secure the physical networking equipment by limiting who can access, modify, or manage the devices in the shared IT closet. Only authorized personnel with a valid role and credentials should be able to access the networking equipment. Disabling unneeded switchports is a security technique that prevents unauthorized devices from connecting to the network by turning off unused ports on a switch. Changing the default passwords is a security technique that prevents unauthorized access to network devices by replacing the factory-set passwords with strong and unique ones. Configuring an access control list is a security technique that filters network traffic by allowing or denying packets based on criteria such as source and destination IP addresses, ports, or protocols.

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

 ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is a protocol that is used to send error and control messages between network devices, such as ping requests and replies. ICMP is being blocked by the firewall, which prevents the network technician from pinging the web server. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a protocol that provides reliable and ordered delivery of data between network devices, such as web service requests and responses using HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). TCP is not being blocked by the firewall, which allows the network technician to verify connectivity to the web service using Telnet. UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is a protocol that provides fast and efficient delivery of data between network devices, but does not guarantee reliability or order. UDP is used for applications such as streaming media or online gaming. ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) is a protocol that resolves IP addresses to MAC addresses on a local network. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], Domain 2.0 Networking Concepts, Objective 2.1: Compare and contrast OSI and TCP/IP models, Subobjective: TCP/IP model layers (Application/Transport/Internet/Network Interface)

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

TTL stands for Time to Live, and it is a field on DNS records that controls how long each record is valid and cached by the DNS resolver before it expires and requests a new one. The TTL value is measured in seconds, and it affects how quickly DNS changes propagate across the Internet. A lower TTL means that the DNS resolver will refresh the record more frequently, but it also increases the load on the DNS servers. A higher TTL means that the DNS resolver will cache the record longer, but it also delays the update of the record.

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

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

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

The VPN type that provides the highest security for a user who travels often and has high bandwidth requirements is the Full-tunnel VPN. Here’s why:

• Full-Tunnel VPN:

References:

• 2: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives (N10-008)

Out of band management is a process for accessing and managing network devices and infrastructure at remote locations through a separate management plane from the production network. Out of band management requires network devices to be managed using a different set of IP addresses than the ones used for in-band management or data traffic. This provides a secure and dedicated alternate access method to administer connected devices and IT assets without using the corporate LAN.

The objective that an evil twin achieves is log-in credentials. An evil twin is a type of rogue access point that mimics a legitimate wireless network by using the same SSID, encryption, and authentication methods. An evil twin can trick unsuspecting users into connecting to it instead of the real network, and then capture their log-in credentials or other sensitive data. An evil twin can also perform man-in-the-middle attacks, redirecting or modifying the user’s traffic. References: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 358; The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide (Exam N10-008), page 14-1.

A /27 subnet mask has 32 IP addresses, of which 30 are usable for hosts. This is the smallest subnet that can accommodate 31 laptops, as the other options have either too few or too many IP addresses. A /27 subnet mask is equivalent to 255.255.255.224 in decimal notation, and has a wildcard mask of 0.0.0.31. The network address is 10.10.10.0, and the broadcast address is 10.10.10.31. The usable host range is 10.10.10.1 to 10.10.10.30.

References

1: Subnet Cheat Sheet – 24 Subnet Mask, 30, 26, 27, 29, and other IP Address CIDR Network References

2: IP Subnet Calculator

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

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

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

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

References:

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

A hot site is a backup site that is fully equipped and ready to take over the operations of the primary site in the event of a disaster. A hot site has real-time synchronization with the primary site and can provide zero data loss. A hot site is the most expensive and reliable option for disaster recovery.

References: Network+ Study Guide Objective 5.3: Explain common scanning, monitoring and patching processes and summarize their expected outputs.

Firewall audit logs are records of the changes made to the firewall configuration, policies, and rules. They can help the firewall administrator to track who, when, and what changes were made to the firewall, and identify any unauthorized or erroneous modifications that could cause security issues or network outages. By consulting the firewall audit logs, the firewall administrator can investigate how the change that allowed traffic on port 80 to the web server occurred, and prevent it from happening again

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

References:

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

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

References:

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

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

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

A honeypot is a decoy system that is designed to attract and trap hackers who attempt to breach the network. A honeypot mimics a real system or network, but contains fake or non-sensitive data and applications. A honeypot can be used to monitor network breaching in a passive, controlled manner, as it allows the network administrator to observe the hacker’s behavior, techniques, and tools without compromising the actual network or data. A honeypot can also help to divert the hacker’s attention from the real targets and collect forensic evidence for further analysis or prosecution.

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

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

A peer-to-peer network is a type of network in which each computer (or node) can communicate directly with any other node, without requiring a central server or authority. Each node can act as both a client and a server, and can share its own resources, such as files, printers, or internet connection, with other nodes. A peer-to-peer network allows users to directly access and exchange what is on or attached to their computers, with equal permissions and responsibilities

A directional antenna is a type of antenna that radiates or receives radio waves in a specific direction. This can help limit wireless access outside the building by focusing the signal towards the intended area and reducing the signal strength in other directions. A private VLAN is a feature that isolates network devices within a VLAN. Disabling roaming on the WAP prevents wireless clients from switching to another WAP when the signal is weak. Stopping broadcasting of the SSID hides the network name from wireless clients, but does not prevent them from connecting if they know the SSID.

References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 7.0 (N10-007), Objective 3.1: Given a scenario, install and configure wireless LAN infrastructure and implement the appropriate technologies in support of wireless capable devices.

A service-level agreement (SLA) is a document that states what the minimum performance expectations are within a network, such as uptime, throughput, latency, and security. An SLA is usually signed between a service provider and a customer, and it specifies the penalties or remedies if the service level is not met

Crimping the cable as a straight-through cable is the most likely fix for the issue where users are unable to access any network resources after upgrading from Cat 5 to Cat 6 cables. Crimping is a process of attaching connectors to the ends of cables using a tool called a crimper. A straight-through cable is a type of twisted-pair cable that has the same wiring scheme on both ends, meaning that each pin on one end is connected to the same pin on the other end. A straight-through cable is used to connect devices that operate on different layers of the OSI model, such as a computer and a switch, or a switch and a router. If the newly installed cable is crimped with TIA/EIA 568A on one end and TIA/EIA 568B on the other end, it becomes a crossover cable. A crossover cable is a type of twisted-pair cable that has opposite wiring schemes on both ends, meaning that each pin on one end is connected to a different pin on the other end. A crossover cable is used to connect devices that operate on the same layer of the OSI model, such as two computers or two switches. Using a crossover cable instead of a straight-through cable can cause network communication errors or failures. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], Straight Through vs Crossover Cable: What’s The Difference?

• A company’s web server is hosted at a local ISP means that the company is using the ISP’s infrastructure and services to run and manage its web server, rather than having its own physical server on its premises.
• This is an example of a cloud provider, which is a type of service provider that offers cloud computing resources and services over the internet, such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, etc.
• A cloud provider can be classified into three main categories: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). In this case, the company is using IaaS, which means that it is renting the ISP’s hardware and network resources to host its web server, while maintaining control over the operating system, applications, and data.
• The other options are not correct because:

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, Chapter 1: Networking Fundamentals, Section 1.5: Cloud Computing1
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Page 9: Cloud Computing2
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Training Course, Video 1.5: Cloud Computing3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

References:

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

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

References:

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

SLAAC (Stateless Address Autoconfiguration) is a mechanism that enables each host on the network to auto-configure a unique IPv6 address without any device keeping track of which address is assigned to which node12. SLAAC uses link-local addresses and the interface’s MAC address or a random number to generate the host portion of the IPv6 address2. SLAAC also relies on Router Solicitation (RS) and Router Advertisement (RA) messages to obtain the network prefix and other information from a router12. Therefore, to change an entire subnet of SLAAC-configured workstation addresses, the network engineer needs to change the address prefix in a router and let the router advertise the new prefix with an ND (Neighbor Discovery) message. This way, the workstations will receive the new prefix and update their IPv6 addresses accordingly3.

References1 - IPv6 Stateless Address Auto-configuration (SLAAC) | NetworkAcademy.io2 - IPv6 SLAAC – Stateless Address Autoconfiguration - Study-CCNA3 - Mastering IPv6 SLAAC Concepts and Configuration - Cisco Press

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

iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) is a protocol that allows SCSI commands to be transported over IP networks1. iSCSI can be routed because it contains a network address and a device address, as required by a routable protocol2. iSCSI can be used to access block-level storage devices over a network, such as SAN (Storage Area Network).

FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet) is a protocol that allows Fibre Channel frames to be encapsulated and transported over Ethernet networks1. FCoE cannot be routed because it does not contain a network address, only a device address. FCoE operates at the data link layer and requires special switches and adapters to support it. FCoE can also be used to access block-level storage devices over a network, such as SAN.

Fibre Channel is a protocol that provides high-speed and low-latency communication between servers and storage devices1. Fibre Channel cannot be routed because it does not use IP networks, but rather its own dedicated network infrastructure. Fibre Channel operates at the physical layer and the data link layer and requires special cables, switches, and adapters to support it. Fibre Channel can also be used to access block-level storage devices over a network, such as SAN.

NetBEUI (NetBIOS Extended User Interface) is an old protocol that provides session-level communication between devices on a local network1. NetBEUI cannot be routed because it does not contain a network address, only a device address. NetBEUI operates at the transport layer and relies on NetBIOS for name resolution. NetBEUI is obsolete and has been replaced by other protocols, such as TCP/IP.

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

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

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

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

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

References:

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

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

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

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

A 110 block is a type of punch-down block that is used to terminate twisted-pair cables in Ethernet networks. It is a non-proprietary standard that is widely used in structured cabling systems for voice and data applications. A 110 block can support up to 100 MHz of bandwidth and can be used with Cat 3, Cat 5, Cat 5e, and Cat 6 cables12.

A 66 block is another type of punch-down block that is mainly used for telephone wiring. It is an older and less reliable standard than the 110 block and does not support high-speed data transmission3. A BiX block is a proprietary punch-down block that is developed by NORDX/CDT and is mostly used in Canada. It can support up to 250 MHz of bandwidth and can be used with Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables4. A Krone block is another proprietary punch-down block that is developed by ADC Krone and is mostly used in Europe. It can support up to 100 MHz of bandwidth and can be used with Cat 5 and Cat 5e cables.

Therefore, the best option for the customer who wants to use non-proprietary standards is the 110 block.

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

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

References:

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

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

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

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

References:

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

VLAN hopping is a type of attack that allows an attacker to access or manipulate traffic on a different VLAN than the one they are connected to. One way to prevent VLAN hopping is to change the default VLAN on a switch. The default VLAN is the VLAN that is assigned to all ports on a switch by default, usually VLAN 1. If an attacker connects to an unused port on a switch that has not been configured with a specific VLAN, they can access or spoof traffic on the default VLAN. By changing the default VLAN to an unused or isolated VLAN, the network administrator can prevent unauthorized access or interference with legitimate traffic on other VLANs. References: https://www.comptia.org/training/books/network-n10-008-study-guide (page 308)

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

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

• The question asks about the most detailed source of data for investigating a network attack that wiped the configuration and logs of the border firewall.
• The answer is not B, because the MIB (Management Information Base) of the attacked firewall is a database of network objects that can be monitored by a network management system, but it does not store historical data or logs of the firewall activity or configuration.
• The answer is not C, because network baseline reports are snapshots of the normal performance and behavior of the network, but they do not provide specific details or evidence of the network attack or the firewall compromise.
• The answer is not D, because NetFlow aggregate data is a collection of statistics about the network traffic flows, but it does not include the payload or content of the packets, which could be useful for identifying the attack vector or the malicious code.
• The answer is A, because syslog server messages are records of the events and messages generated by the network devices, including the firewall. They can provide detailed information about the firewall configuration, status, errors, warnings, and alerts, as well as the source and destination of the network traffic. Syslog server messages can help to reconstruct the timeline and sequence of the network attack and the firewall compromise.

References:

• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 5: Network Management, Section 5.1: Network Monitoring, p. 271
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 5: Network Management, Section 5.2: Network Performance Optimization, p. 282
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 5: Network Management, Section 5.1: Network Monitoring, p. 274
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 6: Network Security, Section 6.4: Network Security Monitoring and Analysis, p. 353

• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) is a cloud computing model that provides on-demand scalable hardware resources, such as servers, storage, network, and virtualization, that are typically housed in the vendor’s data center12.
• IaaS allows customers to pay only for the resources they use, and to scale up or down as needed, without having to invest in or maintain their own physical infrastructure12.
• IaaS is different from other cloud computing models, such as DaaS (Desktop as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), and SaaS (Software as a Service), which provide different levels of abstraction and functionality12.
• DaaS delivers virtual desktops to users over the internet, allowing them to access their applications and data from any device3.
• PaaS provides a platform for developing, testing, and deploying applications, without having to manage the underlying infrastructure or software.
• SaaS delivers software applications over the internet, without requiring installation or maintenance on the user’s device. References:
• [CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide], Chapter 8: Cloud Computing, Section: Cloud Computing Models
• [Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes], Page 58: Cloud Computing Models
• [CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide], Chapter 8: Cloud Computing, Section: Desktop as a Service (DaaS)
• [CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide], Chapter 8: Cloud Computing, Section: Platform as a Service (PaaS)
• [CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide], Chapter 8: Cloud Computing, Section: Software as a Service (SaaS)
• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) is a cloud computing model that provides on-demand scalable hardware resources, such as servers, storage, network, and virtualization, that are typically housed in the vendor’s data center12.
• IaaS allows customers to pay only for the resources they use, and to scale up or down as needed, without having to invest in or maintain their own physical infrastructure12.
• IaaS is different from other cloud computing models, such as DaaS (Desktop as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), and SaaS (Software as a Service), which provide different levels of abstraction and functionality12.
• DaaS delivers virtual desktops to users over the internet, allowing them to access their applications and data from any device3.
• PaaS provides a platform for developing, testing, and deploying applications, without having to manage the underlying infrastructure or software.
• SaaS delivers software applications over the internet, without requiring installation or maintenance on the user’s device. References:
• [CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide], Chapter 8: Cloud Computing, Section: Cloud Computing Models
• [Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes], Page 58: Cloud Computing Models
• [CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide], Chapter 8: Cloud Computing, Section: Desktop as a Service (DaaS)
• [CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide], Chapter 8: Cloud Computing, Section: Platform as a Service (PaaS)
• [CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide], Chapter 8: Cloud Computing, Section: Software as a Service (SaaS)

A zero-day attack refers to an attack that exploits a previously unknown vulnerability in a software or system, which developers have had zero days to fix. In this scenario, the attacker is using an unknown vulnerability in the print spooler to gain elevated system privileges, which is a classic example of a zero-day attack. This term specifically denotes the unexpected nature of the attack and the absence of a patch or workaround at the time of discovery. Honeypots, internal threats, and external threats refer to different aspects of cybersecurity and do not specifically describe the exploitation of unknown vulnerabilities​​.

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

The network engineer is installing Access Points (APs) for a Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) where every staff member uses a cordless phone. The goal is to reduce interference. Let’s evaluate the options:

• 802.11a: Operates in the 5 GHz frequency band. It provides higher data rates but has shorter range and poorer penetration through walls due to its higher frequency. It is less likely to interfere with cordless phones.
• 802.11b: Operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. It has slower data rates but better range and wall penetration. However, it shares the same frequency band with many cordless phones, microwave ovens, and other devices, leading to potential interference.
• 802.11g: Also operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. It provides higher data rates than 802.11b but maintains backward compatibility with 802.11b devices. Like 802.11b, it shares the same frequency band with cordless phones and other devices.
• 802.1X: This is not a wireless standard. It is an authentication protocol used for network access control.

Given the scenario, 802.11a would work best to reduce interference because it operates in the 5 GHz band, which is less crowded and less likely to overlap with cordless phones.

To define the location where VoIP phones can download configuration files, the network administrator can use scope options within the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) service. Scope options are a set of values that can be configured within a DHCP scope, which defines a range of IP addresses that can be leased to clients on a network. One of the scope options that can be configured is the option for the location of the configuration file server, which specifies the URL or IP address of the server where the configuration files can be downloaded.

https://pbxbook.com/voip/dhcpcfg.html

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

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

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

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

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

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

References:

• CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives

RG6 is a type of coaxial cable that is commonly used for cable TV and internet services. A cable modem is a device that modulates and demodulates signals over a coaxial cable network to provide broadband internet access. A SOHO situation refers to a small office/home office environment that typically has a single cable modem connected to a single coaxial cable outlet. Therefore, RG6 is the most appropriate demarcation connection for a cable modem in a SOHO situation. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], What Is RG6 Cable? | Techwalla

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The IP address ::1/128 is the loopback address of the local host in IPv6, which is the equivalent of the 127.0.0.1 in IPv4. The loopback address is a virtual interface that loops all traffic back to itself, the local host. The loopback address is used for testing and troubleshooting purposes, such as checking the connectivity and configuration of the network stack. If an application tries to reach the loopback address, it means that it is not communicating with any external network or server, but only with itself.

The other options are not correct because they are not associated with the IP address ::1/128. They are:

• APIPA. APIPA stands for Automatic Private IP Addressing, which is a feature that allows a device to assign itself a private IPv4 address in the range of 169.254.0.0/16 when no DHCP server is available. APIPA does not apply to IPv6 addresses, and it is not related to the loopback address.
• Default gateway. The default gateway is the IP address of the router or device that connects a local network to other networks. The default gateway is usually the first or last usable IP address in a subnet, and it is not the same as the loopback address.
• Link local. Link local addresses are IPv6 addresses that are used for communication within a single network segment or link. Link local addresses have the prefix fe80::/10, and they are not routable or reachable from other networks. Link local addresses are not the same as the loopback address.

References1: Loopback Address - ::1/128 - ipUpTime.net2: Network+ (Plus) Certification | CompTIA IT Certifications3: Reserved IP addresses - Wikipedia

Port mirroring is a method of monitoring network traffic by copying the data packets from one port to another port on the same switch or router. This allows the network security administrator to analyze the contents of the data sent between different networks without affecting the performance or security of the original traffic. Port mirroring can be configured to capture all traffic or only specific types of traffic, such as VLANs, protocols, or IP addresses.

References:

• Port Mirroring - CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Domain 3.1 - YouTube1
• CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 142

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

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

References:

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

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

References:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Screened Subnet devices – Web server, FTP server

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

DataCenter devices – DNS server.

A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated

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

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

References:

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

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

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

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

References:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

References

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

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

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

The 10GBASE-T connection between the two buildings uses Cat 5e, which is not rated for a distance of 410ft (125m). According to the CompTIA Network+ Study Manual, for 10GBASE-T connections, "Cat 5e is rated for up to 55m, Cat 6a is rated for 100m, and Cat 7 is rated for 150m." Therefore, the speed issue is likely due to the fact that the connection type is not rated for the distance between the two buildings. To resolve the issue, the technician should consider using a Cat 6a or Cat 7 cable to increase the distance the connection is rated for.

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

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

The 802.11n standard is the most suitable option for this scenario. It operates in both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, providing better performance and higher data rates compared to older standards like 802.11b and 802.11g.

• 802.11n (also known as Wi-Fi 4): This standard supports multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) technology, which allows for better coverage, increased throughput, and improved reliability. It operates in both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, making it compatible with a wide range of devices. The 5GHz band provides less interference and higher data rates, making it suitable for modern networks.
• 802.11b: This older standard operates only in the 2.4GHz band and has a maximum data rate of 11 Mbps. It is not recommended for high-performance networks.
• 802.11g: This standard also operates in the 2.4GHz band and offers a maximum data rate of 54 Mbps. While it is faster than 802.11b, it is still not as efficient as 802.11n.

References:

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

For a new global ISP to connect from central offices in North America to the United Kingdom, the best cabling solution would be single-mode fiber optic cable. Single-mode fiber optic cable is a type of cable that is used to transmit data over long distances using light signals. It is typically used in long-haul communication networks, such as those that connect different countries or continents.

Techniques to check if a connection was made by a human user, such as CAPTCHAs, are effective against automated attacks like:

• A. Brute-force: This attack method involves trying many passwords or passphrases with the hope of eventually guessing correctly.
• B. Dictionary: Similar to brute-force, this attack uses a list of words to attempt to guess passwords or encryption keys.

These techniques are not designed to protect against:

• C. On-path attack: Previously known as a man-in-the-middle attack, where the attacker intercepts communication between two parties.
• D. Phishing: A social engineering attack aiming to trick users into giving up sensitive information.
• E. Shoulder surfing: Direct observation techniques, such as looking over someone’s shoulder to get information.
• F. Evil twin: A rogue Wi-Fi access point that appears legitimate but is set up to eavesdrop on wireless communications.

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

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

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

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

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

SFP+ is a type of optical transceiver that supports 10G single-channel transmission over fiber optic cables. SFP+ stands for small form-factor pluggable plus, and it is compatible with SFP slots on switches and routers.

 Interference from other devices can cause wireless connection drops or slow performance. This can happen when devices use the same or overlapping frequency channels as the wireless network, such as cordless phones, microwaves, Bluetooth devices, etc. To avoid interference, it is recommended to use non-overlapping channels and avoid placing wireless access points near potential sources of interference. References: Network+ Study Guide Objective 2.1: Explain the purposes and use cases for advanced network devices. Subobjective: Wireless controllers.

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

If a network client is trying to connect to the wrong TCP port, the most likely response it would receive is a RST (reset) packet from the server. A RST packet is used to terminate a TCP connection abruptly, either because the server does not recognize the port number, or because the server has no application listening on that port, or because the server detects an error or an attack on the connection. A RST packet tells the client to stop sending any more data and close the connection immediately12

The other options are not as likely to be the responses for connecting to the wrong TCP port. A FIN (finish) packet is used to gracefully end a TCP connection, after both parties have exchanged all the data they need. A FIN packet indicates that the sender has no more data to send and is ready to close the connection. A FIN packet does not imply an error or a rejection, but rather a normal termination of the connection12

An ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) Time Exceeded message is used to inform the sender that a packet has been discarded because its time to live (TTL) value has reached zero. A TTL value is a counter that decrements by one every time a packet passes through a router. When the TTL value reaches zero, the packet is dropped and an ICMP Time Exceeded message is sent back to the sender. This message is used to prevent packets from looping endlessly in the network, and also to implement the traceroute tool, which shows the path and the hops that a packet takes to reach a destination. An ICMP Time Exceeded message is not related to the TCP port number, but rather to the IP routing and the TTL value3

A Redirect message is another type of ICMP message that is used to inform the sender that there is a better route to the destination. A Redirect message is sent by a router when it receives a packet from a host on the same network, and forwards the packet to another router on the same network. A Redirect message tells the sender to use the second router as the next hop, instead of the first router, to optimize the routing and avoid unnecessary hops. A Redirect message is also not related to the TCP port number, but rather to the IP routing and the network topology3

References:

• What causes a TCP/IP reset (RST) flag to be sent?
• RFC 792: Internet Control Message Protocol

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

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

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

A wireless survey is the first step that a network administrator should do before adding access points to the network. A wireless survey is a process of collecting data about the wireless environment, such as signal strength, channel usage, interference, and coverage. A wireless survey can help the network administrator to determine the optimal locations and configurations for the access points to provide the best possible coverage and performance for the wireless network. A wireless survey can also help to identify and troubleshoot any issues that may cause improper coverage in some areas. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless/5500-series-wireless-controllers/116057-site-survey-guidelines-wlan-00.html

A captive portal is a web page that is displayed to a user before they can access the internet or other network resources. This is often used in public or guest networks to present users with a login or terms and conditions page before they can access the internet. If a captive portal is active on the WLAN, it would explain why the IoT sensor is only receiving HTTP redirections when trying to connect to the internet.

A split-tunnel VPN is a VPN feature that allows remote users to access network resources while only redirecting necessary traffic through the VPN tunnel. A split-tunnel VPN enables users to choose which applications or websites to secure with the VPN and which to connect normally through the internet. This can improve performance, conserve bandwidth, and avoid compatibility issues with some services that depend on the user’s location. A split-tunnel VPN can also allow users to access local devices or resources that are not accessible through the VPN.

A software-defined network (SDN) is a network architecture that decouples the control plane from the data plane and centralizes the network intelligence in a software controller. The control plane is the part of the network that makes decisions about how to route traffic, while the data plane is the part of the network that forwards traffic based on the control plane’s instructions. The control layer is the layer in an SDN that contains the controller and the routing protocols that communicate with the network devices. The control layer is responsible for managing and configuring the network devices and providing them with the necessary information to forward traffic. References: https://www.comptia.org/training/books/network-n10-008-study-guide (page 378)

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

References:

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

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

The fire suppression system is a design consideration when building out an IDF because it can affect the safety and reliability of the network equipment and cabling. A fire suppression system is a system that detects and extinguishes fires in a building, using water, gas, or chemicals. Depending on the type of fire suppression system, it can have different impacts on the IDF design, such as:

• Water-based systems, such as sprinklers, can damage the network equipment and cabling if they are activated by a fire or a false alarm. Therefore, the IDF should be designed to protect the equipment and cabling from water exposure, such as using waterproof cabinets, drip pans, and conduits.
• Gas-based systems, such as clean agent systems, can displace the oxygen in the IDF and cause suffocation for anyone inside. Therefore, the IDF should be designed to allow for ventilation and air circulation, as well as warning signs and alarms to alert anyone in the IDF before the gas is released.
• Chemical-based systems, such as dry chemical systems, can leave a residue on the network equipment and cabling that can affect their performance and lifespan. Therefore, the IDF should be designed to minimize the contact between the chemical and the equipment and cabling, as well as provide a means for cleaning and restoring them after a fire.

The other options are not correct because:

• The source panel amperage is not a design consideration when building out an IDF, as it is determined by the electrical circuit and the power needs of the network equipment and cabling. The source panel amperage does not affect the layout, location, or protection of the IDF.
• The humidity levels are not a design consideration when building out an IDF, as they are controlled by the HVAC system and the ventilation of the IDF. The humidity levels do not affect the layout, location, or protection of the IDF.
• The cable transmission speeds are not a design consideration when building out an IDF, as they are determined by the type and quality of the network cabling and the network equipment. The cable transmission speeds do not affect the layout, location, or protection of the IDF.

The output shown in the image is from the show interface command, which displays information about the status and configuration of a network interface on a switch or router. The output includes the interface name, description, MAC address, IP address, speed, duplex mode, status, and statistics. The show route command displays the routing table of the device. The show config command displays the current configuration of the device. The tcpdump command captures and analyzes network traffic. The netstat -s command displays statistics for each protocol.

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

In this case, the most likely cause of the constant disconnections when moving from one location to another is likely due to a problem with the roaming functionality of the wireless network. The setting that would likely provide better network stability in this situation is the RSSI roaming threshold, which determines the signal strength required for a client device to remain connected to the wireless network. If the roaming threshold is set too low, the client device may disconnect and reconnect to the network too frequently as it moves between different access points. On the other hand, if the threshold is set too high, the client device may not roam to a new access point when necessary, leading to a loss of connectivity. Adjusting the RSSI roaming threshold to an appropriate value may help to improve the stability of the wireless network in this situation.

A CNAME (Canonical Name) record is a type of DNS (Domain Name System) record that maps an alias name to a canonical or true domain name. For example, a CNAME record can map blog.example.com to example.com, which means that blog.example.com is an alias of example.com. A CNAME record is useful when you want to point multiple subdomains to the same IP address, or when you want to change the IP address of a domain without affecting the subdomains1.

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

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

The 802.11b standard is a wireless networking protocol that operates in the 2.4GHz frequency band and supports a maximum data rate of 11Mbps. It uses a 20MHz channel width and a direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) modulation technique2. The 802.11b standard was released in 1999 and is backward compatible with the original 802.11 standard3. The other standards do not match the specifications given by the customer. 802.11ac operates in the 5GHz band and supports higher data rates up to 6.9Gbps. 802.11g also operates in the 2.4GHz band but supports data rates up to 54Mbps. 802.11n can operate in both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands and supports data rates up to 600Mbps. It also uses a wider channel width of 40MHz and a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology3.

References2 - 802.11 Standards Explained: 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11b/g/n, 802.11a - Lifewire3 - Introduction to WLAN Frequency Bands | Engineering Education (EngEd …

MAC address reservation is the technique that allows a device to maintain the same IP address lease based on the physical address of a network card. MAC address reservation is a feature of DHCP that allows network administrators to assign specific IP addresses to specific devices based on their MAC addresses. A MAC address is a unique identifier that is assigned to each network interface card (NIC) by its manufacturer. A MAC address reservation can ensure that a device always receives the same IP address from the DHCP server, regardless of its location or connection time. This can be useful for devices that need consistent network access or configuration, such as servers, printers, or cameras. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], How to Reserve IP Addresses with DHCP Server

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

References:

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

A SQL server connects over port 1433. Port numbers are used to identify specific applications or services on a network device. Port 1433 is the default port for Microsoft SQL Server, which is a relational database management system that uses SQL (Structured Query Language) to store and manipulate data. References: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 147; The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide (Exam N10-008), page 6-4.

SaaS is the cloud computing model that focuses on application delivery. SaaS stands for Software as a Service, which is a cloud computing model that provides software applications over the internet. SaaS allows customers to access and use software applications without installing or maintaining them on their own devices or servers. SaaS offers advantages such as scalability, accessibility, compatibility, and cost-effectiveness. Customers can use SaaS applications on demand and pay only for what they use. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], What Is Software as a Service (SaaS)? | IBM

"One final usage of the TXT resource record is how some cloud service providers, such as Azure, validate ownership of custom domains. You are provided with data to include in your TXT record, and once that is created, the domain is verified and able to be used. The thought is that if you control the DNS, then you own the domain name."

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

Jumbo frames are Ethernet frames that have a payload size greater than the standard 1500 bytes. Jumbo frames can carry more data in each frame, which reduces the overhead and improves the throughput and efficiency of data transmission. Jumbo frames are commonly used in storage area networks (SANs), where large amounts of data need to be transferred between servers and storage devices

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

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

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

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

The change that would result in all of the user devices being capable of seeing both corporate SSIDs is configuring both APs to use the 802.11ac wireless standard. 802.11ac is a wireless standard that operates in the 5 GHz frequency band and offers high data rates and performance. However, not all wireless devices support 802.11ac, especially older ones that only operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. In the table, AP1 uses 802.11b, which is an outdated wireless standard that operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band and offers low data rates and performance. AP2 uses 802.11a, which is an older wireless standard that operates in the 5 GHz frequency band and offers moderate data rates and performance. Therefore, some user devices may not be able to see both SSIDs because they are incompatible with either 802.11b or 802.11a. By configuring both APs to use 802.11ac, which is backward compatible with previous wireless standards, all user devices should be able to see both SSIDs. References: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 75; The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide (Exam N10-008), page 2-18.

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

A physical diagram is a type of diagram that shows the physical layout and connections of the network devices and components, such as routers, switches, cables, and connectors. A physical diagram may include specifications about the fiber connector types, such as LC, SC, FC, ST, MPO, etc., that are used to link the fiber optic cables and devices. A physical diagram can help to visualize the network topology, troubleshoot network problems, and plan network changes

One of the most common causes of fiber connectivity issues is the reversal of the fibers. This means that the transmit (TX) and receive (RX) ports on one end of the fiber link are not matched with the corresponding ports on the other end. For example, if the TX port on one device is connected to the TX port on another device, and the same for the RX ports, then the devices will not be able to communicate with each other. This can result in no indicator light, no link, or no data transmission12.

To troubleshoot this issue, the technician should first try to reverse the fibers. This can be done by swapping the connectors at one end of the fiber patch cable, or by using a crossover adapter or cable that reverses the polarity of the fibers. The technician should then check if the indicator light comes on and if the devices can communicate properly12.

The other options are not the first steps to troubleshoot this issue. Reterminating the fibers is a time-consuming and costly process that should be done only if there is evidence of physical damage or poor quality of the termination. Verifying the fiber size is not relevant in this scenario, as multimode fiber is compatible with multimode fiber, and any mismatch in core diameter or bandwidth would result in high attenuation, not complete loss of signal. Examining the cable runs for visual faults is a useful technique, but it requires a special tool called a visual fault locator (VFL) that emits a visible red light through the fiber and shows any breaks or bends along the cable. However, a VFL cannot detect polarity issues or connector problems, so it is not sufficient to troubleshoot this issue

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

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

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

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