N10-008 Questions and Answers

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

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

• A site survey is a process of testing and documenting the wireless coverage, performance, and interference in a specific area12.
• A site survey can help identify the optimal locations, orientations, and configurations for the wireless access points (APs), antennas, and other devices12.
• A site survey can also help troubleshoot issues related to latency and drops in coverage, by measuring the signal strength, noise level, channel utilization, and other factors that affect the wireless network quality12.
• A site survey is usually performed before deploying a wireless network, but it can also be done after the deployment to verify the network performance or to diagnose any problems12.
• A site survey is the FIRST step to troubleshoot the issues in this scenario, because it can provide a comprehensive overview of the wireless network status and reveal any potential causes of the issues12.
• The other options are not the first step to troubleshoot the issues, because they are either more specific or less effective than a site survey:

References:

• 1: Wireless Troubleshooting – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 5.4
• 2: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Full Course for Beginners - Wireless Troubleshooting
• 3: Channel Utilization - N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 3.3
• 4: Cable Testing - N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 1.3

• CRC stands for cyclic redundancy check, which is a method of detecting errors in data transmission. CRC errors occur when the verification code calculated by the sender and the receiver do not match, indicating that some bits were corrupted during the transmission.
• CRC errors are usually caused by physical layer issues, such as noise, interference, or damaged cables. Therefore, option A is the most likely cause of these errors, as a bad wire on the Cat 5e cable can introduce noise or interference that corrupts the data bits.
• Option B is not a likely cause of CRC errors, as the wrong VLAN assignment to the switchport would affect the logical layer, not the physical layer. The wrong VLAN assignment would prevent the switch from forwarding the frames to the correct destination, but it would not cause errors in the data bits themselves.
• Option C is also not a likely cause of CRC errors, as a misconfigured QoS setting on the router would affect the network layer, not the physical layer. A misconfigured QoS setting would affect the priority or bandwidth allocation of the packets, but it would not cause errors in the data bits themselves.
• Option D is also not a likely cause of CRC errors, as both sides of the switch trunk set to full duplex would not introduce any errors in the data transmission. Full duplex means that both sides can send and receive data simultaneously, without causing collisions or interference. In fact, full duplex is the preferred mode for switch trunks, as it increases the bandwidth and efficiency of the link.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 2: Network Devices and Technologies, Section 2.2: Troubleshooting Common Network Problems, Page 941
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 2.2: Troubleshooting Common Network Problems, Page 162
• Solved: [How to resolve] CRC errors - Cisco Community3
• Troubleshooting CRC Error Packets on an Interface - Huawei4
• Resolving CRC and Input Errors, A Beginner’s Guide - site5

The user’s workstation does not support 802.11 ax, which is the technical name for Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 6 is a new wireless standard that offers faster speeds, higher capacity, and lower latency than previous standards. However, to take advantage of these benefits, both the router and the workstation need to support Wi-Fi 6. If the workstation only supports an older standard, such as 802.11 ac or Wi-Fi 5, then the throughput will not increase even if the router supports Wi-Fi 6. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], What is Wi-Fi 6? Here’s what you need to know | PCWorld

 Documenting the lessons learned is the best method for passing along the exact steps other technicians should follow in case the issue arises again. Lessons learned are the knowledge and experience gained from completing a project or solving a problem. Documenting the lessons learned helps to capture the best practices, challenges, solutions, and recommendations for future reference and improvement. Documenting the lessons learned can also help to update the knowledge base, standard operating procedures, or policies related to the issue. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], Lessons Learned: Definition & Examples for Project Managers

tcpdump is a command-line tool that can capture and analyze network traffic on a given interface. tcpdump can verify the status of NAT by showing the source and destination IP addresses of the packets before and after they pass through the ISP router that translates traffic destined for the internet. tcpdump can also show the NAT protocol and port numbers used by the router. nmap, ipconfig, and tracert are not suitable tools for verifying the status of NAT, as they do not show the IP address translation process.

References

• 1: Network Address Translation – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 1.4
• 2: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 95-96
• 3: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam Subnetting Quiz, question 16
• 4: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Practice Test, question 7

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

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

References:

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

It is most likely that the issue is caused by port security, as this is a feature that can prevent new devices from connecting to the LAN. Port tagging, port aggregation, and port mirroring are all features that are used to manage traffic on the network, but they are not related to the connectivity of new devices. If the technician has configured port security on the network and the new PC does not meet the security requirements, it will not be able to connect to the LAN.

• The most likely cause of the problem is that the switch port that the new PC is connected to is configured with port security, which is a feature that limits the number of MAC addresses that can be learned on a port.
• Port security can prevent unauthorized devices from accessing the network by either shutting down the port or dropping the traffic from the unknown MAC address.
• Since the existing PC operates normally, it means that its MAC address is already authorized on the switch port, but the new PC’s MAC address is not.
• Therefore, the technician should contact the network team to either disable port security on the switch port or add the new PC’s MAC address to the authorized list.
• This will allow the new PC to get an IP address on the client’s VLAN and access the network resources.
• The other options are not relevant to the situation, as they do not address the root cause of the problem.

References:

• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 3, Section 3.4, “Port Security”, page 147-148.
• : Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 3.4, “Port Security”, page 30.
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 2, Section 2.3, “DNS Concepts”, page 79-80.
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 6, Section 6.2, “SIEM”, page 316-317.
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 5, Section 5.1, “NetFlow”, page 262-263.

When running Ethernet cables through raised ceilings, plenum-rated cables are the safest option. They are designed to slow the spread of flames and reduce the amount of toxic smoke produced during a fire, making them suitable for spaces with airflow for heating and air conditioning systems. References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives

A rogue server is a DHCP server on a network that is not under the administrative control of the network staff1. It may provide incorrect IP addresses or other network configuration information to devices on the network, causing them to lose connectivity or be vulnerable to attacks2. The physical address of the DHCP server may change if a rogue server takes over the role of assigning IP addresses to devices on the network. This can be detected by monitoring DHCP traffic or using tools such as RogueChecker2.

Audit logs are records of the actions performed by users or processes on a system or network device. They can provide information about who made what changes, when, and why. Audit logs are essential for detecting and investigating security incidents, as well as for ensuring compliance with policies and regulations. Audit logs can help the network security engineer to identify the source of the unauthorized configuration changes to the boundary firewall, as well as the scope and impact of the changes.

References1 - Changes to Cyber Essentials requirements – April 2021 update2 - 8 Firewall Best Practices for Securing the Network3 - How to secure your network boundaries with a firewall

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.

API stands for Application Programming Interface, which is a set of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate and exchange data. Network automation can use APIs to perform various automated tasks, such as configuring devices, provisioning resources, monitoring performance, and optimizing networks. APIs can enable network automation to interact with different network elements, platforms, and services, regardless of their vendor, technology, or architecture.

The other options are not correct because:

• SSH stands for Secure Shell, which is a protocol that allows secure remote access to a network device. SSH can be used to manually configure and manage a network device, but it does not automate network tasks by itself.
• CLI stands for Command-Line Interface, which is a text-based interface that allows users to interact with a network device by typing commands. CLI can be used to manually configure and manage a network device, but it does not automate network tasks by itself.
• GUI stands for Graphical User Interface, which is a visual interface that allows users to interact with a network device by using icons, menus, and windows. GUI can be used to manually configure and manage a network device, but it does not automate network tasks by itself.

According to the CompTIA Network+ troubleshooting model123, this is the first step in troubleshooting a network problem. The technician should gather information about the current state of the network, such as error messages, device status, network topology, and user feedback. This can help narrow down the scope of the problem and eliminate possible causes.

• A routing protocol is a set of rules that determines how routers exchange routing information and select the best paths to reach different destinations on a network12.
• There are different types of routing protocols, such as interior gateway protocols (IGPs) and exterior gateway protocols (EGPs)12.
• An internet-facing edge router is a router that connects an autonomous system to the internet and acts as a gateway for the traffic entering or leaving the AS3 .
• The most common routing protocol for an internet-facing edge router is BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), which is an EGP that enables routers to exchange routing information and reachability information for IP prefixes across the internet12 .
• BGP is designed to handle the large and complex topology of the internet, as well as the policy and security requirements of different autonomous systems12 .
• Therefore, option A is the correct answer, as BGP is the routing protocol that a technician will most likely use for an internet-facing edge router.
• The other options are incorrect, as they are IGPs that are not suitable for an internet-facing edge router.

References:

• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.1, “Routing Concepts”, page 198-207.
• : Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 4.1, “Routing Concepts”, page 24-25.
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.2, “Routing Protocols”, page 208-209.
• : Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 4.2, “Routing Protocols”, page 26.
• : CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.2, “Routing Protocols”, page 210-211.

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

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

References:

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

Given that hardware upgrades are not an option, the best configuration to provide a solution for increased bandwidth on wireless laptops is Channel bonding. Here’s why:

• Increasing RSSi: RSSi (Received Signal Strength Indicator) is related to signal strength but does not directly address bandwidth limitations.
• MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output): While MIMO improves throughput, it requires compatible hardware on both ends (access points and client devices). Since hardware upgrades are not allowed, MIMO is not a viable solution.
• Channel bonding: This technique combines multiple adjacent channels to increase overall bandwidth. By using multiple channels simultaneously, the available bandwidth can be expanded without changing the hardware.
• Reconfiguring SSID: Changing the SSID (Service Set Identifier) won’t directly impact bandwidth; it only affects network identification.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. Channel bonding2.

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

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.

The network administrator would configure scope options to set NTP settings for a specific subnet within DHCP. Scope options are settings that apply to a range of IP addresses that are assigned by a DHCP server. Scope options can include parameters such as default gateway, DNS server, and NTP server. By configuring the NTP server option for a specific scope, the network administrator can ensure that the devices in that subnet synchronize their clocks with the same time source. References: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 121; The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide (Exam N10-008), page 5-11.

 ICMP, or Internet Control Message Protocol, is part of the Network layer (Layer 3) in the OSI model. It operates at a level that handles the communication between different networks. ICMP is used for sending error messages and operational information indicating the status of the network

In a split-tunnel VPN, the client can access both the local network and the remote network simultaneously, with some network traffic sent through the VPN tunnel and other traffic sent to the local gateway. This approach allows for more efficient use of bandwidth and reduces the load on the VPN server. It also allows the client to continue accessing local resources while connected to the remote network.

A password policy must be addressed to reduce the likelihood of a rainbow table being effective. A rainbow table is a precomputed table of hashed passwords and their corresponding plaintext values. A rainbow table can be used to crack hashed passwords by performing a reverse lookup of the hash value in the table. A password policy is a set of rules and guidelines that define how passwords should be created, used, and managed in an organization. A password policy can help prevent rainbow table attacks by enforcing strong password requirements, such as length, complexity, expiration, and history. A strong password is one that is hard to guess or crack by using common methods such as brute force or dictionary attacks. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], What Is Rainbow Table Attack? | Kaspersky, Password Policy Best Practices | Thycotic

• DNS poisoning is a type of attack that exploits vulnerabilities in the Domain Name System (DNS) to redirect traffic intended for a legitimate website to a malicious site. This can allow attackers to collect sensitive information such as login credentials, or infect visitors with malware12.
• DNS poisoning can be achieved by injecting malicious A records into internal name resolution servers. An A record is a type of DNS record that maps a domain name to an IP address. By changing the A record of a legitimate domain to point to a malicious IP address, an attacker can trick users into visiting the wrong site3.
• The other options are not correct because:

References:

• 1: Domain Hijacking vs DNS Poisoning: Do You Know the Difference? - Heimdal Security
• 2: What is an on-path attacker? - Cloudflare
• 3: What are the types of DNS spoofing? - Information Security Stack Exchange

A firewall is a device or software that filters and controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined rules. A firewall can block ICMP packets, which are used for ping and other diagnostic tools. If the workstation has a firewall enabled, it may not respond to the ICMP sweep and appear as offline. The engineer should check the firewall settings on the workstation and allow ICMP traffic if needed.

References: Network+ Study Guide Objective 4.1: Given a scenario, use the appropriate tool.

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

 ARP spoofing is a technique that involves sending fake ARP messages to associate an attacker’s MAC address with an IP address of a legitimate device on the network. This allows the attacker to intercept, modify, or drop the traffic that is intended for the legitimate device. This is also known as an on-path attack, or a man-in-the-middle attack, because the attacker is positioned between two communicating parties and can alter or manipulate the data. ARP spoofing can be used for various malicious purposes, such as stealing sensitive information, hijacking sessions, redirecting traffic, or launching other attacks. DNS poisoning, DoS attack, and rogue access point are not directly related to ARP spoofing, although they can be used in conjunction with it or as a result of it. DNS poisoning is a technique that involves corrupting the DNS cache of a server or a client with false information, such as mapping a domain name to an IP address of an attacker’s server. This can be used to redirect users to malicious websites, phishing pages, or malware downloads. DoS attack is a technique that involves overwhelming a target system or network with excessive requests or traffic, such as SYN floods, ICMP floods, or UDP floods. This can be used to degrade the performance, availability, or functionality of the target system or network. Rogue access point is a wireless access point that is installed or configured without authorization on a network. This can be used to provide unauthorized access to the network, capture network traffic, or launch other attacks. References:

• ARP Spoofing
• On-path Attack
• DNS Poisoning
• [DoS Attack]
• [Rogue Access Point]
• [Network + N10-008 practice exam]
• [CompTIA N10-008 Free Certification Exam Material]

Hub-and-spoke is the network topology that best describes a central device connected to multiple independent devices. A network topology is the physical or logical arrangement of devices and links on a network. A hub-and-spoke topology is a type of star topology, where a central device, such as a switch or a router, acts as a hub that connects to multiple devices, such as computers or printers, that act as spokes. A hub-and-spoke topology can offer advantages such as simplicity, scalability, and reliability, but also disadvantages such as single point of failure, high dependency on the hub, and increased latency. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], Hub-and-Spoke Topology: What Is It? (Diagram Included) | SolarWinds MSP

• DHCP is a protocol that dynamically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network. DHCP allows devices to obtain an IP address automatically without manual configuration. DHCP also simplifies network management by reducing IP conflicts and address exhaustion.
• A DHCP setting is a configuration option that affects how DHCP operates on a network. DHCP settings can be applied at different levels, such as the server, the scope, or the client. DHCP settings can control various aspects of the IP address assignment process, such as the range, the duration, the options, and the exclusions.
• A DHCP reservation is a DHCP setting that assigns a specific IP address to a specific device based on its MAC address. A DHCP reservation ensures that the device always receives the same IP address from the DHCP server, even if the lease expires or the device reboots. A DHCP reservation can be useful for devices that need a consistent IP address, such as servers, printers, cameras, or gaming consoles.
• The other options are not DHCP settings that would ensure a device gets the same IP address each time it is connected to the network. Scope options are DHCP settings that apply to a group of devices within a defined range of IP addresses. Exclusion is a DHCP setting that prevents a range of IP addresses from being assigned to any device. Relay is a DHCP setting that allows a device to forward DHCP requests from one network segment to another. Pool is a DHCP setting that defines the available IP addresses that can be assigned to devices. References:
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 3: Network Operations, Section 3.3: Network Configuration Management, Subsection: DHCP, pp. 144-146.
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 2.6: Network Addressing, Subsection: DHCP, p. 38.
• Static IP vs DHCP Reservation, The Tech Journal, May 7, 2019.

MFA stands for Multi-Factor Authentication, which is a method of verifying the identity of a user by requiring two or more pieces of evidence that belong to different categories: something the user knows, something the user has, or something the user is. A password is something the user knows, and it is usually combined with another factor such as a PIN (Personal Identification Number) or a hard token (a physical device that generates a one-time code) that the user has. A favorite color or a mother’s maiden name are not suitable for MFA, as they are also something the user knows and can be easily guessed or compromised.

References

• 1: Multi-Factor Authentication – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 3.1
• 2: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 13
• 3: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 250
• 4: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam Subnetting Quiz, question 14

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.

The disadvantages of RIP (Routing Information Protocol) include the following.

---Outdated, insecure, and slow. This is your parents' protocol. It was a thing before the Web was born.

---The more well-known problem of the 15 hop limitation in which data must travel

---Convergence time is terrible for information propagation in a network

---Metrics. It determines the number of hops from source to destination, and gives no regard to other factors when determining the best path for data to travel

---Overhead. A good example would be routing tables. These are broadcast at half-minute intervals to other routers regardless of whether the data has changed or not. It's essentially like those old cartoons where the town guard in the walled city cries out, '10 o' the clock and all is well!'.

RIPv2 introduced more security and reduced broadcast traffic, which is relevant for some available answers here.

The IP address 169.254.10.10 is an APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) address, which is assigned by the operating system when a DHCP server is not available or reachable. APIPA addresses are in the range of 169.254.0.0/16, and they allow the device to communicate with other devices on the same local network, but not with external networks or the internet. Therefore, the most likely root cause of the virtual machine’s connectivity issue is that the DHCP server is offline or malfunctioning, and the virtual machine cannot obtain a valid IP address from it.

References

• 1: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 86
• 2: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam Subnetting Quiz, question 9
• 3: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Practice Test, question 4

Before disposing of a network router, it is important to back up and erase the configuration to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and network settings. A network router may contain information such as passwords, IP addresses, firewall rules, VPN settings, and other network parameters that could be exploited by hackers or malicious users. By backing up the configuration, you can preserve the network settings for future reference or reuse. By erasing the configuration, you can wipe out the data and restore the router to its factory default state.

Attenuation, or the loss of signal strength over distance, is likely the cause of the issue with the 492ft (150m) cable not establishing a link to the switchport. Ethernet standards typically limit the length of copper Ethernet cables to approximately 328ft (100m) for standard performance. Exceeding this distance, as in the case of the 492ft cable, often results in insufficient signal strength to maintain a reliable connection. Options such as cable shielding, incorrect pinout, or near-end crosstalk do not directly relate to the problem described by the excessive cable length​​.

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

The issue is that the host is configured with incorrect DNS settings. DNS (Domain Name System) is a service that resolves domain names to IP addresses. For example, the domain name www.comptia.org is resolved to the IP address 104.18.25.140 by a DNS server. If the host has incorrect DNS settings, such as an invalid or unreachable DNS server address, it will not be able to resolve domain names to IP addresses, and therefore it will not be able to access websites by their names. The output in the image shows that the host can ping the IP address of www.comptia.org, but it cannot ping the domain name itself, indicating a DNS problem.  References: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 154; The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide (Exam N10-008), page 6-8.

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.

A PAN stands for Personal Area Network and it is a type of network that connects devices within a small range, such as a few meters. A PAN can use wireless technologies such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to interconnect devices such as tablets, smartphones, and laptops. A technician can use a PAN to gain connectivity among these tools and troubleshoot the switch.

References: Network+ Study Guide Objective 1.2: Explain devices, applications, protocols and services at their appropriate OSI layers.

SSL is a widely used protocol for establishing secure, encrypted connections between devices over the Internet. It is typically used to secure communication between web browsers and servers, and can be easily enabled on a server by installing an SSL certificate.

Establishing a theory of probable cause is the third step in the general troubleshooting process, after identifying the problem and gathering information. Establishing a theory of probable cause involves using the information gathered to formulate one or more possible explanations for the problem and testing them to verify or eliminate them. In this scenario, the network technician has confirmed the problem exists and should proceed to establish a theory of probable cause based on the information available, such as the network upgrade that was completed the night before.

Implementing a solution to fix the problem is the fifth step in the general troubleshooting process, after establishing a plan of action. Implementing a solution involves applying the chosen method or technique to resolve the problem and verifying its effectiveness. In this scenario, the network technician has not established a plan of action yet and should not implement a solution without knowing the cause of the problem.

Creating a plan of action to resolve the problem is the fourth step in the general troubleshooting process, after establishing a theory of probable cause. Creating a plan of action involves selecting the best method or technique to address the problem based on the available resources, constraints, and risks. In this scenario, the network technician has not established a theory of probable cause yet and should not create a plan of action without knowing the cause of the problem.

Documenting the problem and the solution is the seventh and final step in the general troubleshooting process, after implementing preventive measures. Documenting the problem and the solution involves recording the details of the problem, its symptoms, its cause, its solution, and its preventive measures for future reference and improvement. In this scenario, the network technician has not implemented preventive measures yet and should not document the problem and the solution without resolving and preventing it.

A duplex mismatch is the most probable cause of the issues described, where the network connection experiences slow data transfers and intermittent lockups. This occurs when one device in a network connection operates in full-duplex mode and the other in half-duplex, leading to collisions and performance issues. In the scenario provided, the small switch taken from storage may not have been configured to match the duplex settings of the existing network, resulting in these data transfer issues. Other options like reversed TX/RX pinouts, cable crosstalk, or a failed transceiver would typically result in complete connection failures or consistent degradation, not intermittent issues as described​​.

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

References:

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

• A pinout is the arrangement of wires or pins in a cable or connector that determines how the signals are transmitted and received. A pinout can be either straight-through, which means that the wires or pins are connected in the same order on both ends of the cable or connector, or crossover, which means that the wires or pins are swapped on one end of the cable or connector.
• An incorrect pinout is a likely cause of the low data rate and port errors, because it can prevent the proper communication between the workstation and the switch. If the pinout is not compatible with the devices or the standards, the signals may be distorted, lost, or misinterpreted, resulting in errors and reduced performance. For example, if the workstation and the switch use different Ethernet standards, such as 10BASE-T and 1000BASE-T, they may require different pinouts to operate correctly. If the cable or connector has a mismatched pinout, the workstation and the switch may not be able to negotiate the optimal speed and duplex settings, and may fall back to a lower data rate, such as 100 full duplex, or experience many RX and TX errors.
• Therefore, option D is the most likely answer, as the incorrect pinout needs to be corrected to provide the optimal data rate and port performance. The technician needs to check the cable and connector types, standards, and pinouts, and replace them with the appropriate ones that match the workstation and the switch specifications.
• Option A is not a likely answer, as the bad switch ports would affect the connectivity and performance of any device that is connected to them, not just the workstation. If the technician moves the computer to another switchport and experiences the same issues, it indicates that the problem is not with the switch ports, but with the workstation, the cable, or the connector.
• Option B is also not a likely answer, as the duplex issues would affect the mode of data transmission between the workstation and the switch, not the data rate or the port errors. The duplex issues can be either half-duplex, which means that data can be transmitted in one direction at a time, or full-duplex, which means that data can be transmitted in both directions simultaneously. The duplex issues can cause collisions or interference if the workstation and the switch have different duplex settings, but they would not cause the data rate to drop to 100 full duplex, or cause many RX and TX errors.
• Option C is also not a likely answer, as the cable length would affect the signal strength and quality of the data transmission, not the data rate or the port errors. The cable length can cause attenuation, which is the loss of signal power over distance, or crosstalk, which is the interference from adjacent wires or cables. The cable length can cause the data transmission to be degraded or corrupted, but it would not cause the data rate to drop to 100 full duplex, or cause many RX and TX errors.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 2: Network Devices and Technologies, Section 2.1: Network Cabling and Connectors, Page 661
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 2.1: Network Cabling and Connectors, Page 92
• What is a Pinout? | Definition and Examples3
• Ethernet Cable Pinouts - Cisco
• Troubleshooting Ethernet Cable Problems - Cisco

The network administrator would configure scope options to set NTP settings for a specific subnet within DHCP. Scope options are settings that apply to a range of IP addresses that are assigned by a DHCP server. Scope options can include parameters such as default gateway, DNS server, and NTP server. By configuring the NTP server option for a specific scope, the network administrator can ensure that the devices in that subnet synchronize their clocks with the same time source. References: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide, page 121; The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide (Exam N10-008), page 5-11.

• A layer 3 switch is a device that can perform both switching and routing functions. It can forward packets based on the destination IP address, which is the information used to identify different subnetworks. A layer 3 switch can also create and manage multiple VLANs, which are logical subnetworks within a physical network. Therefore, a layer 3 switch can allow communication between two different subnetworks.
• A router is a device that connects multiple IP networks and forwards packets based on the destination IP address. A router can also perform network address translation (NAT), which allows devices with private IP addresses to communicate with devices with public IP addresses. Therefore, a router can allow communication between two different subnetworks, especially if they use different address spaces.
• An IDS (intrusion detection system) is a device that monitors network traffic and detects malicious or anomalous activities. An IDS does not forward packets or allow communication between subnetworks, but rather alerts the network administrator or takes preventive actions when a threat is detected.
• An access point is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network. An access point does not forward packets or allow communication between subnetworks, but rather acts as a bridge between the wireless and wired segments of the network.
• A layer 2 switch is a device that forwards frames based on the destination MAC address, which is the information used to identify devices within the same subnetwork. A layer 2 switch does not perform routing or network segmentation, and therefore cannot allow communication between different subnetworks.
• A media converter is a device that converts signals between different types of media, such as copper and fiber. A media converter does not forward packets or allow communication between subnetworks, but rather enables devices with different physical interfaces to connect to the same network.

References:

• Network Devices
• Routing and Switching Essentials
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 2: Devices and Infrastructure, pages 58-63, 72-75.

Spanning tree is a protocol that prevents network loops by dynamically disabling or enabling switch ports based on the network topology. Network loops can cause intermittent connectivity issues, such as broadcast storms, MAC address table instability, and multiple frame transmission. By enabling spanning tree, the network administrator can ensure that there is only one active path between any two network devices at any given time.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Exam Objectives, page 91
• CompTIA Network+ Cert Guide: Switching and Virtual LANs, page 172

BGP is a routing protocol that is used to exchange routing information between different autonomous systems (ASes) on the internet. An autonomous system is a network or group of networks that is under the same administrative control and uses a common routing protocol. By acquiring its own public IP prefixes and autonomous system number, a company can use BGP to advertise these prefixes to other ASes and establish its own internet connection. This would enable the company to have more control over its internet connection and potentially improve its connectivity.EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol) is a routing protocol used within a single autonomous system, so it would not be used to establish a connection to the internet. IPv6 is a version of the Internet Protocol (IP) used to identify devices on a network. It is not a routing protocol and would not be used to establish an internet connection.MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) is a networking technology that is used to route packets between different networks. It is not a routing protocol and would not be used to establish an internet connection.

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

A switch is a device that provides Layer 2 connectivity to various endpoints by forwarding frames based on MAC addresses. A switch can also connect to several WAPs (wireless access points) to provide wireless connectivity to wireless devices.

The best security measure to implement when removing a computer from a cubicle is to remove the employee’s network access. This will prevent the employee from accessing any network resources or data from the computer, as well as prevent any unauthorized users from using the computer to access the network. Removing the employee’s network access can be done by deleting or disabling the user account, revoking the credentials, or changing the permissions.

The other options are not as effective or necessary as removing the employee’s network access. They are:

•Disabling DHCP on the computer being removed will prevent the computer from obtaining an IP address from the network, but it will not prevent the computer from using a static IP address or accessing the network through another device.

•Placing the switch port in a private VLAN will isolate the computer from other devices on the network, but it will not prevent the computer from accessing the network through another port or device.

•Applying a firewall rule to block the computer’s IP address will prevent the computer from communicating with the network, but it will not prevent the computer from changing its IP address or accessing the network through another device.

References

1: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide - O’Reilly Media

2: Network+ (Plus) Certification | CompTIA IT Certifications

3: 10 Ways to Secure Office Workstations - Computer Security

The most likely frequency range that the network consultant will have to support is 2.4GHz. This is because the most common legacy wireless standards, 802.11b and 802.11g, use the 2.4GHz range1. IEEE 802.11a uses 5GHz exclusively, and 5.9GHz and 6GHz are not widely used by legacy equipment. Therefore, A. 2.4GHz is the correct answer.

https://www.networkcomputing.com/networking/wireless-beginners-part-1-rf-and-waves

To determine if a client's network cable issues may be causing intermittent connectivity, the help desk technician can run the show interface command on the switch. This command allows the technician to view the status and statistics of the various interfaces on the switch, including the physical link status and the number of transmitted and received packets. If the interface is experiencing a large number of errors or dropped packets, this could indicate a problem with the network cable or with the connection between the client's device and the switch.

"Cisco routers and switches have a show interfaces IOS command that provides interface statistics/status information, including link state (up/down), speed/duplex, send/receive traffic, cyclic redundancy checks (CRCs), and protocol packet and byte counts."

802.11ax is the latest and most advanced wireless standard, providing higher speeds, lower latency, and more capacity than previous standards. It also supports OFDMA, which allows multiple devices to share a channel and reduce congestion. The other options are older standards that have lower bandwidth, range, and efficiency than 802.11ax. Therefore, 802.11ax is the best option for the coffee shop owner who wants to provide high speeds even when the network is congested.

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

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

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

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

A straight-through cable is a type of twisted pair cable that has the same wiring standard (TIA/EIA 568A or 568B) on both ends. This is the most common type of cable used for connecting devices of different types, such as a computer and a switch. A cable that has different wiring standards on each end (TIA/EIA 568A on one end and 568B on the other) is called a crossover cable, which is used for connecting devices of the same type, such as two computers or two switches. Therefore, the technician should crimp the cable as a straight-through cable to fix the issue.

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

References:

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

• To make a Cat 6 cable that connects from a PC to a non-capable MDIX switch, you need to use the same wiring standard on both ends of the cable, such as TIA-568-B, which is the most common standard for Ethernet cables. This will create a straight-through cable, which is used to connect devices of different types, such as a PC and a switch.
• You also need to use the appropriate connectors for the cable, which are RJ45 connectors for Cat 6 cables. RJ45 connectors are 8-pin modular connectors that are used for Ethernet and other network applications. They are different from RJ11 connectors, which are 4-pin or 6-pin connectors that are used for telephone lines. F-type connectors are coaxial connectors that are used for cable TV or satellite signals, not for Ethernet cables.
• TIA-568-A is another wiring standard for Ethernet cables, but it is not compatible with TIA-568-B. If you use TIA-568-A on one end and TIA-568-B on the other end of the cable, you will create a crossover cable, which is used to connect devices of the same type, such as two switches or two PCs. A crossover cable will not work for connecting a PC to a non-capable MDIX switch, unless the switch has an auto-MDIX feature that can automatically detect and adjust the cable type.

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 2: Network Cabling and Topologies, Section 2.1: Network Cabling, p. 55-58
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 2.1: Network Cabling, p. 9-10
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Training Course, Video 2.1: Network Cabling, 7:06-9:48

Layer 2 of the OSI model, also known as the data link layer, is responsible for physical addressing and error detecting. Physical addressing refers to the use of MAC addresses to identify and locate devices on a network segment. Error detecting refers to the use of techniques such as checksums and CRCs to identify and correct errors in the data frames.

References:

• OSI Model | Computer Networking | CompTIA1

Asymmetrical routing is the most likely cause for the WAN instability. When two different routing protocols are used, like OSPF and EIGRP, it can cause asymmetrical routing, which results in traffic being routed differently in each direction. This can lead to instability in the WAN. A CDP neighbor change, a switching loop, or an incorrect IP address are not likely causes for WAN instability.

CNAME stands for Canonical Name, and it is a type of DNS record that creates an alias for another domain name. A CNAME record can be used to redirect a network resource that has been moved to a different location, such as a SaaS solution. For example, if a web server that was previously hosted on the local network with the domain name www.example.com is now hosted by a SaaS provider with the domain name www.saasprovider.com, a CNAME record can be created to point www.example.com to www.saasprovider.com. This way, the users can still access the web server using the original domain name, and the DNS server will resolve it to the new domain name.

References

• CNAME is one of the common DNS record types covered in Objective 1.6 of the CompTIA Network+ N10-008 certification exam1.
• CNAME can be used to redirect a network resource that has been moved to a different location23.
• CNAME creates an alias for another domain name23.

1: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 4 2: DNS Record Types – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 1.6 3: The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide (Exam N10-008), Chapter 1, page 32

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

• The issue on port 1/3 is related to speed, as indicated in the configuration output from the switch. All three ports (1/1, 1/2, and 1/3) are connected and have full duplex settings; however, port 1/3 has a significantly lower speed of 10 compared to the other two ports with a speed of 1000. This discrepancy in speed can lead to performance issues on the client PC connected to port 1/3 as it may not be able to communicate effectively with other devices on the network or may experience slow data transfer rates.
• One fundamental configuration is the speed and duplex of the interface. The speed refers to the speed of the Ethernet link. This would be a 10-megabit, 100-megabit, 1,000-megabit, or 1-gig, and a 10-gig connection. Commonly, we would also see a duplex configuration, where the duplex would be set to either half or full1.
• Many times, this configuration is set to be automatic. This means that both devices will negotiate with each other and find the best option for both speed and duplex. Some organizations prefer to manually set these. And they will configure the speed and duplex within the switch and the device configuration itself. One important consideration is that these settings need to match on both sides of the wire. So if you’re configuring a device to be 1-gig and full-duplex, then the switch on the other side of the wire needs to also be configured for 1-gig and full-duplex1.
• Therefore, the correct answer is A. Speed, as it is the cause of the issue on port 1/3.

References:

• Interface Configurations – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 2.3

A repeater is a device used to extend the range of a wireless network by receiving, amplifying, and retransmitting wireless signals. It is typically used to extend the range of a wireless network in a large area, such as an office building or a campus. Repeaters can also be used to connect multiple wireless networks together, allowing users to move seamlessly between networks. As stated in the CompTIA Network+ Study Manual, "a wireless repeater is used to extend the range of a wireless network by repeating the signal from one access point to another."

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that allows network-connected devices to receive power over the same Ethernet cables that are used for data transfer. PoE is commonly used to power devices such as VoIP phones and cameras, making it an ideal choice for network administrators looking for a cost-effective solution. PoE is not typically used for other devices such as printers, cable modems, laptops, and UPSs.

A tamper evident seal is a device or material that provides a visible indication of unauthorized access to physical internal hardware. Tamper evident seals can be stickers, labels, tapes, locks, or seals that are designed to break, tear, or change color when someone tries to open, remove, or tamper with them. Tamper evident seals can help deter and detect physical security breaches, such as theft, vandalism, or sabotage of hardware devices12. Tamper evident seals can also provide evidence for forensic analysis and legal action3.

References

1 - What Is Hardware Security? Definition, Threats, and Best Practices

2 - Device Physical Security Guideline | Information Security Office

3 - What is unauthorized physical access? – Heimduo

A mesh network is the best solution for creating a wireless field network to provide reliable service to public safety vehicles. A mesh network is a type of wireless network that consists of multiple nodes that communicate with each other directly or through intermediate nodes, forming a web-like topology. A mesh network does not rely on a central access point or router, but rather on the cooperation and coordination of the nodes themselves. A mesh network has several advantages for public safety applications, such as12:

• High availability and resilience: A mesh network can automatically route around failures or congestion, ensuring that the network remains operational even if some nodes are damaged or disconnected. A mesh network can also self-heal and self-configure, adapting to changes in the network topology or environment.
• Extended coverage and scalability: A mesh network can extend the wireless signal beyond the range of a single node, by using other nodes as relays or repeaters. A mesh network can also accommodate more nodes and devices, by adding more links and paths between them.
• Low cost and easy deployment: A mesh network can reduce the cost and complexity of installing and maintaining a wireless infrastructure, by eliminating the need for expensive cabling, towers, or antennas. A mesh network can also be deployed quickly and flexibly, by simply adding or removing nodes as needed.

A mesh network is especially suitable for public safety vehicles, because it can provide reliable wireless communication in challenging scenarios, such as12:

• Disaster response: A mesh network can be deployed rapidly in areas where the existing wireless infrastructure is damaged or unavailable, such as after an earthquake, flood, or fire. A mesh network can also support emergency services, such as fire fighting, search and rescue, or medical assistance, by enabling data, voice, and video transmission among the responders and command centers.
• Mobile surveillance: A mesh network can enable real-time monitoring and control of public safety vehicles, such as police cars, ambulances, or drones, by providing high-bandwidth and low-latency wireless connectivity. A mesh network can also support video streaming, location tracking, remote sensing, or analytics applications for public safety purposes.
• Event management: A mesh network can enhance the security and efficiency of large-scale events, such as concerts, festivals, or parades, by providing wireless coverage and capacity for the event organizers and participants. A mesh network can also support crowd management, traffic control, or public announcement applications for event management.

The other options are not the best solutions for creating a wireless field network to provide reliable service to public safety vehicles. An ad hoc network is a type of wireless network that consists of devices that communicate with each other directly without any central coordination or infrastructure. An ad hoc network is simple and flexible, but it has limited scalability and performance3. A point-to-point network is a type of wireless network that consists of two devices that communicate with each other over a single link. A point-to-point network is fast and secure, but it has limited coverage and functionality. An infrastructure network is a type of wireless network that consists of devices that communicate with each other through an access point or router. An infrastructure network is stable and robust, but it has high cost and complexity.

• A network address is an identifier that specifies a group of devices that share a common network prefix. A network address is usually written in dotted decimal notation, such as 80.87.78.0, and is followed by a slash and a number that indicates the length of the network prefix in bits, such as /26. This notation is called CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) and allows for flexible subnetting of IP networks.
• A host address is an identifier that specifies a single device within a network. A host address is derived from the network address by filling the remaining bits after the network prefix with either zeros or ones. A host address is also written in dotted decimal notation, such as 80.87.78.1, and is usually the lowest or the highest possible value within the network range.
• To describe a network, we need to know the range of valid host addresses that belong to that network. To find the range, we need to perform the following steps:
• Based on the above steps, we can conclude that option C is the correct answer, as it describes the network 80.87.78.0/26 with the correct range of host addresses. The other options are incorrect because they either have the wrong network address, the wrong network prefix length, or the wrong host address range. References:
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 2: Network Devices and Technologies, Section 2.6: Network Addressing, Subsection: IPv4 Addressing, pp. 102-105.
• Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes, Section 2.7: Network Addressing, Subsection: Subnetting, p. 39.
• IP Subnet Calculator, Calculator.net.

The default gateway is the IP address of the router that connects the PC to other networks. The default gateway should be on the same subnet as the PC’s IPv4 address. However, in this case, the default gateway is 192.168.9.1, which is on a different subnet than the PC’s IPv4 address of 192.168.8.15. Therefore, the default gateway configuration on the PC is incorrect and prevents the PC from reaching the file server on another subnet.

A cable tester is a tool that can verify the integrity and functionality of a network cable. It can measure the electrical characteristics of the cable, such as resistance, capacitance, and impedance, and detect any faults or defects, such as shorts, opens, or crosstalk. A cable tester can help the network administrator troubleshoot the problem by determining if the cable is faulty or not. A tone generator is a tool that can send an audible signal through a cable to help locate and identify it. A multimeter is a tool that can measure voltage, current, and resistance of electrical circuits. An optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) is a tool that can test the quality and length of fiber optic cables.

References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 7.0 (N10-007), Objective 2.3: Given a scenario, use the appropriate tool to support wired or wireless networks.

• Network latency is the amount of time it takes for a packet to travel from its source to its destination, measured in milliseconds1.
• High network latency can cause slow performance, packet reordering, and network congestion1.
• To resolve network latency issues, the analyst needs to measure and monitor various network metrics, such as latency, jitter, packet loss, throughput, and error rate1.
• SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a protocol that allows network devices to exchange management information and report network statistics2.
• SNMP can be used to retrieve network metrics from routers, switches, servers, firewalls, and other network devices2.
• SNMP uses a manager-agent model, where the manager is a software application that queries the agents on the network devices, and the agents are software components that respond to the manager’s requests2.
• SNMP can also use traps or notifications, where the agents send unsolicited messages to the manager when certain events or thresholds are met2.
• SNMP can help the analyst identify the source and extent of network latency, as well as troubleshoot and optimize network performance2.
• Link state is a routing protocol that maintains a map of the network topology and calculates the best path to each destination3. It is not a tool for measuring network metrics or resolving network latency issues.
• Syslog is a protocol that allows network devices to send log messages to a centralized server for analysis and reporting. It can provide useful information for network troubleshooting, but it is not a tool for measuring network metrics or resolving network latency issues.
• QoS (Quality of Service) is a set of techniques that prioritize network traffic based on its type, source, destination, and other criteria. It can help improve network performance and reduce network latency, but it is not a tool for measuring network metrics or resolving network latency issues.
• Traffic shaping is a technique that controls the rate and volume of network traffic to optimize bandwidth usage and prevent network congestion. It can help improve network performance and reduce network latency, but it is not a tool for measuring network metrics or resolving network latency issues.

References:

• 1: 19 Network Metrics: How to Measure Network Performance
• 2: Using SNMP to Monitor Network Devices
• 3: Link State Routing Protocol
• [4]: Syslog Protocol
• [5]: Quality of Service (QoS)
• [6]: Traffic Shaping

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

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 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

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

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

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/

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

802.11ax is the latest WiFi standard that improves WiFi performance in densely populated environments and supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. 802.11ac is the previous standard that only supports 5 GHz band. 802.11g and 802.11n are older standards that support 2.4 GHz band only or both bands respectively. References: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-network-n10-008-exam-objectives-(2-0), https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/tip/Whats-the-difference-between-80211ax-vs-80211ac

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

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

A 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

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/

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

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

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.

A virtual switch is a software-based switch that connects virtual machines on a hypervisor. A virtual switch can create and manage VLANs, which are logical segments of a network that isolate traffic between different groups of devices. A customer can use virtual switches to segregate the traffic between guests on a hypervisor by creating a separate VLAN for each guest and assigning it to a virtual switch port. References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-a-virtual-switch

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

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

The 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

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

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

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

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

A 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 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

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

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/

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

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

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

A 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

 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 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

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/

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

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

A 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

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

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

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

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

An 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

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 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.

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

The 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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

 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

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

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

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

 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

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.

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

 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

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

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

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

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

The 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

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

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

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

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/

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

The 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

TXT stands for Text and is a type of DNS record that can store arbitrary text data associated with a domain name. TXT records can be used for various purposes, such as verifying the ownership of a domain, providing information about a domain, or implementing security mechanisms such as SPF (Sender Policy Framework) or DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail). In this scenario, the security company most likely asked the company to configure a TXT record with a specific value that can prove the ownership of the domain. AAAA stands for IPv6 Address and is a type of DNS record that maps a domain name to an IPv6 address. CNAME stands for Canonical Name and is a type of DNS record that maps an alias name to another name. SRV stands for Service and is a type of DNS record that specifies the location of a service on a network.

References: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 7.0 (N10-007), Objective 1.8: Explain the purposes and use cases for advanced networking devices.

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

References:

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

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

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.

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