CCST-Networking Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking Exam Questions and Answers

Here’s how each protocol aligns with the correct TCP/IP model layer:

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): This protocol belongs to theTransportlayer, which is responsible for providing communication between applications on different hosts1.

IP (Internet Protocol): IP is part of theInternetworklayer, which is tasked with routing packets across network boundaries to their destination1.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol): FTP operates at theApplicationlayer, which supports application and end-user processes.It is used for transferring files over the network1.

Ethernet: While not a protocol within the TCP/IP stack, Ethernet is associated with theNetwork Interfacelayer, which corresponds to the link layer of the TCP/IP model and is responsible for the physical transmission of data1.

The TCP/IP model layers are designed to work collaboratively to transmit data from one layer to another, with each layer having specific protocols that perform functions necessary for the data transmission process1.

TCP:

TCP Model Layer: Transport

Explanation: The Transport layer is responsible for end-to-end communication and error handling. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) operates at this layer to provide reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data.

IP:

TCP Model Layer: Internetwork

Explanation: The Internetwork layer, also known as the Internet layer, is responsible for logical addressing and routing. IP (Internet Protocol) operates at this layer to route packets across networks.

FTP:

TCP Model Layer: Application

Explanation: The Application layer provides network services to applications. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) operates at this layer to transfer files between computers over a network.

Ethernet:

TCP Model Layer: Network

Explanation: The Network layer, also known as the Link layer in the TCP/IP model, is responsible for physical addressing and access to thephysical medium. Ethernet operates at this layer to provide the physical and data link functions.

Transport Layer: This layer is responsible for providing communication services directly to the application processes running on different hosts. TCP is a core protocol in this layer.

Internetwork Layer: This layer is responsible for logical addressing, routing, and packet forwarding. IP is the primary protocol for this layer.

Application Layer: This layer interfaces directly with application processes and provides common network services. FTP is an example of a protocol operating in this layer.

Network Layer: In the TCP/IP model, this layer includes both the data link and physical layers of the OSI model. Ethernet is a protocol used in this layer to define network standards and communication protocols at the data link and physical levels.

References:

TCP/IP Model Overview: Cisco TCP/IP Model

Understanding the TCP/IP Model: TCP/IP Layers

Based on the image description provided, here are the cable types matched with the appropriate connection descriptions:

Connects Switch S1 to Router R1 Gi0/0/1 interfaceCable Type: = Straight-through UTP Cable

Connects Router R2 Gi0/0/0 to Router R3 Gi0/0/0 via underground conduitCable Type: = Fiber Optic Cable

Connects Router R1 Gi0/0/0 to Router R2 Gi0/0/1Cable Type: = Crossover UTP Cable

Connects Switch S3 to Server0 network interface cardCable Type: = Straight-through UTP Cable

The choices are based on standard networking practices where:

Straight-through UTP cablesare typically used to connect a switch to a router or a network interface card.

Fiber optic cablesare ideal for long-distance, high-speed data transmission, such as connections through an underground conduit.

Crossover UTP cablesare used to connect similar devices, such as router-to-router connections.

These matches are consistent with the color-coded cables in the image: green for switch connections, yellow for router-to-router connections within the same rack, and blue for inter-rack connections. The use of these cables follows the Ethernet cabling standards.

Connects Switch S1 to Router R1 Gi0/0/1 interface:

Cable Type: Straight-through UTP Cable

Explanation: A straight-through UTP cable is typically used to connect different types of devices, such as a switch to a router.

Connects Router R2 Gi0/0/0 to Router R3 Gi0/0/0 via underground conduit:

Cable Type: Fiber Optic Cable

Explanation: Fiber optic cables are used for long-distance connections, such as those through an underground conduit between buildings.

Connects Router R1 Gi0/0/0 to Router R2 Gi0/0/1:

Cable Type: Crossover UTP Cable

Explanation: A crossover UTP cable is typically used to connect similar devices directly, such as router to router connections.

Connects Switch S3 to Server0 network interface card:

Cable Type: Straight-through UTP Cable

Explanation: A straight-through UTP cable is typically used to connect a switch to an end device, such as a server.

Straight-through UTP Cable: Used to connect different devices (e.g., switch to router, switch to server).

Crossover UTP Cable: Used to connect similar devices directly (e.g., router to router, switch to switch).

Fiber Optic Cable: Used for long-distance and high-speed connections, often between buildings or data centers.

References:

Network Cable Types and Uses: Cisco Network Cables

Understanding Ethernet Cabling: Ethernet Cable Guide

When devices within a VLAN are unable to reach addresses outside their VLAN, it typically indicates that they do not have a configured path to external networks. The engineer should configure a default gateway for VLAN2. The default gateway is the IP address of the router’s interface that is connected to the VLAN, which will route traffic from the VLAN to other networks12.

References :=

•Understanding and Configuring VLAN Routing and Bridging on a Router Using the IRB Feature

•VLAN 2 not able to ping gateway - Cisco Community

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•VLANs: Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) logically segment network traffic to improve security and performance. Devices within the same VLAN can communicate directly.

•Default Gateway: For devices in VLAN2 to communicate with devices outside their VLAN, they need a default gateway configured. The default gateway is typically a router or Layer 3 switch that routes traffic between different VLANs and subnets.

•Additional VLAN: Not needed in this scenario as the issue is related to routing traffic outside VLAN2, not creating another VLAN.

•Default Route: While a default route on the router may be necessary, the primary issue for devices within VLAN2 is to have a configured default gateway.

•Static Route: This is used on routers to manually specify routes to specific networks but does not address the need for a default gateway on the client devices.

References:

•Cisco VLAN Configuration Guide: Cisco VLAN Configuration

•Understanding and Configuring VLANs: VLANs Guide

The primary purpose of assigning an IP address to the management VLAN interface on a Layer 2 switch is to facilitate remote management of the switch. By configuring an IP address on the management VLAN, network administrators can access the switch’s Command Line Interface (CLI) remotely using protocols such as Telnet or Secure Shell (SSH). This allows for convenient configuration changes, monitoring, and troubleshooting without needing physical access to the switch1.

References :=

•Understanding the Management VLAN

•Cisco - VLAN Configuration Guide

•Remote Management of Switches

Assigning an IP address to the management VLAN interface (often the VLAN 1 interface by default) on a Layer 2 switch allows network administrators to remotely manage the switch using protocols such as Telnet or SSH. This IP address does not affect the switch's ability to route traffic between VLANs but provides a means to access and configure the switch through its Command Line Interface (CLI).

•A: The switch does not act as a default gateway; this is typically a function of a Layer 3 device like a router.

•B: The switch does not resolve URLs; this is typically a function of DNS servers.

•C: The switch can relay DHCP requests but does not typically provide DHCP services itself; this is usually done by a dedicated DHCP server or router.

Thus, the correct answer is D. To enable access to the CLI on the switch through Telnet or SSH.

References :=

•Cisco VLAN Management Overview

•Cisco Catalyst Switch Management

WPA2-Personal, also known as WPA2-PSK (Pre-Shared Key), is the wireless security option that uses a pre-shared key to authenticate clients. This method is designed for home and small office networks and doesn’t require an authentication server. Instead, every user on the network uses the same key or passphrase to connect1.

References :=

•What is a Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key (WPA-PSK)?

•Exploring WPA-PSK and WiFi Security

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•WPA2-Personal: This wireless security option uses a pre-shared key (PSK) for authentication. Each client that connects to the network must use this key to gain access. It is designed for home and small office networks where simplicity and ease of use are important.

•WPA2-Enterprise: Unlike WPA2-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise uses 802.1x authentication with an authentication server (such as RADIUS) and does not rely on a pre-shared key.

•802.1x: This is a network access control protocol for LANs, particularly wireless LANs. It provides an authentication mechanism to devices wishing to attach to a LAN or WLAN.

•802.1q: This is a networking standard that supports VLAN tagging on Ethernet networks and is not related to wireless security.

References:

•Cisco Documentation on WPA2 Security: Cisco WPA2

•Understanding Wireless Security: Wireless Security Guide

When prioritizing trouble tickets, the most critical issues affecting business operations or high-impact activities should be addressed first. Here's a breakdown of the tickets:

Ticket 1: Relocation of a printer, while necessary, is not urgent and does not impact critical operations.

Ticket 2: An ongoing webinar losing internet access is critical, especially if the webinar is time-sensitive and involves multiple participants.

Ticket 3: Slower response time for a cloud-based application is important but typically not as urgent as a complete loss of internet access for a live event.

Ticket 4: Wireless access down in the cafeteria affects users but does not have the same immediate impact as a live webinar losing connectivity.

Thus, the correct answer is B. Ticket 2: An online webinar is taking place in the conference room. The video conferencing equipment lost internet access.

References:=

IT Help Desk Best Practices

Prioritizing IT Support Tickets

•1000BASE-T Cable: This refers to Gigabit Ethernet over twisted-pair cables (Cat 5e or higher).

•Connector: RJ-45 connectors are used for Ethernet cables, including those used for 1000BASE-T.

•Coax: Used for cable TV and older Ethernet standards like 10BASE2.

•RJ-11: Used for telephone connections.

•OS2 LC: Used for fiber optic connections.

References:

•Ethernet Standards and Cables: Ethernet Cable Guide

The IEEE 802.11 standard contains the specifications for Wi-Fi networks. It is a set of media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) specifications for implementing wireless local area network (WLAN) computer communication in various frequencies, including but not limited to 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz1. This standard is maintained by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and is commonly referred to as Wi-Fi. The standard has evolved over time to include several amendments that improve speed, range, and reliability of wireless networks.

References :=

•The Most Common Wi-Fi Standards and Types, Explained

•802.11 Standards Explained: 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11b/g/n, 802.11a

•Wi-Fi Standards Explained - GeeksforGeeks

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Understanding How Layer 2 Switches Handle Unknown MAC Addresses

Switches operate atLayer 2 (Data Link Layer)of the OSI model and maintain aMAC address table (CAM table)to forward frames efficiently.

When a switch receives a frame, itchecks its MAC address tableto see if it knows the destination MAC address.

If the destinationMAC address is not in the table(meaning the switch does not know which port leads to PC-C), the switch follows theflooding behavior.

What Happens When Switch1 Receives a Frame from PC-A to PC-C?

Switch1 checks its MAC table:

The source MAC (PC-A) is recorded in the table on portG0/1.

The destination MAC (PC-C)is not in the table.

Switch1 does not know where PC-C is:

Itfloodsthe frame out of allactive ports except the port it was received on (G0/1).

This means the frame is sent to:

Switch2 (via G0/23)

PC-B (via G0/2)

Switch2 receives the frame and follows the same process:

If Switch2 has PC-C's MAC in its table, it forwards the frame appropriately.

If not,it floodsthe frame again until PC-C replies.

Once PC-C responds, Switch1 and Switch2 learn its MAC address and update their tables.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

❌A. Switch1 queries Switch2 for the MAC address of PC-C.

Incorrect:Switches do not query other switches directly for MAC addresses. Instead, they rely on learning MAC addresses dynamically through frame forwarding.

❌B. Switch1 drops the frame and sends an error message back to PC-A.

Incorrect:Switchesdo not drop frames for unknown MAC addresses. Instead, theyfloodthe frames out all ports except the incoming port.

❌D. Switch1 sends an ARP request to obtain the MAC address of PC-C.

Incorrect:

ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)is only used to resolve IP addresses to MAC addresses.

Since PC-A issending a frame (Layer 2), not an IP packet (Layer 3), ARP isnot involvedhere.

Conclusion

Since Switch1does not know the destination MAC address, itfloods the frame out all active ports except the port it was received on. This is the default behavior of Layer 2 switches when they encounter anunknown MAC address.

Thus, thecorrect answer is:✔C. Switch1 floods the frame out all active ports except port G0/1.

References

Cisco CCNA 200-301 Official Guide – MAC Address Table & Frame Forwarding

RFC 894 – Standard for Ethernet Frame Forwarding

Cisco Networking Essentials – Switch Flooding Behavior