Free CompTIA N10-008 Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 2

Asymmetric routing is a situation in which the path taken by data packets between two points in a network is different in both directions. It can be caused by factors such as unequal cost paths, policy-based routing, load balancing, or network topology changes1

In this scenario, the network administrator is troubleshooting a connectivity performance issue, which could be affected by asymmetric routing. For example, if one path has more congestion, latency, or packet loss than the other, the performance of the communication between the client and the server will be degraded2

To diagnose the issue, the network administrator performs a traceout from the client to the server, and also from the server to the client. A traceout is a tool that shows the route and the number of hops that a packet takes to reach a destination. By comparing the outputs, the network administrator can identify if there is asymmetric routing in the network3

If the outputs show different hops between the hosts, it means that the packets are taking different paths in each direction, which is a sign of asymmetric routing. Therefore, the best answer is A. Asymmetric routing.

The other options are not as likely to explain the findings. A routing loop is a confusion about the reachability of a destination network, which causes packets to loop endlessly between two or more routers4 A switch loop is a situation in which there is more than one layer 2 path between two endpoints, which causes broadcast storms and MAC database instability5 An incorrect gateway is a configuration error that prevents a device from reaching the intended destination network6

None of these options would necessarily result in different hops between the hosts, as they would either cause the packets to be dropped, discarded, or delayed, but not rerouted. Therefore, the best answer is A. Asymmetric routing.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Routing_loop

https://www.networkstraining.com/what-is-asymmetric-routing/

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-server/networking/ip-default-gateway-settings-assigned-incorrectly

https://superuser.com/questions/1715808/cant-access-router-settings-default-gateway-not-working-as-expected

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

NIC Teaming, also known as load balancing and failover (LBFO), allows multiple network adapters on a computer to be placed into a team for the following purposes: (https://www.bing.com/search?q=what+is+nic+teaming+used+for%3F &form=QBLH&sp=-1&pq=what+is+nic+teaming+used+for&sc=10-28&qs=n&sk=&cvid=13882A9A9B584D8099F4ABCAD034E821&ghsh=0&ghacc=0&ghpl=)

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

References:

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

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

If the port is shut down, it means that the switch has disabled the port and is not sending or receiving any traffic on it. This would explain why the network interface’s indicator lights are not blinking on either the computer or the switch, and why the user cannot access resources on the network. The port could be shut down manually by the network administrator, or automatically by the switch due to security or error conditions.

References

• Port shutdown is one of the common switch configuration options covered in Objective 2.3 of the CompTIA Network+ N10-008 certification exam1.
• Port shutdown can cause the network interface’s indicator lights to stop blinking2.
• Port shutdown can prevent the user from accessing resources on the network3.

1: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 5 2: CompTIA Network+ N10-008: Switch not forwarding frames on trunked port3 3: Cable Management – N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 1.3

An SLA (Service Level Agreement) is a document that defines the expected level of service and performance guaranteed by a service provider to a customer. It usually specifies metrics such as uptime, availability, reliability, response time, and compensation or penalties for not meeting the agreed standards. An SLA is a way of ensuring that both parties are clear about their roles and responsibilities, and that the customer receives the quality of service they paid for.

• Default Gateway: The default gateway is the IP address of the router that connects the local network to external networks (such as the internet). When a packet’s destination address is outside the local network, it is sent to the default gateway for further routing.

References:

• Professor Messer - Network+ Certification Course
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide 11
• Studocu - To route a packet outside the local network, a packet must be generated at the network layer

A SAN also employs a series of protocols enabling software to communicate or prepare data for storage. The most common protocol is the Fibre Channel Protocol (FCP), which maps SCSI commands over FC technology. The iSCSI SANs will employ an iSCSI protocol that maps SCSI commands over TCP/IP.

STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) is a protocol used to prevent loops in Ethernet networks, and it is not a medium for communication in a storage area network (SAN). However, Fibre Channel is a protocol that is specifically designed for high-speed data transfer in SAN environments. It is a dedicated channel technology that provides high throughput and low latency, making it ideal for SANs. Therefore, Fibre Channel would be the best protocol for the company to use for its SAN. SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol), iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface), and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) are protocols used for transferring files over a network and are not suitable for use in a SAN environment.

A cable was looped and created a broadcast storm is the most likely explanation for the symptoms of high CPU usage and blinking lights on the switch. A cable loop is a situation where a switch port is connected to another switch port on the same switch or another switch, creating a circular path for network traffic. A cable loop can cause a broadcast storm, which is a network phenomenon where a large number of broadcast or multicast packets are flooded on the network, consuming bandwidth and CPU resources. A broadcast storm can cause network congestion, performance degradation, or failure. A cable loop can occur when an employee rearranges the wiring closet without proper documentation or verification. A cable loop can be prevented or detected by using Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) or loop detection features on the switch. References: [CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives], What Is a Broadcast Storm? | Definition & Examples | Forcepoint

• SDWAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) is a topology that uses software to dynamically route traffic across multiple WAN links, such as broadband, LTE, or MPLS12. SDWAN can optimize the performance, security, and reliability of applications hosted in different locations, such as on-premises data centers, public or private clouds, and SaaS services3 .
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) is a topology that connects multiple LANs within a geographic area, such as a city or a campus . MAN is not designed to support applications hosted in different clouds or SaaS services, as it is limited by the physical distance and bandwidth of the WAN links.
• PAN (Personal Area Network) is a topology that connects devices within a short range, such as Bluetooth, infrared, or NFC . PAN is not designed to support applications hosted in different clouds or SaaS services, as it is limited by the wireless technology and the device capabilities.
• MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) is a technology that uses labels to forward packets across a WAN, without relying on IP routing . MPLS can improve the performance and quality of service of applications hosted in different locations, but it is not a topology by itself, and it requires dedicated WAN links that are expensive and inflexible .

References:

• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 1: Network Fundamentals, pages 32-33.
• [Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes], Section 1.2: Network Topologies and Network Types, page 6.
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 7: Cloud Computing and Virtualization, pages 352-353.
• [Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Training Course], Video 7.1: Cloud Computing, [6].
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 1: Network Fundamentals, page 30.
• [Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes], Section 1.2: Network Topologies and Network Types, page 5.
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 1: Network Fundamentals, page 31.
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 1: Network Fundamentals, page 29.
• [Professor Messer’s CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes], Section 1.2: Network Topologies and Network Types, page 5.
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 1: Network Fundamentals, page 30.
• CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Study Guide, Chapter 1: Network Fundamentals, pages 33-34.

• An optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) is a device that can measure the characteristics of an optical fiber, such as its length, attenuation, and splice points12.
• An OTDR works by sending a pulse of light into one end of the fiber and measuring the amount of light that is reflected back at different intervals12.
• By analyzing the reflected light, an OTDR can determine the distance to any faults or breaks in the fiber, as well as the overall quality of the fiber12.
• An OTDR can also provide a graphical representation of the fiber, called a trace, that shows the attenuation and reflection along the fiber12.
• Using an OTDR can reduce repair time because it can quickly and accurately locate the fault point in the fiber, without requiring access to both ends of the fiber12.
• The other options are not suitable for testing fiber optic cables:

References:

• 1: Optical Fiber - N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 1.3
• 2: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Full Course for Beginners - Fiber Optic Cabling and Connectors
• 3: Wire Crimpers and Testers - N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 1.3
• 4: Multimeter - N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 1.3
• 5: Spectrum Analyzer - N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 1.3

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a protocol that allows network devices to communicate with a management server. By using SNMP, the company can set up an SNMP agent on each sensor, which will report its temperature readings to an existing collector server. This will enable the company to monitor the temperatures of all their sensors in real-time without the need for manual checks. Additionally, SNMP's scalability means that even if the company adds more rooms or sensors, the existing system can be easily expanded to accommodate them.

• Routing is the process of forwarding packets from one network to another, based on the destination IP address1.
• Routing occurs at the network layer of the OSI model, which is the third layer from the bottom2.
• The network layer is responsible for logical addressing, path selection, and packet delivery across multiple networks2.
• Routers are the devices that operate at the network layer and perform routing functions, using protocols such as RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, or BGP23.
• The other layers of the OSI model have different roles in the network communication process, such as:
• 1: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, 1st Edition, Chapter 5: Routing, p. 179
• 2: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, 1st Edition, Chapter 1: Introduction to Networks, pp. 22-29
• 3: CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, 1st Edition, Chapter 5: Routing, pp. 180-191