CompTIA N10-009 Practice Test - Questions Answers, Page 5

IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) is the most secure way to provide site-to-site connectivity. It provides robust security services, such as data integrity, authentication, and encryption, ensuring that data sent across the network is protected from interception and tampering. Unlike other options, IPsec operates at the network layer and can secure all traffic that crosses the IP network, making it the most comprehensive and secure choice for site-to-site VPNs.

Reference: CompTIA Network+ study materials and NIST Special Publication 800-77.

Using a /30 subnet mask is the most efficient way to conserve IP space for a point-to-point connection between two routers. A /30 subnet provides four IP addresses, two of which can be assigned to the router interfaces, one for the network address, and one for the broadcast address. This makes it ideal for point-to-point links where only two usable IP addresses are needed.

Reference: CompTIA Network+ study materials and subnetting principles.

A hybrid cloud deployment model is the best choice for the CTO's requirements. It allows the organization to run key services from the on-site data center while leveraging the cloud for enterprise services. This approach provides flexibility, scalability, and cost savings, while also minimizing disruptions to users by keeping critical services local. The hybrid model integrates both private and public cloud environments, offering the benefits of both.

Reference: CompTIA Network+ study materials and cloud computing principles.

The tracert (Traceroute) command is used to determine the path packets take from the source to the destination. It helps in identifying routing issues by showing each hop the packets pass through, along with the time taken for each hop. This command can pinpoint where the connection is failing or experiencing delays, making it an essential tool for troubleshooting routing issues.

Reference: CompTIA Network+ study materials and common network troubleshooting commands.

Definition of Fiber Connector Types:

LC (Lucent Connector): A small form-factor fiber optic connector with a push-pull latching mechanism, commonly used for high-density applications.

SC (Subscriber Connector or Standard Connector): A larger form-factor connector with a push-pull latching mechanism, often used in datacom and telecom applications.

ST (Straight Tip): A bayonet-style connector, typically used in multimode fiber optic networks.

MPO (Multi-fiber Push On): A connector designed to support multiple fibers (typically 12 or 24 fibers), used in high-density cabling environments.

Common Usage:

LC Connectors: Due to their small size, LC connectors are widely used in network interface cards (NICs) and high-density environments such as data centers. They allow for more connections in a smaller space compared to SC and ST connectors.

SC and ST Connectors: These are larger and more commonly used in patch panels and older fiber installations but are less suitable for high-density applications.

MPO Connectors: Primarily used for trunk cables in data centers and high-density applications but not typically on individual network interface cards.

Selection Criteria:

The small form-factor and high-density capabilities of LC connectors make them the preferred choice for network interface cards, where space and connection density are critical considerations.

CompTIA Network+ study materials on fiber optics and connector types.

Understanding the Vulnerability:

Vulnerabilities in the router CPU can be exploited to cause performance degradation, unauthorized access, or other security issues.

Firmware Update:

Firmware Role: The firmware is low-level software that controls the hardware of a device. Updating the firmware can address vulnerabilities by providing patches and enhancements from the manufacturer.

Procedure: Download the latest firmware from the vendor's website, follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply the update, and verify that the update resolves the vulnerability.

Comparison with Other Options:

Replace the System Board: This is a costly and often unnecessary step if the issue can be resolved with a firmware update.

Patch the OS: Patching the OS is relevant for devices with a full operating system but not directly applicable to addressing a CPU vulnerability on a router.

Isolate the System: Temporarily isolating the system can mitigate immediate risk but does not resolve the underlying vulnerability.

Best Practice:

Regularly check for and apply firmware updates to ensure that network devices are protected against known vulnerabilities.

CompTIA Network+ study materials on network security and device management.

Understanding the 169.254.x.x Address:

An IPv4 address in the range of 169.254.x.x is an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address, assigned when a DHCP server is unavailable.

DHCP Server Offline:

APIPA Assignment: When a device cannot obtain an IP address from a DHCP server, it assigns itself an APIPA address to enable local network communication. This allows communication with other devices on the same local subnet but not with external networks.

Resolution: Ensure the DHCP server is operational. Check for connectivity issues between the virtual machine and the DHCP server, and verify the DHCP server settings.

Comparison with Other Options:

The subnet mask is incorrect: The subnet mask 255.255.0.0 is appropriate for the 169.254.x.x range and does not prevent external access by itself.

The IP address is an RFC1918 private address: RFC1918 addresses are private IP ranges (10.x.x.x, 172.16.x.x-172.31.x.x, 192.168.x.x) but 169.254.x.x is not one of them.

The DNS server is unreachable: While this could affect name resolution, it would not prevent the assignment of a non-APIPA address or local network communication.

Troubleshooting Steps:

Verify the DHCP server's status and connectivity.

Restart the DHCP service if necessary.

Renew the IP lease on the virtual machine using commands such as ipconfig /renew (Windows) or dhclient (Linux).

CompTIA Network+ study materials on IP addressing and DHCP troubleshooting.

Understanding Tracert:

Traceroute Tool: tracert (Windows) or traceroute (Linux) is a network diagnostic tool used to trace the path that packets take from a source to a destination. It lists all the intermediate routers the packets traverse.

Determining Traffic Path:

Path Identification: By running tracert to the web application's destination IP address, the technician can identify which route the traffic is taking and thereby determine which internet link is being used.

Load Balancing Insight: If the office uses load balancing for its internet links, tracert can help verify which link is currently handling the traffic for the web application.

Comparison with Other Tools:

netstat: Displays network connections, routing tables, interface statistics, and more, but does not trace the path of packets.

nslookup: Used for querying DNS to obtain domain name or IP address mapping, not for tracing packet routes.

ping: Tests connectivity and measures round-trip time but does not provide path information.

Implementation:

Open a command prompt or terminal.

Execute tracert [destination IP] to trace the route.

Analyze the output to determine the path and the link being used.

CompTIA Network+ study materials on network troubleshooting and diagnostic tools.

Understanding Subnetting:

The subnet mask 255.255.255.240 (or /28) indicates that each subnet has 16 IP addresses (14 usable addresses, 1 network address, and 1 broadcast address).

Calculating the Subnet Range:

Subnet Calculation: For the IP address 10.0.0.95 with a /28 subnet mask:

Network address: 10.0.0.80

Usable IP range: 10.0.0.81 to 10.0.0.94

Broadcast address: 10.0.0.95

Router Interface Configuration:

Broadcast Address Issue: The IP address 10.0.0.95 is the broadcast address for the subnet 10.0.0.80/28. Configuring a router interface with the broadcast address will cause routing issues as it is not a valid host address.

Comparison with Other Options:

The web server is in a different subnet: The web server (10.0.0.81) is within the same subnet range (10.0.0.80/28).

The IP address space is a class A network: While 10.0.0.0 is a Class A network, this does not explain the routing issue caused by the broadcast address.

The subnet is in a private address space: The private address space designation (RFC 1918) does not impact the routing issue related to the broadcast address configuration.

Resolution:

Reconfigure the router interface with a valid host IP address within the usable range, such as 10.0.0.94.

CompTIA Network+ study materials on subnetting and IP address configuration.