CompTIA Network+ Practice Test (N10-009)

SNMP is used for collecting information about managed devices on IP networks and for modifying that information to change device behavior. It facilitates monitoring and management of network devices such as routers, switches, servers, printers, and other devices capable of network connectivity.

The 'Blocking' state is a normal condition in the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) where the port is prevented from participating in frame forwarding to avoid loops. Even though other answers involve stages or scenarios where interruptions might occur, they generally do not cause a port to enter a 'Blocking' state directly as described by STP operations. A port does not go into 'Blocking' from being disabled due to security violations or due to overload (which may shut down the port entirely but typically flags it as 'Error Disabled'), and 'Configuring' is not a recognized standard port state in context of STP.

Routers at the network layer generally use IP addresses to make decisions about packet forwarding, routing them to the next hop based on the routing table. MAC addresses are used in Layer 2 for device identification on the same network segment and not for routing decisions, making them incorrect for this context. Port numbers and service numbers are associated with TCP/UDP in the transport layer and layer 4 services respectively, which are not used for routing decisions at the network layer.

The correct answer is Cat 6a because it supports speeds up to 10 Gbps over distances up to 100 meters, which is ideal for a modern small business requiring high-speed applications like video conferencing and large file transfers. In contrast, Cat 6 supports 10 Gbps but only up to 55 meters in high crosstalk environments, making it less reliable for consistent high-speed delivery across a business premise. Cat 5e, supporting up to 1 Gbps, currently does not meet the requirements for higher speed applications. Cat 7, although capable of up to 10 Gbps, is typically used for specific cases due to its shielded system and is not a common upgrade path from Cat 5e.

A cold site is a type of disaster recovery site that is equipped with adequate physical space but lacks the necessary IT and telecommunications equipment. This site requires setup and installation of equipment before operations can commence, which can lead to longer recovery times compared to other types of sites. This definition differentiates it from warm and hot sites, which have varying levels of readiness and pre-installed equipment, facilitating faster recovery.

It is essential to back up the current configurations before any changes are made. This allows the network to be restored to its previous state if the new configurations lead to issues or failures. This practice ensures minimal service disruption and provides a recovery point. Making notes of performance metrics helps to compare before and after states but does not safeguard against configuration errors. While informing the IT team is a good practice for awareness, it does not directly protect against potential configuration issues.

RFC 1918 specifies ranges of IP addresses for private use, intended to be utilized inside private networks and not routable on the public Internet. Thus, IP addresses like 192.168.1.1 are designed strictly for private use, which means using them on the public Internet would be inappropriate and technically impractical as they cannot be routed.

Static routing involves manually configuring routes in a router's routing table. These routes do not change unless manually updated, which distinguishes static routing from dynamic routing where routes are learned and adjusted automatically by protocols. Answer 'Routes are manually configured and do not change unless manually updated' is correct because it highlights the manual aspect of static routing, a key characteristic. Other provided answers relate more to characteristics of dynamic routing, which includes automatic updating based on network traffic changes, and are therefore incorrect in this context.

The statement is true. PCI DSS requirements mandate the use of strong encryption for cardholder data that is transmitted over open, public networks. This encryption helps in protecting sensitive cardholder information during transmission against unauthorized interception and access. Not deploying encryption or using weak encryption does not align with PCI DSS requirements and could lead to data breaches and non-compliance penalties.

The speed tester is the correct choice for directly measuring and verifying the bandwidth available at a specific network segment or connection point. It allows technicians to monitor the actual throughput and compare it against the expected values, crucial for ensuring that network services meet expected performance criteria. The other options listed do not provide direct measurement of link bandwidth, which is essential in this scenario.

Given the scenario, among the listed reasons, the most probable cause for the IP camera not powering up is exceeding the maximum power delivery range for PoE over Cat5e, which is typically recommended up to 100 meters. As the power reaches the limits of its range, voltage drops can occur, leading to insufficient power delivery to the device. Upgrading to a Cat6 cable could help due to its inherently lower resistance per meter, potentially mitigating voltage drop over the same distance. The other options, though possible in different contexts, are less likely in this specific scenario given the details provided (e.g., no mention of incorrect standards or device incompatibility).

A tabletop exercise is the correct answer because it involves a comprehensive review of the disaster recovery plan with the key personnel without causing any operational disruptions. This type of test uses simulations presented to the staff to walk through the steps theoretically. It is useful for examining the theoretical response of a team to a disaster in a controlled setting. Full-scale tests, while thorough, involve a real-world application that can affect actual operations, making them unsuitable for scenarios where disruption is a concern. Technical review typically involves checking the technical aspects of a DR plan rather than a functional test of the plan. Documentation review alone, which focuses only on verifying the documents, does not provide a simulation of disaster response.

The best step after forming a theory is to test the theory to determine the cause. This is often done by simulating or recreating conditions under controlled environments to see if the issue can be replicated and thus confirm the theory. By testing the configuration changes in a controlled manner, the administrator can verify if the changes resolve the issue without affecting the production environment. Analyzing logs may provide useful information but does not directly test the theory. Rebooting the device or replacing the router are premature actions without confirming the theory first.

The prefix length specifies the number of bits that are designated for the network portion of an address. This definition is crucial because it helps determine the subnet mask, which is essential for defining the boundaries of a network segment and for efficient routing.

An ad hoc network operates without a centralized authority, which is fundamental in environments lacking infrastructure like routers or central controllers, allowing each node to directly communicate with others. This self-configuring capability of nodes distinguishes ad hoc networks from infrastructure networks, which depend on central devices to regulate network traffic.