Free CompTIA Network+ N10-009 Practice Test

Decreasing the priority of the new switch if it has a better strategic location can help it become the root bridge, promoting a more efficient topology and potentially reducing the disruptions. The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) utilizes the bridge priority value to elect the root bridge, and a lower numeric value increases the chances of being chosen. Simply replacing the cable, reconnecting the switch, or changing none of the configurations does not address the issue of root bridge election affecting network stability.

The administrative distance is used to rate the trustworthiness of the source of a routing information. A lower administrative distance is preferred over a higher one, as it indicates a more reliable source. This concept is essential in selecting routes when multiple protocols provide route information for the same destination.

Here is a quote from Cisco:

Administrative distance is the first criterion that a router uses to determine which routing protocol to use if two protocols provide route information for the same destination. Administrative distance is a measure of the trustworthiness of the source of the routing information

• Cisco.com

Precision Time Protocol (PTP) is designed to provide highly accurate time synchronization across a network, making it ideal for environments where precise coordination of operations is critical, such as in video and audio broadcasting. It achieves clock accuracy in the sub-microsecond range, which is necessary for synchronizing video streams and audio feeds. NTP, while useful for general time synchronization, does not achieve the same level of precision as PTP. GPS synchronization provides accurate time but does not inherently synchronize separate devices' internal clocks to each other. DHCP is unrelated to time synchronization and is used for dynamic IP addressing.

IPSec is the correct answer because it is designed to securely exchange data over public networks such as the internet by encrypting and authenticating IP packets. This protocol includes provisions for establishing mutual authentication between agents at the beginning of a session and negotiation of cryptographic keys to be used during the session, making it ideal for VPN tunnels. Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) is used to encapsulate a wide variety of protocol packet types inside IP tunnels, facilitating VPN operations but does not inherently provide encryption or security mechanisms. User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is often used by applications that require a fast, connectionless transmission without built-in security features. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), although reliable, does not provide encryption or security functions required for secure tunneling.

Installing firewalls to segment and protect data environments is in direct alignment with PCI DSS requirements, which mandate the use of firewalls to protect cardholder data within a secure network segment. By contrast, enabling two-factor authentication, while enhancing security, specifically pertains to user access and does not solely focus on PCI DSS environments. Similarly, maintaining daily backup schedules enhances data availability but does not address the direct needs of securing transactional data environments as per PCI DSS requirements. Regular patch management is also crucial but does not have the singular focus on cardholder data protection needed for PCI DSS compliance.

The correct answer is 'RJ45' because RJ45 connectors are widely used for terminating Ethernet cables, supporting network speeds over Ethernet up to 10 gigabits. It is compatible with Cat6 cables, which are commonly deployed in office environments for high-speed data transmission. The 'RJ11' connector is primarily used for telephone wiring and supports fewer pins than RJ45, making it unsuitable for terminating Ethernet cables. 'F-type' connectors are mainly used with coaxial cables in television and internet services.

A Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) is designed specifically for this purpose. It allows users to create a segregated environment within a public cloud, where they can define and control network configurations, including IP address range, subnets, network gateways, and security settings. This isolation ensures that the resources inside a VPC have the same level of security and networking rules as the on-premises infrastructure, making it the correct choice. Other options, like Direct Connect or VPN, are meant for establishing connectivity rather than managing detailed network policies and isolation.

The correct answer is 'Network uptime commitment', as it specifies the amount of time the network should be operational and accessible, which is critical for maintaining business operations. An SLA that includes a substantial uptime guarantee reduces potential disruptions caused by network outages. The option '24/7 customer support' is helpful but does not directly mitigate downtime impact, as support responsiveness does not govern the actual operational performance of the network. 'Disaster recovery options' are crucial in a broader context but pertain more to recovery post-incident rather than preventing downtime. 'Early termination rights' relate to contract flexibility rather than operational performance.

802.1Q tagging allows switches to insert a VLAN tag in the Ethernet frames, specifying the VLAN to which the frame belongs. This tagging enables the frame to be correctly identified and handled by other devices in the network, maintaining traffic segregation between different VLANs on the same network link. Port mirroring, also known as SPAN, does not involve traffic segregation but is used for monitoring purposes. Port security restricts the input to an interface based on MAC address limits, and MTU settings involve the largest packet size that can be sent over a network, neither of which are directly related to VLAN tagging and traffic segregation.

A rack diagram is used primarily to detail the physical arrangement of hardware equipment within a server rack. This includes servers, routers, switches, and other network devices, providing a clear visual reference of how equipment is installed, and its exact location in the rack. This aids in troubleshooting, maintenance, and upgrading network components by offering a precise, easy-to-understand layout. Other options, while related to network operation, do not accurately describe the direct application of a rack diagram.

Mean time between failures (MTBF) is the correct metric for estimating the time between potential failures for a piece of equipment or system under normal operation. MTBF offers vital insights into the reliability and expected operational lifespan of networking equipment, helping in proactive maintenance and disaster recovery planning. It does not measure the time to repair or recover from failures, those are aspects covered by other metrics like MTTR and RTO.

After a problem resolution, the immediate essential step is to verify the full system functionality to ensure all systems operate correctly post-intervention. This verification helps confirm the root cause was addressed and no other unrelated issues impair network performance. Routine documentation is also crucial but is performed after confirming the system functions as expected to capture accurate reflections of the actions taken and outcomes.

Direct Connect is the correct choice because it provides a dedicated network connection between the on-premise data center and the cloud provider. This setup enhances bandwidth throughput, reduces latency, and offers a more consistent network experience than internet-based connections. VPN, while secure, still utilizes the public internet which can introduce variability in network performance. Internet Gateways and NAT Gateways are essential for internet-facing access in cloud environments but do not offer the dedicated, non-public connection needed for this scenario. Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) is a segmented, secure space within a public cloud, but does not inherently provide a physical connection to on-premise networks.

A report of intermittent website access directly represents a user-experienced symptom of a possible network issue. This fact specifically identifies how the network problem manifests to the end-user, which is what identifying symptoms focuses on in the troubleshooting methodology. High resource utilization is typically a symptom of server-related problems rather than direct network issues. Outdated firmware could potentially lead to problems but is considered a cause, not a symptom. A recently installed security patch is also a cause or a change but does not represent a symptom.

ICMP is used for sending error messages and operational information indicating that a network is not reachable, among other issues. It is not designed to encrypt data, route packets between networks, or provide DNS resolution, which is why the other options are incorrect.