A service provider is optimizing its network to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on traditional IP routing tables. The routers now forward packets using short path labels instead of full IP headers. What technology is being used?
Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), which enhances routing speed and flexibility by using label-based forwarding.
A router has a physical connection to a neighboring router and learns the route automatically. Another route is manually configured to send unknown traffic to 0.0.0.0. What types of routes are these?
The first is a directly connected route; the second is a static route with a default route for unknown destinations.
A router dynamically learns routes by exchanging information with other routers. It uses metrics like hop count and bandwidth, and avoids routing loops. What type of routing is this?
Dynamic routing; protocols negotiate paths and prevent loops through mechanisms like split horizon or route poisoning.
A network engineer is configuring routing within a single autonomous system. What type of routing protocol should be used?
An Interior Gateway Protocol (IGP), used for routing inside an autonomous system.
Two different autonomous systems need to exchange routing information across the Internet. What type of protocol is used? What is an example?
An Exterior Gateway Protocol (EGP), specifically Border Gateway Protocol (BGP).
A technician wants faster convergence and routing decisions based on link speed and cost. What type of protocol should they use? What are two examples?
Link state protocol, such as OSPF or IS-IS.
A Cisco-only network uses a hybrid protocol that combines distance vector and link state features. What protocol is being used?
EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol).
A network technician is reviewing an older, less commonly used routing protocol that relies on hop count and limits paths to 15 hops. What protocol is being described, and what type is it?
RIP (Routing Information Protocol); a distance vector Interior Gateway Protocol (IGP).
A router receives multiple route options from different protocols. Based on Administrative Distance (AD), list the protocols in order from most believable to least believable.
Directly connected (0), Static (1), EIGRP (90), OSPF (110), RIP (120), External EIGRP (170), Unknown/Unbelievable (255).
Lower AD = more trusted.
What is the purpose of First Hop Redundancy Protocols (FHRP)?
FHRP ensures network reliability and availability by providing automatic failover to a backup router if the primary router fails—especially vital for global communications.
In networking, what is a “black hole” and when does it occur?
A black hole occurs when a router receives packets but has no valid route to forward them, causing packets to be dropped temporarily—often right after a link failure or network change.
What is the difference between classful and classless routing protocols? Name the outlier routing protocol.
Classful protocols do not include subnet masks in updates and assume default masks, so they cannot support VLSM. Classless protocols include subnet masks, support VLSM, and allow efficient IP use.
RIPv1 is Classful.
Compare the complexity and typical use cases of BGP, RIP and OSPF.
RIP: simple, small networks
OSPF: medium to large internal networks
BGP: internet-scale, between organizations/autonomous systems
What is the difference between an Interior Gateway Protocol (IGP) and an Exterior Gateway Protocol (EGP)?
IGP operates within an autonomous system (AS) to determine optimal internal routing paths (e.g., OSPF, EIGRP, RIP).
EGP operates between autonomous systems to exchange routing information across organizations or ISPs (e.g., BGP).
How do you configure a Switched Virtual Interface (SVI) for VLAN50 on a Layer 3 switch?
interface VLAN50
ip address 192.168.50.1 255.255.255.0
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Network Fundamentals43
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Routing15
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OSI Model53
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Documentation and Processes8
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Ethernet Switching45
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Orchestration and Automation9
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IP Addressing44
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WAN Connections12
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Wireless Network30
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Ports and Protocols35
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Media and Connectors40
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Distribution Systems (HVAC, Fire, Wiring)12
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Security and Attacks39
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Cloud and Virtualization13
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Troubleshooting49
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Network Monitoring7
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Last Minute125
