N10-009 Exam Dumps - CompTIA Network+ Questions and Answers

Malware refers to any malicious software that can exfiltrate confidential data, including spyware, trojans, and rootkits. This fits the scenario where unauthorized data transfer is occurring.

Breakdown of Options:

A. Adware – Displays ads, does not typically steal data.

B. Ransomware – Encrypts files but does not exfiltrate data.

C. Darkware – Not a real cybersecurity term.

D. Malware – Correct answer. Malicious software is responsible for unauthorized data exfiltration.

The maximum recommended length for Ethernet cable runs is 100 meters (328 feet). At 150 meters, the Cat 6 cable is too long, causing signal degradation and connectivity issues. Running fiber from the distribution switch to an access switch in the annex will allow for reliable connectivity over longer distances, as fiber can cover greater distances without signal loss. (Reference: CompTIA Network+ Study Guide, Chapter on Network Cable Standards)

In a split-tunnel VPN, only corporate traffic is sent through the VPN tunnel, while public internet traffic goes directly through the user’s local ISP. This reduces bandwidth use on the corporate VPN concentrator and improves performance for non-work traffic.

B. Separate tunnels for encrypted traffic describes multi-tunnel VPNs, not split tunneling.

C. All traffic routed through on-site servers is a full-tunnel VPN, not split-tunnel.

D. ACLs balancing traffic relates to routing or load balancing, not VPN split tunneling.

References (CompTIA Network+ N10-009):

Domain: Networking Concepts — VPN types, split vs. full tunnel, remote access.

When a new VLAN is created, it typically exists on a different subnet. If DHCP servers are on a different VLAN, the network needs an IP helper address to forward DHCP requests correctly. Without it, clients in the new VLAN won’t receive an IP address.

Breakdown of Options:

A. Scope size – Increasing the DHCP scope would not resolve the issue if requests aren't reaching the server.

B. Address reservations – Reservations only assign specific addresses to devices; they do not fix DHCP communication issues.

C. Lease time – Changing the lease time does not impact DHCP functionality across VLANs.

D. IP helper – Correct answer. This forwards DHCP requests across VLANs to the DHCP server.

To validate routing between networks hosting Workstation A and File Server 2, follow these steps:

Review Routing Tables:

Check the routing tables of Router A, Router B, and Router C to identify any missing routes.

Identify Missing Routes:

Ensure that each router has routes to the networks on which Workstation A and File Server 2 are located.

Add Static Routes:

If a route is missing, add a static route to the relevant destination network via the correct interface.

Routing Table:

Gateway of last resort is 0.0.0.0 to network 0.0.0.0

S* 0.0.0.0/0 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet3

10.0.0.0/8 is variably subnetted, 4 subnets, 2 masks

C 10.0.4.0/22 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet2

C 10.0.6.0/24 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet2

L 10.0.6.1/32 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet2

172.16.0.0/16 is variably subnetted, 2 subnets, 2 masks

C 172.16.27.0/30 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet3

L 172.16.27.1/32 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet3

Routing Table:

Gateway of last resort is 0.0.0.0 to network 0.0.0.0

S* 0.0.0.0/0 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet1

10.0.0.0/8 is variably subnetted, 4 subnets, 2 masks

C 10.0.0.0/22 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet1

L 10.0.0.1/32 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet1

172.16.0.0/16 is variably subnetted, 2 subnets, 2 masks

C 172.16.27.4/30 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet1

L 172.16.27.5/32 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet1

Routing Table:

10.0.0.0/8 is variably subnetted, 4 subnets, 2 masks

S 10.0.0.0/22 [1/0] via GigabitEthernet1

S 10.0.4.0/22 [1/0] via GigabitEthernet2

172.16.0.0/16 is variably subnetted, 2 subnets, 2 masks

C 172.16.27.0/30 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet2

L 172.16.27.2/32 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet2

C 172.16.27.4/30 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet1

L 172.16.27.6/32 is directly connected, GigabitEthernet1

Install Static Route to 10.0.0.0/22 via 172.16.27.1 (assuming Router C's IP is 172.16.27.1):

Destination Prefix: 10.0.0.0

Destination Prefix Mask: 255.255.252.0

Interface: GigabitEthernet3

Install Static Route to 10.0.4.0/22 via 172.16.27.5 (assuming Router C's IP is 172.16.27.5):

Destination Prefix: 10.0.4.0

Destination Prefix Mask: 255.255.252.0

Interface: GigabitEthernet1

Install Static Route to 10.0.6.0/24 via 172.16.27.2 (assuming Router A's IP is 172.16.27.2):

Destination Prefix: 10.0.6.0

Destination Prefix Mask: 255.255.255.0

Interface: GigabitEthernet2

Install Static Route to 10.0.0.0/22 via 172.16.27.1 (assuming Router B's IP is 172.16.27.1):

Destination Prefix: 10.0.0.0

Destination Prefix Mask: 255.255.252.0

Interface: GigabitEthernet1

Summary of Static Routes:

Router A:

ip route 10.0.0.0 255.255.252.0 GigabitEthernet3

Router B:

ip route 10.0.4.0 255.255.252.0 GigabitEthernet1

Router C:

ip route 10.0.6.0 255.255.255.0 GigabitEthernet2

ip route 10.0.0.0 255.255.252.0 GigabitEthernet1

These configurations ensure that each router knows the correct paths to reach Workstation A and File Server 2, resolving the connectivity issue.

Importance of Proper Termination:

Cat 8 cabling requires precise termination practices to ensure signal integrity and reduce interference. One common requirement is to wrap the end connections in copper tape to maintain shielding and reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Interference Troubleshooting:

Interference in high-frequency cables like Cat 8 can be caused by improper shielding or grounding. Checking the end connections for proper wrapping in copper tape is a crucial step.

Why Other Options are Less Likely:

Passthrough modular crimping plugs: Not specifically related to interference issues and are typically used for ease of cable assembly.

Connecting RX/TX wires to different pins: Would likely result in no connection or incorrect data transmission rather than interference.

Running a speed test on a device that can only achieve 100Mbps speeds: This would not diagnose interference and would not provide relevant information for Cat 8 cabling rated for higher speeds.

Corrective Actions:

Verify that all end connections are properly wrapped with copper tape before termination.

Ensure that the shielding is continuous and properly grounded throughout the installation.

Retest the cabling for interference after making corrections.

Devices in both buildings should be able to access the Internet.

Security insists that all Internet traffic be inspected before entering the network.

Desktops should not see traffic destined for other devices.

Here is the corrected layout with explanation:

Building A:

Switch: Correctly placed to connect all desktops.

Firewall: Correctly placed to inspect all incoming and outgoing traffic.

Building B:

Switch: Not needed. Instead, place a Wireless Access Point (WAP) to provide wireless connectivity for laptops and mobile devices.

Between Buildings:

Wireless Range Extender: Correctly placed to provide connectivity between the buildings wirelessly.

Connection to the Internet:

Router: Correctly placed to connect to the Internet and route traffic between the buildings and the Internet.

Firewall: The firewall should be placed between the router and the internal network to inspect all traffic before it enters the network.

Corrected Setup:

Top-left (Building A): Switch

Bottom-left (Building A): Firewall (inspect traffic before it enters the network)

Top-middle (Internet connection): Router

Bottom-middle (between buildings): Wireless Range Extender

Top-right (Building B): Wireless Access Point (WAP)

In this corrected setup, the WAP in Building B will connect wirelessly to the Wireless Range Extender, which is connected to the Router. The Router is connected to the Firewall to ensure all traffic is inspected before it enters the network.

Configuration for Wireless Range Extender:

SSID: CORP

Security Settings: WPA2 or WPA2 - Enterprise

Key or Passphrase: [Enter a strong passphrase]

Mode: [Set based on your network plan]

Channel: [Set based on your network plan]

Speed: Auto

Duplex: Auto

With these settings, both buildings will have secure access to the Internet, and all traffic will be inspected by the firewall before entering the network. Desktops and other devices will not see traffic intended for others, maintaining the required security and privacy.

To configure the wireless range extender for security, follow these steps:

SSID (Service Set Identifier):

Ensure the SSID is set to "CORP" as shown in the exhibit.

Security Settings:

WPA2 or WPA2 - Enterprise: Choose one of these options for stronger security. WPA2-Enterprise provides more robust security with centralized authentication, which is ideal for a corporate environment.

Key or Passphrase:

If you select WPA2, enter a strong passphrase in the "Key or Passphrase" field.

If you select WPA2 - Enterprise, you will need to configure additional settings for authentication servers, such as RADIUS, which is not shown in the exhibit.

Wireless Mode and Channel:

Set the appropriate mode and channel based on your network design and the environment to avoid interference. These settings are not specified in the exhibit, so set them according to your network plan.

Wired Speed and Duplex:

Set the speed to "Auto" unless you have specific requirements for 100 or 1000 Mbps.

Set the duplex to "Auto" unless you need to specify half or full duplex based on your network equipment.

Save Configuration:

After making the necessary changes, click the "Save" button to apply the settings.

Here is how the configuration should look after adjustments:

SSID: CORP

Security Settings: WPA2 or WPA2 - Enterprise

Key or Passphrase: [Enter a strong passphrase]

Mode: [Set based on your network plan]

Channel: [Set based on your network plan]

Speed: Auto

Duplex: Auto

Once these settings are configured, your wireless range extender will provide secure connectivity for devices in both buildings.

Firewall setting to to ensure complete compliance with the requirements and best security practices, consider the following adjustments and additions:

DNS Rule: This rule allows DNS traffic from the internal network to any destination, which is fine.

HTTPS Outbound: This rule allows HTTPS traffic from the internal network (assuming 192.169.0.1/24 is a typo and should be 192.168.0.1/24) to any destination, which is also good for secure web browsing.

Management: This rule allows SSH access to the firewall for management purposes, which is necessary for administrative tasks.

HTTPS Inbound: This rule denies inbound HTTPS traffic to the internal network, which is good unless you have a web server that needs to be accessible from the internet.

HTTP Inbound: This rule denies inbound HTTP traffic to the internal network, which is correct for security purposes.

Suggested Additional Settings:

Permit General Outbound Traffic: Allow general outbound traffic for web access, email, etc.

Block All Other Traffic: Ensure that all other traffic is blocked to prevent unauthorized access.

Firewall Configuration Adjustments:

Correct the Network Typo:

Ensure that the subnet 192.169.0.1/24 is corrected to 192.168.0.1/24.

Permit General Outbound Traffic:

Rule Name: General Outbound

Source: 192.168.0.1/24

Destination: ANY

Service: ANY

Action: PERMIT

Deny All Other Traffic:

Rule Name: Block All

Source: ANY

Destination: ANY

Service: ANY

Action: DENY

Here is how your updated firewall settings should look:

Rule Name

Source

Destination

Service

Action

DNS Rule

192.168.0.1/24

ANY

DNS

PERMIT

HTTPS Outbound

192.168.0.1/24

ANY

HTTPS

PERMIT

Management

ANY

192.168.0.1/24

SSH

PERMIT

HTTPS Inbound

ANY

192.168.0.1/24

HTTPS

DENY

HTTP Inbound

ANY

192.168.0.1/24

HTTP

DENY

General Outbound

192.168.0.1/24

ANY

ANY

PERMIT

Block All

ANY

ANY

ANY

DENY

These settings ensure that:

Internal devices can access DNS and HTTPS services externally.

Management access via SSH is permitted.

Inbound HTTP and HTTPS traffic is denied unless otherwise specified.

General outbound traffic is allowed.

All other traffic is blocked by default, ensuring a secure environment.

Make sure to save the settings after making these adjustments.

Understanding 2.4GHz Interference:

The 2.4GHz frequency range is commonly used by many devices, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and various industrial equipment. This can lead to interference and degraded performance.

Mitigation Strategies:

5GHz Frequency:

The 5GHz frequency band offers more channels and less interference compared to the 2.4GHz band. Devices operating on 5GHz are less likely to encounter interference from other devices, including industrial equipment.

Non-overlapping Channels:

In the 2.4GHz band, using non-overlapping channels (such as channels 1, 6, and 11) can help reduce interference. Non-overlapping channels do not interfere with each other, providing clearer communication paths for Wi-Fi signals.

Why Other Options are Less Effective:

Mesh Network: While useful for extending network coverage, a mesh network does not inherently address interference issues.

Omnidirectional Antenna: This type of antenna broadcasts signals in all directions but does not mitigate interference.

Captive Portal: A web page that users must view and interact with before accessing a network, unrelated to frequency interference.

Ad Hoc Network: A decentralized wireless network that does not address interference issues directly.

Implementation:

Switch Wi-Fi devices to the 5GHz band if supported by the network infrastructure and client devices.

Configure Wi-Fi access points to use non-overlapping channels within the 2.4GHz band to minimize interference.

When a switch is improperly connected to a network, it can cause widespread connectivity issues, especially if there’s a misconfiguration in VLAN settings. A Native VLAN mismatch occurs when two switches connected via a trunk link have different native VLANs configured for untagged traffic. This can cause traffic to be sent to the wrong VLAN or dropped, resulting in connectivity loss for users.

Scenario Analysis: The intern likely connected the switch without ensuring that the trunk port’s native VLAN matched the existing network configuration. This is a common issue in Cisco-based networks when trunk links are misconfigured.

Why not VTP update? VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) updates propagate VLAN configurations across switches. While a VTP misconfiguration could cause issues, it’s less likely to immediately disrupt connectivity for many users unless the VTP server deleted critical VLANs, which is not implied here.

Why not Port security issue? Port security restricts access based on MAC addresses, typically affecting individual ports, not causing widespread outages.

Why not LLDP misconfiguration? Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) is used for device discovery, and misconfiguration is unlikely to cause a broad loss of connectivity.

Screened Subnet devices – Web server, FTP server

Building A devices – SSH server top left, workstations on all 5 on the right, laptop on bottom left

DataCenter devices – DNS server.

A screenshot of a computer AI-generated content may be incorrect.

A screenshot of a computer AI-generated content may be incorrect.

A screenshot of a computer AI-generated content may be incorrect.