Free 100-490 Practice Test Questions and Answers (2026)

The address that facilitates the routing of packets over an IP network is the network address. In the

context of IP networking, this refers to the IP address, which is used to identify each host on a

network and to determine the best path for data packets to travel from their source to their

destination. Routers use IP addresses to make decisions about where to forward packets so that they

reach the correct destination. The network layer of the OSI model, where IP operates, is responsible

for this routing process123.

The other options listed do not facilitate routing in the same way:

Physical (A) and MAC (D) addresses are used at the data link layer to deliver packets on the same

local network.

Transport (B) refers to the transport layer, which is responsible for end-to-end communication and

data flow control but does not route packets over an IP network.

The show environment command in Cisco devices is used to display the status of the system’s

environment, including power supplies and sensor temperatures. This command provides a

comprehensive overview of the environmental conditions affecting the device, such as temperature

readings and power supply status.

Option A, show hardware, is not specific to power supplies and sensor temperatures. Option B, show

module, displays information about the network modules installed in the device but not the

environmental conditions. Option D, show diag, is used for diagnostic purposes and does not

specifically provide the status of power supplies and sensor temperatures.

Therefore, the correct answer is C, show environment, which is the command that specifically shows

the status of power supplies and sensor temperatures in Cisco devices12.

Reference :=

Cisco Community discussions on power supply details1.

Cisco documentation on Environmental Monitoring and Power Management2.

Reference:

https://www.cisco.com/c/m/en_us/techdoc/dc/reference/cli/n5k/commands/showenvironment.html

This configuration describes a crossover cable. A crossover cable is used to connect two similar

devices directly, such as two computers or two switches, without the need for an intermediate

device like a router. The wires at one end of a crossover cable are in reverse sequence to the wires at

the other end, which allows the transmit and receive signals to be properly aligned between the two

devices. This is different from a straight-through cable, where the wire sequence is the same at both

ends1.

The copy tftp flash command is used to download a Cisco IOS image from a TFTP (Trivial File Transfer

Protocol) server and store it in the Flash memory of the Cisco device. Here's the breakdown of the

command:

copy: Indicates a file transfer operation.

tftp: Specifies the use of the TFTP protocol.

flash: Specifies the destination as the flash memory of the Cisco device.

Why other options are incorrect:

copy tftp nvram: This would attempt to copy a file from a TFTP server to the NVRAM of the device.

NVRAM is typically not the desired location for storing IOS images.

copy flash tftp: This command would copy a file from the local flash memory to a TFTP server

(uploading).

copy xmodem flash: This would use the XMODEM protocol for the transfer, which is slower and less

reliable than TFTP for Cisco IOS images.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trivial_File_Transfer_Protocol

A Wide Area Network (WAN) connection typically involves several components that work together to

enable data communication over large distances. Two key components of a WAN connection are:

CSU/DSU (Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit): This device acts as a gateway between the local

area network (LAN) and the WAN. It converts the digital signals used in the LAN to the signals used in

the WAN, which are often analog12.

Router: A router is used to connect multiple networks together and direct data traffic. In the context

of a WAN, routers are responsible for determining the best path for data to travel across the

network12.

Reference := Spiceworks, Cisco

NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) is the default storage location for the startup

configuration file of a Cisco router or switch.expand_more Here's why:

Non-Volatility: NVRAM retains its contents even when the device loses power.expand_more This is

essential for storing the startup configuration, which contains critical settings like interface

configurations, routing protocols, and passwords.

Read/Write Capability: Unlike ROM, NVRAM allows you to both read and write data. This makes it

possible to modify the configuration and save the changes into NVRAM as the startup configuration.

Other Memory Types and Their Functions:

RAM (Random Access Memory): RAM is volatile memory, meaning it loses its contents when the

device is powered off.expand_more It's used to store the running configuration (currently active

configuration), routing tables, and other temporary data required for the device's operation.

ROM (Read-Only Memory): ROM is non-volatile and stores the bootstrap program used to initiate the

boot process of the device.expand_more It's not modifiable by the user.expand_more

Flash: Flash memory is also non-volatile.expand_more It's primarily used to store the Cisco IOS

image (operating system) and can also store backup configuration files and other data.

The ping command is specifically designed to test network connectivity and reachability. Here's how

it works:

Echo Request: The ping command sends an ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) Echo Request

packet to a specified destination IP address or hostname.

Echo Response: If the target host is reachable, it will respond with an ICMP Echo Reply packet.

Analysis: The ping command measures the round-trip time (RTT) between the source and

destination. It also reports statistics like packet loss and response times.

Why other options are incorrect:

echo: In some command-line environments, the echo command is used to display text on the screen

and does not relate to network testing.

access: This is a general term and does not refer to a specific command for sending echo requests.

connect: Some tools use the connect command to establish a TCP connection to a remote host, but it

doesn't directly utilize ICMP echo packets like the ping command.

Reference:

ping (Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ping_(networking_utility)

• The label "1" points to a rectangular port on the laptop. This is consistent with the shape of a USB Type A port. • The cable labeled "2" has an RJ-45 connector on one end and a USB Type A connector on the other end. Incorrect Answers: • C. 2 is a USB 5-pin mini USB Type B to USB Type A console cable: The connector on the cable labeled "2" is not a mini USB Type B connector. It is a standard RJ-45 connector. • D. 3 is a USB Type A port: The label "3" points to a port on the server that is not visible in the image. Therefore, we cannot identify the type of port it is. • E. 3 is a USB 5-pin mini USB Type B port: Same as D, we cannot identify the type of port labeled "3" due to lack of visibility in the image.

The cmd program, also known as the Command Prompt, is the primary command-line interface in

Windows. It allows you to execute various commands, including the ping command, to perform

network testing and troubleshooting.

Here's how to use ping in the Command Prompt:

Open the Command Prompt: Search for 'cmd' in the Windows Start Menu or use the Run dialog

(Windows key + R) and type 'cmd'.

Type the ping command: Enter ping followed by a space and then either the IP address or hostname

you want to test. For instance: ping 8.8.8.8 or ping www.google.com.

Press Enter: The Command Prompt will send ping requests and display the results.

Why other options are incorrect:

Find: The Find utility in Windows is used to search for files and folders based on their content or

attributes.

Start: The Start Menu in Windows provides access to programs, settings, and power options.

ipconfig: The ipconfig command is used to display network configuration information but doesn't

directly execute the ping command.

Reference:

Windows Command Prompt (cmd): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cmd.exe

Ping command: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ping_(networking_utility)

In the context of IPv4 addresses, a host address is an identifier for a specific device on a network. The

addresses 10.1.1.20 and 192.168.10.15 are both within ranges typically reserved for private

networks, making them suitable for assignment to host computers within a local network. Address

292.10.3.4 is not a valid IPv4 address because the first octet is beyond the maximum value of 255.

Address 255.255.255.255 is reserved for broadcast messages to all hosts on the local network, and

0.0.0.0 is used to denote an unspecified address, often indicating the absence of an IP address123.

Reference := IP address, Network address, and Host address Explained, IP address - Wikipedia,

Understanding IP Addresses: How IP Addressing Works | ENP

The -c option in Xmodem file transfers is used to enable CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) for enhanced

error checking. Here's why it's the correct answer:

Error Detection: CRC is a more robust error detection mechanism compared to the standard

checksum method used in Xmodem. It provides greater reliability in identifying file corruption during

the transfer.

Flash Memory: Since flash memory on a Cisco router or switch stores critical data like configuration

files or the IOS image, ensuring the integrity of transferred files is crucial.

Why other options are incorrect:

-e, -r, -x: These are not standard Xmodem options for error checking purposes. While some

implementations may have custom flags, they are not universally applicable.

Important Note: Xmodem is a legacy protocol that is often replaced by more reliable options like

TFTP in modern Cisco devices. However, understanding Xmodem options is still relevant for certain

cases or older equipment.

Reference:

Xmodem overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XMODEM

Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclic_redundancy_check

Microsoft Notepad is the preferred text editor for working with Cisco configuration files and other

simple text documents for several reasons:

Plain Text Focus: Notepad is designed specifically for plain text editing. It does not add any

formatting, hidden characters, or metadata that could interfere with the configuration file's

structure.

Cisco Syntax Compatibility: Cisco configurations rely on specific syntax and spacing. Notepad

preserves these elements accurately.

Universality: Notepad is a basic text editor included in all versions of Windows, ensuring accessibility

and eliminating the need for additional software.

Why other options are not ideal:

Microsoft Word: Word is a word processor and includes formatting, fonts, and other features that are

not compatible with Cisco configuration files. This formatting can corrupt the configuration.

Microsoft Access: Access is a database management system, not suited for text file editing.

Microsoft Excel: Excel is a spreadsheet application and adds its own structure and formatting that

conflicts with configuration file formats.

The correct IPv6 address notation follows the format of eight groups of four hexadecimal digits,

separated by colons. The address must have exactly eight groups unless it uses the double colon (::)

to represent consecutive groups of zero value. The double colon can only appear once in an address

to avoid ambiguity.

Option A is incorrect because it includes a subnet mask (/128) which is not part of the actual address

notation. Option B is incomplete as it does not contain enough groups and ends with a single colon.

Option C has too many groups (nine instead of eight) and is therefore not a valid IPv6 address. Option

D is the correct notation with eight groups of four hexadecimal digits, where necessary leading zeros

are included.

Reference :=

IPv6 Address Types, Notation, and Structure Explained1.

IPv6 address formats - IBM2. =========================

The decompressed form of Cisco IOS Software and the running configuration are stored in DRAM

(Dynamic Random-Access Memory) on Cisco devices. DRAM is used as the main memory for the

device, where the operating system runs and the running configuration is stored. When a Cisco

device boots up, the IOS image is decompressed and loaded into DRAM, and the running

configuration is also held in this memory type. It’s important to note that DRAM is volatile memory,

which

means

its

contents

are

lost

when

the

device

is

powered

off

or

restarted12. Reference := Maintaining System Memory Configuration Guide, Cisco IOS Release

15M&T - Cisco, Types of memory on a Cisco device - Study-CCNA

RJ-45 is the standard connector used for Ethernet networks. Here's why it's the correct answer:

Compatibility: Ethernet ports on both laptops and Cisco switches use RJ-45 connectors. This makes

RJ-45 cables ideal for direct connections between these devices.

Appearance: RJ-45 ports are rectangular and slightly larger than typical phone jacks (RJ-11). They

have eight metal pins inside.

Why other options are incorrect:

DVI: DVI ports are used for video connections between computers and displays.

RJ-11: RJ-11 ports are primarily associated with analog phone lines and are smaller than RJ-45.

DB-9: DB-9 connectors were traditionally used for serial connections on older computers and

peripherals.