Cisco CCST Networking Sample Questions with Explanations

These original sample questions help you practice CCST Networking decisions. They are not taken from the live Cisco exam.

CCST Networking sample questions

Question 1

A user can print to a local printer by IP address, but the printer name no longer works. Which service should the technician check first?

• A. DHCP
• B. DNS
• C. NAT
• D. ARP

Best answer: B

Explanation: The IP path works, so name resolution is the likely issue. DNS maps names to addresses.

Question 2

A laptop has a valid private IPv4 address and can reach other devices on the same subnet but cannot reach external websites. What should the technician check next?

• A. The default gateway configuration
• B. The monitor resolution
• C. The printer driver
• D. The keyboard layout

Best answer: A

Explanation: Off-subnet traffic normally needs a default gateway. Local reachability suggests the link and local IP are likely working.

Question 3

Which statement best separates bandwidth from throughput?

• A. Bandwidth is actual speed; throughput is cable length.
• B. Bandwidth is capacity; throughput is the actual delivered rate.
• C. Bandwidth is encryption; throughput is authentication.
• D. Bandwidth is DNS; throughput is DHCP.

Best answer: B

Explanation: Bandwidth describes capacity. Throughput is what is actually delivered after real-world limits.

Question 4

A support technician needs to escalate an intermittent network issue. Which note is most useful?

• A. “Network bad.”
• B. “User says it happens sometimes.”
• C. “Affected user, time, device, switch port, IP settings, ping result, traceroute result, and steps already tried.”
• D. “Rebooted everything.”

Best answer: C

Explanation: Useful escalation includes scope, evidence, and actions already attempted.

Question 5

Several users in one conference room report weak Wi-Fi, but users in nearby wired cubicles are unaffected. Which next check best matches the symptom?

• A. DNS search suffix configuration
• B. Wireless signal, interference, or access point condition
• C. Public IPv4 address ownership
• D. Server disk utilization

Best answer: B

Explanation: The scope points to a localized wireless access issue, not a general DNS, internet, or server problem.

Question 6

Which device primarily forwards traffic between different IP networks?

• A. Switch
• B. Router
• C. Patch panel
• D. Endpoint NIC

Best answer: B

Explanation: A router forwards traffic between networks. A switch usually forwards traffic inside a LAN or VLAN.

Question 7

A technician sees that an IP phone has no power and no display after being moved to a new desk. What is the best first support check?

• A. Whether the port or injector provides PoE and the cable is connected correctly
• B. Whether DNS has an A record for the phone
• C. Whether NAT is configured on the firewall
• D. Whether the cloud application is overloaded

Best answer: A

Explanation: An IP phone with no power points first to cabling, switch port, or PoE, not DNS, NAT, or application load.

Question 8

A website opens by IP address but not by hostname. Which concept most directly explains the failure?

• A. Segmentation
• B. Name resolution
• C. Fiber optic signaling
• D. Packet switching

Best answer: B

Explanation: Hostname failure while IP access works is a classic DNS/name-resolution clue.

Question 9

Which support action is safest when a user asks a technician to temporarily bypass wireless security so a personal device can connect?

• A. Disable wireless security until the user finishes work
• B. Share the administrative wireless password in chat
• C. Follow approved guest/device-access policy or escalate
• D. Plug the personal device into any open switch port

Best answer: C

Explanation: CCST security scenarios favor approved access paths, least privilege, documentation, and escalation over bypassing controls.

Question 10

Which command is most useful for viewing a local endpoint’s IP address, subnet mask or prefix, gateway, and DNS settings?

• A. ipconfig, ifconfig, or ip addr
• B. show cdp neighbors
• C. show mac address-table
• D. traceroute only

Best answer: A

Explanation: Local host IP configuration tools show address, gateway, and DNS information. Cisco show commands are useful on network devices, and traceroute tests path behavior.