CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71)InfrastructureMedium
A technician is troubleshooting a network connectivity issue on a user's workstation. The user can access local network resources but cannot reach any external websites. The workstation has a valid IP address, subnet mask, and DNS server configured. What is the MOST likely cause of this issue?
- AIP address conflict
- BIncorrect DNS server address
- CFaulty network adapter
- DIncorrect default gateway
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Incorrect default gateway
If a workstation can access local resources but not external ones, it indicates that local network communication is working (IP address, subnet mask are likely correct). The inability to reach external networks points to a problem with routing traffic outside the local network, which is the function of the default gateway.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. An IP address conflict would typically prevent any network communication or cause intermittent issues, not specifically block only external access while local access works.
- B. An incorrect DNS server would prevent name resolution, but the user would still be able to access external websites by IP address if the gateway was correct.
- C. A faulty network adapter would likely prevent access to both local and external resources, or any network connectivity at all.
Default Gateway
The IP address of a router on a local network that acts as an access point to other networks, allowing devices to send and receive data outside their current subnet.
- Essential for communicating with devices on different subnets or the internet.
- If incorrect, local network communication works, but external communication fails.
- Typically the IP address of the router on the local network.
Memory trick: Local works, outside fails? Gateway's tale.