CCST Cisco IT Exam Prep practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q21Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for logical addressing and routing?
✓ Correct answer: D. Network Layer (Layer 3)
Layer 3, the Network layer, handles logical addressing (such as IP addresses) and determines the best path for data to travel through the network via routing.
Q22In the TCP/IP model, which layer corresponds to the Network layer in the OSI model?
✓ Correct answer: C. Internet Layer
The Internet layer in the TCP/IP model corresponds to the Network layer (Layer 3) in the OSI model. Both handle IP addressing and routing functions.
Q23What is the primary difference between a frame and a packet in networking?
✓ Correct answer: B. A frame operates at Layer 2 with MAC addresses, while a packet operates at Layer 3 with IP addresses
A frame operates at Layer 2 (Data Link) and includes MAC addresses, while a packet operates at Layer 3 (Network) and contains IP addresses. Frames encapsulate packets when data moves down the protocol stack.
Q24What occurs during the encapsulation process in networking?
✓ Correct answer: A. Headers are added to data as it travels down the protocol stack
Encapsulation is the process where data traveling down the protocol stack has headers (and sometimes trailers) added at each layer. Each layer adds its own control information to help the corresponding layer on the receiving end.
Q25Which of the following correctly lists the layers of the TCP/IP model from highest to lowest?
✓ Correct answer: D. Application, Transport, Internet, Network Access
The TCP/IP model consists of four layers: Application at the top, then Transport, Internet, and Network Access at the bottom. This order represents the flow of data from applications down to the physical network.
Q26What is the primary function of the Data Link layer in the OSI model?
✓ Correct answer: C. Node-to-node data delivery and media access control
The Data Link layer (Layer 2) is responsible for node-to-node delivery of data, providing framing, physical addressing (MAC addresses), error detection, and access to the media.
Q27Which addressing method uses 48-bit addresses and operates at the Data Link layer?
✓ Correct answer: B. MAC addressing
MAC (Media Access Control) addressing uses 48-bit (6-byte) addresses that are typically expressed in hexadecimal format and operates at Layer 2 (Data Link layer) of the OSI model.
Q28What is the purpose of the ARP protocol in networking?
✓ Correct answer: A. To map IP addresses to MAC addresses
Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) resolves IP addresses to MAC addresses. When a device needs to communicate with another device on the local network, it uses ARP to discover the MAC address associated with the target IP address.
Q29Which of the following address types is used to send data to all devices on a local network?
✓ Correct answer: D. Broadcast address
A broadcast address is used to deliver packets to all devices on a local network segment. In IPv4, the broadcast address typically ends with all 1s in the host portion of the address.
Q30Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and terminating sessions between applications?
✓ Correct answer: C. Session Layer (Layer 5)
The Session layer (Layer 5) manages communication sessions between applications, including establishing, maintaining, and terminating these connections. It also provides dialog control and synchronization.
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