Question
After configuring IP networking on a newly commissioned server, a server administrator installs a straight-through network cable from the patch panel to the switch. The administrator then returns to the server to test network connectivity using the ping command. The partial output of the ping and ipconfig commands is displayed below:
```
ipconfig/all
IPv4 address: 192.168.1.5
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Default gateway: 192.168.1.2
Pinging 192.168.1.2 with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 192.168.1.2: Request timed out
Reply from 192.168.1.2: Request timed out
Reply from 192.168.1.2: Request timed out
Reply from 192.168.1.2: Request timed out
```
The administrator returns to the switch and notices an amber link light on the port where the server is connected. Which of the following is the MOST likely reason for the lack of network connectivity?
- A. Network port security
- B. An improper VLAN configuration
- C. A misconfigured DHCP server
- D. A misconfigured NIC on the server Correct
Explanation
The IP settings are valid and on the same subnet as the gateway, yet nothing gets through, and the switch port shows an amber link light. An amber light indicates a physical or link-layer problem such as a speed or duplex mismatch, which points to the server's NIC settings rather than addressing. A DHCP problem is ruled out because the address was configured manually and is valid, and a VLAN mismatch or port security would not normally cause an amber link indicator on a cleanly negotiated link.
