Server Connectivity Troubleshooting: Local vs Remote Access

Network Troubleshooting

A newly installed server is accessible to local users, but remote users are unable to connect. Which of the following is MOST likely misconfigured?

The IP address
The default gateway
The VLAN Source Reference Answer
The subnet mask

Community Votes

57%

43%

57% of anonymous learners picked answer C. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Community Insight

The exam tests the distinction between local switching and remote routing; the trap is assuming gateway issues affect local traffic, whereas VLANs specifically control broadcast domains and inter-VLAN routing eligibility.

This question tests the ability to differentiate between Layer 2 and Layer 3 connectivity issues. The consensus is that a misconfigured VLAN isolates the server from external networks while preserving local subnet access.

Community Discussion (4 comments)

ReOliveira30 👍 1

local users on the same subnet as the server will still be able to access it without issue because they don’t need to route traffic outside of their local network

Stache 👍 1 Selected: C

If default gateway is wrong local users would most likely have issues.

Ronn_Burgandy 👍 3 Selected: B

Outside users are going to have to go through a layer 3 device to get to the server. The router would need to PAT/NAT to server. It doesn’t matter what VLAN the server is on as long as the default gateway is configured correctly at layer 3 for port forwarding to the server.

SecNoob27639 👍 3 Selected: C

If the default gateway is wrong, local users would also potentially have issues. If it's just the VLAN that is wrong, local users connected to that VLAN will have access, but no one outside that VLAN can reach the server. So it's more likely that it's a VLAN issue than it is a default gateway issue.

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Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

A misconfigured VLAN (Option C) places the server in a logical segment that does not have proper routing or trunking configurations for external access. Since local users are on the same physical or logical switch segment, they can communicate directly via Layer 2 switching without needing a gateway. However, remote users require traffic to be routed through a Layer 3 device (router or layer 3 switch). If the port is assigned to a VLAN that lacks an SVI (Switched Virtual Interface) with a default route or if the trunk link carrying that VLAN is missing, remote packets cannot reach the server.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

If the IP address (Option A) were incorrect, local users would likely fail to connect unless they used ARP incorrectly or had a duplicate IP conflict, but it wouldn't selectively block only remote users. An incorrect default gateway (Option B) primarily affects traffic leaving the local subnet; local users communicating within the same subnet do not use the default gateway, so they would still have access. While an incorrect subnet mask (Option D) could cause routing confusion, it typically results in broader connectivity issues for both local and remote hosts rather than this specific symptom pattern.

Community Comment Notes

Comment [2] provides the strongest logic, noting that a wrong default gateway would likely impact local users attempting to reach other subnets, whereas a VLAN issue strictly limits scope to the defined broadcast domain. Comment [1] argues for Option B by focusing on NAT/PAT requirements, but this overlooks the fact that basic IP connectivity requires correct Layer 2 segmentation first. Comments [3] and [4] reinforce that local communication is direct and does not traverse the default gateway, making the gateway less likely to be the root cause of remote-only failure compared to a VLAN mismatch.

Exam Strategy

When troubleshooting network connectivity, always separate Layer 2 (VLANs, MAC addresses, Switch ports) from Layer 3 (IPs, Gateways, Routers). If local access works but remote fails, suspect a segmentation or routing path issue (like VLANs or ACLs) rather than basic host configuration like IPs or gateways.

Related Analysis

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