Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Practice Exam

What does a new router do if it cannot find a configuration file in NVRAM?

1. Searches for the configuration in flash and enters the setup dialog if not found

2. Searches for a configuration file on a TFTP server

3. Searches for the configuration file on a TFTP server and enters the setup dialog if none found

4. Loads a limited configuration from ROM if the configuration is not in flash

The correct answer is: Searches for the configuration file on a TFTP server and enters the setup dialog if none found

When a new router powers up and cannot locate a configuration file in NVRAM, it initiates a specific sequence of actions to ensure it can still operate effectively. The correct answer highlights that the router first seeks a configuration file on a TFTP server. If it cannot find a configuration file in that location, it then enters the setup dialog. This process is vital because it allows the router to attempt to retrieve a complete configuration from a remote source before resorting to manual configuration. This automatic search for a TFTP server is particularly useful in environments where routers are configured centrally or have their configurations archived on a network server. The subsequent entry into the setup dialog enables a user to manually configure the router if no suitable configuration file can be located. By understanding this sequence, a student can grasp how Cisco routers handle missing configurations and the importance of having recovery mechanisms in place to ensure the devices can be operational with minimal downtime. This knowledge is essential for troubleshooting and implementing robust network solutions, which is a key aspect of the Cisco CCNA curriculum.