300-410 Question 290
Single answerA network administrator notices that users in a specific branch office are experiencing intermittent connectivity issues. Using Cisco DNA Center Assurance, the administrator identifies a red status on the 'Device Health' score for the branch's access switch. Upon further investigation, the administrator discovers high CPU utilization on the switch. What is the most likely cause of the issue, and what should the administrator do next?
- A
The switch is experiencing excessive ARP broadcast traffic; the administrator should enable storm control on the affected ports.
- B
The switch is experiencing a hardware failure; the administrator should replace the switch immediately.
- C
The switch is running outdated firmware; the administrator should schedule a firmware upgrade during the next maintenance window.
- D
The switch is overloaded with traffic due to a spanning-tree loop; the administrator should investigate the network topology and resolve the loop.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Cisco DNA Center Assurance provides detailed insights into device health, network health, and connectivity issues. High CPU utilization on a switch, coupled with intermittent connectivity, is a common symptom of a spanning-tree loop. Resolving the loop will alleviate the traffic overload on the switch and restore normal network operation.
- A. Incorrect.
ARP broadcast traffic can cause high CPU utilization, but enabling storm control would not resolve the root cause of the issue. ARP storms are also less likely to cause intermittent connectivity compared to a spanning-tree loop.
- B. Incorrect.
A hardware failure is possible but usually results in complete loss of connectivity or specific error logs. Intermittent connectivity and high CPU utilization are more indicative of network-related issues, such as a spanning-tree loop.
- C. Incorrect.
Outdated firmware could potentially cause performance issues, but it is unlikely to lead to high CPU utilization and intermittent connectivity. Firmware upgrades are typically planned and are not an immediate resolution for this type of problem.
- D. Correct.
A spanning-tree loop can cause excessive traffic on the switch, leading to high CPU utilization and intermittent connectivity. Investigating and resolving the network topology issue is the most appropriate next step.