Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Practice Exam

If the output of the command #show frame-relay map shows 'dynamic', what does this signify?

1. The mapping was manually configured

2. The mapping was learned through inverse ARP

3. The link is currently down

4. The DLCI is no longer in use

The correct answer is: The mapping was learned through inverse ARP

When the output of the command #show frame-relay map indicates 'dynamic', it signifies that the mapping of the data link connection identifier (DLCI) to the network layer address was learned through inverse ARP (Address Resolution Protocol). Inverse ARP is a process used in Frame Relay networks to dynamically discover the IP address associated with a DLCI. This means that when a device connects to a Frame Relay network, it can automatically find out the IP address of the other end of the connection instead of requiring a manual mapping to be set up. The use of inverse ARP allows for greater flexibility and easier configuration in environments where devices may be added or changed frequently, enabling seamless communication across the network. The concept of 'dynamic' implies a real-time and flexible configuration, demonstrating the advantages of using inverse ARP in managing network addresses in a way that manual configuration would not allow. Thus, in instances where the Frame Relay setup is adaptable to changes, such dynamic mappings are crucial for efficient network operations.