Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Practice Exam

Which fields does Netflow consider for classifying packets into separate flows?

1. Source and destination IP address and type of service

2. Source and destination IP address, source and destination port number, layer 3 protocol, and Type of Service

3. Source IP address and layer 3 protocol

4. Destination port number and type of service

The correct answer is: Source and destination IP address, source and destination port number, layer 3 protocol, and Type of Service

The correct answer identifies several key fields that NetFlow utilizes to classify packets into distinct flows. NetFlow is a network protocol designed for collecting and monitoring network traffic data. By considering the combination of the source and destination IP addresses, source and destination port numbers, layer 3 protocol, and Type of Service, NetFlow can effectively differentiate between various types of traffic. This comprehensive approach allows for detailed analysis and reporting on the traffic behavior within the network. The source and destination IP addresses are crucial for identifying the endpoints communicating over the network. The source and destination port numbers help classify the type of application or service being utilized, allowing for granular insights into specific traffic types. The layer 3 protocol provides information about the nature of the communication (like TCP, UDP, or ICMP), and the Type of Service can indicate how packets should be prioritized in the network. Focusing on these fields enables network administrators to make informed decisions about traffic management, performance monitoring, and potential troubleshooting, underscoring the effectiveness of NetFlow as a tool for network traffic analysis.