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Difficulty: HardWindows Client Networking Configuration

A desktop support technician is configuring a static IPv4 connection on a multi-homed Windows 11 workstation. The Ethernet adapter connects directly to an isolated local storage network (10.50.0.0/24) with no internet access, while the Wi-Fi adapter connects to the corporate network with internet access. After the technician enters static IP settings (10.50.0.25) and populates the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS fields on the Ethernet adapter, the computer can reach the storage servers but completely loses internet access across all applications. Which modification to the Ethernet adapter's TCP/IP properties will resolve the issue?

  1. Remove the Default Gateway entry from the Ethernet IPv4 configuration.Answer
  2. B
    Adjust the subnet mask setting on the Ethernet adapter to 255.255.0.0.
  3. C
    Execute ipconfig /flushdns from an elevated prompt to clear the interface binding order.
  4. D
    Upgrade the OS from Windows 11 Home to Pro to support dual network adapter configuration.

Answer

Removing the Default Gateway entry from the Ethernet IPv4 configuration resolves the routing conflict and restores internet access.
In Windows client networking, defining a Default Gateway instructs the operating system where to send traffic destined for IP addresses outside the local subnet. When a computer has two active network adapters (dual-homed) and both have default gateways defined, Windows creates multiple default routes (0.0.0.0/0). If internet traffic is sent out the adapter connected to an isolated storage network, the packets cannot reach the internet. Removing the default gateway from the isolated storage interface ensures that all non-local and internet traffic is sent exclusively through the Wi-Fi adapter's gateway.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the dual-homed network setup and routing behavior.
Identified that both network adapters have a default gateway configured, creating competing default routes in the Windows routing table.
When multiple default gateways exist, Windows selects a gateway based on route metrics. If outbound internet traffic is routed through the storage adapter's gateway, packets are dropped because that subnet has no internet connectivity.
2
Determine the role of the Ethernet adapter.
The Ethernet adapter only needs to reach local subnet hosts on 10.50.0.0/24.
Subnets without an external exit router do not require a default gateway.
3
Select the appropriate TCP/IP configuration fix.
Clearing the default gateway field on the storage adapter leaves the Wi-Fi adapter's gateway as the sole default route for out-of-subnet and internet traffic.
This guarantees internet traffic routes through Wi-Fi while storage traffic remains local to the Ethernet adapter.

Key Concept

Dual-Homed Default Gateway Routing Conflicts
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Topics

Windows Client Networking Configuration

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