CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) Practice

Which TTL value is used for networking devices or Solaris systems?

1. 255

2. 128

3. 64

4. 32

The correct answer is: 255

The Time to Live (TTL) value plays a crucial role in managing the lifespan of packets in a network, specifying how many hops (or routers) a packet can pass through before being discarded. A TTL value of 255 is commonly used in various network devices as it allows the packet to traverse through many routers without being dropped. This high value is typically employed in environments where large networks exist and where packets might require a longer route to reach their destination. Solaris systems, specifically those that align with traditional UNIX-based operating systems, also leverage this TTL value as a default. By maintaining a TTL of 255, these systems ensure that packets can freely navigate across potentially extensive networks, reducing the risk of premature packet expiration due to overly restrictive TTL settings. In contrast, other TTL values such as 128 or 64 are standard defaults found in various operating systems like Windows or Linux, but they are not as suitable for devices that need to maintain extensive network reach, which is the focus concerning Solaris systems. Therefore, 255 is the choice aligned with the needs of networking devices and Solaris systems, given the operational context of packet forwarding and management within large networks.