CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What does the netstat command with the option '-b' accomplish on a Windows system?

1. Shows only established connections

2. Displays the binaries associated with active connections

3. Lists active TCP connections without resolving names

4. Provides network statistics summary

The correct answer is: Displays the binaries associated with active connections

The netstat command with the '-b' option on a Windows system specifically displays the binaries associated with active connections. This feature allows users to see which executable files are involved in the current network activities. When this command is run, it will provide a list of the active TCP connections alongside the associated process names and the executable paths. This is particularly useful for troubleshooting purposes, as it lets administrators identify which applications are making connections over the network, potentially helping to pinpoint rogue or resource-intensive processes that may be affecting network performance. The other options do not accurately describe the functionality of the '-b' option. For instance, showing only established connections focuses solely on connection status, which is not the primary intent of the '-b' switch. Similarly, listing active TCP connections without resolving names would use a different switch that omits the binary information. Lastly, providing a network statistics summary pertains to broader network metrics rather than the specific functional focus of the '-b' option, which centers on the binaries related to active connections.