The answer is the DNS server address, along with the default gateway, as the two key parameters a DHCP server can directly provide to clients. This is because DHCP, defined in RFC 2132, uses standardized option codes to deliver network configuration details; option 3 assigns the default gateway for routing traffic off the local subnet, while option 6 provides the DNS server address for domain name resolution. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this concept tests your understanding of DHCP operations and the specific options a router-based server can offer, often appearing in multiple-choice questions that list parameters like subnet mask or lease time as distractors. A common trap is confusing the DNS server address with the domain name (option 15), which is a separate parameter. Remember the memory tip: "Gateway for the road, DNS for the code" — the default gateway (option 3) gets you out, and the DNS server (option 6) translates names to numbers.
CCNA Network Services and Security Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network services and security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A branch router is acting as a DHCP server. Which two parameters can it provide directly to clients through DHCP?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Default gateway
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is designed to automatically assign IP configuration parameters to clients. The default gateway (option 3) and DNS server address (option 6) are standard DHCP options defined in RFC 2132, which a router acting as a DHCP server can directly provide to clients to enable network connectivity and name resolution.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Default gateway
Why this is correct
This is usually supplied with the router option.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
OSPF area number
Why it's wrong here
OSPF settings are not normal client DHCP options for endpoint routing.
✗
Switch port duplex setting
Why it's wrong here
DHCP does not configure switch interface physical settings.
✗
STP root bridge priority
Why it's wrong here
That is a Layer 2 switch control-plane value, not a client lease parameter.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between DHCP-provided parameters (Layer 3/4) and switch-specific or routing protocol parameters (Layer 2/3), leading candidates to mistakenly select options like OSPF area or STP priority that are not DHCP options.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DHCP uses a client-server model where the server offers configuration parameters via DHCP options in the offer/acknowledge messages. The default gateway is sent as DHCP option 3 (Router), and the DNS server as option 6 (Domain Name Server). A Cisco router configured with the 'ip dhcp pool' command can include these options using the 'default-router' and 'dns-server' subcommands, respectively, ensuring clients receive the correct gateway and DNS for network access.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 200-301 question in full detail.
Network Services and Security — This question tests Network Services and Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Default gateway — DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is designed to automatically assign IP configuration parameters to clients. The default gateway (option 3) and DNS server address (option 6) are standard DHCP options defined in RFC 2132, which a router acting as a DHCP server can directly provide to clients to enable network connectivity and name resolution.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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