Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A host receives an IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server automatically when it joins the network. Which service is most directly responsible for delivering that bundle of settings?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Best answer
DHCP
This is correct because DHCP provides automatic host IP configuration information.
B
Distractor review
Syslog
This is wrong because Syslog provides event visibility, not host configuration.
C
Distractor review
NTP
This is wrong because NTP synchronizes time, not IP settings.
D
Distractor review
GRE
This is wrong because GRE is a tunneling technology, not a host-configuration service.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common exam trap is selecting protocols like Syslog, NTP, or GRE instead of DHCP because they are familiar network services. Candidates may mistakenly think Syslog provides configuration since it deals with device messages, or confuse NTP’s time synchronization role with network setup. GRE might be tempting due to its tunneling function, but it does not assign IP addresses or network parameters. The key is to recognize that only DHCP is designed to deliver the full bundle of IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information automatically to hosts, which is the core requirement in this question.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network management protocol used on IP networks to automatically assign IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices, enabling them to communicate on an IP network without manual intervention. DHCP servers maintain a pool of IP addresses and lease them to clients for a specific duration, along with subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server addresses. This automation simplifies network administration and reduces configuration errors, especially in large networks. When a host joins a network, it sends a DHCPDISCOVER broadcast message to locate available DHCP servers. The DHCP server responds with a DHCPOFFER containing an IP address and configuration details. The host then requests the offered IP with a DHCPREQUEST, and the server confirms with a DHCPACK. This four-step process ensures the host receives all necessary settings, including the subnet mask to define the network boundary, the default gateway for routing traffic outside the local subnet, and DNS servers for name resolution. Cisco devices support DHCP client and server roles, making this protocol integral to CCNA-level IP services. A common exam trap is confusing DHCP with other network services that provide different functions. For example, Syslog only collects and logs device messages, NTP synchronizes device clocks, and GRE tunnels encapsulate packets but do not assign IP configurations. Understanding that DHCP specifically automates IP-related settings is critical. In practical networks, DHCP reduces manual errors and speeds up host deployment, but misconfigurations can cause IP conflicts or connectivity issues, emphasizing the importance of correct DHCP setup and troubleshooting skills in Cisco environments.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server information to hosts joining an IP network.
- A DHCP client initiates communication by broadcasting a DHCPDISCOVER message to locate DHCP servers on the local subnet.
- DHCP servers respond with DHCPOFFER messages that include IP configuration parameters from a managed address pool.
- Hosts complete the DHCP handshake by sending DHCPREQUEST and receiving DHCPACK to confirm IP address lease and settings.
- Subnet masks provided by DHCP define the network and host portions of the IP address for proper routing and communication.
- Default gateway addresses assigned by DHCP enable hosts to send traffic outside their local subnet to other networks.
- DNS server information delivered by DHCP allows hosts to resolve domain names to IP addresses for application use.
- Other protocols like Syslog, NTP, and GRE serve different purposes and do not provide automatic IP configuration to hosts.
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.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A router learns the same prefix from both OSPF and EIGRP. Which route is installed by default?
Question 2
A router shows this output: R1#show ip ospf neighbor Neighbor ID Pri State Dead Time Address Interface 10.1.1.2 1 FULL/DR 00:00:34 192.168.12.2 GigabitEthernet0/0 10.1.1.3 1 2WAY/DROTHER 00:00:39 192.168.12.3 GigabitEthernet0/0 Which statement is correct?
Question 3
What is the OSPF metric called?
Question 4
A non-root switch has two uplinks toward the root bridge. One path has a lower total STP cost than the other. What role will the lower-cost uplink have?
Question 5
A router interface applies this ACL inbound: 10 deny tcp any any eq 80 20 permit ip any any A user reports that web browsing to a server by IP address fails, but ping works. Which statement best explains the behavior?
Question 6
A router learns route 198.51.100.0/24 from OSPF with AD 110 and also has a static route to the same prefix configured with AD 150. Which route is installed?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server information to hosts joining an IP network.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DHCP — DHCP is most directly responsible because it is designed to provide hosts with IP configuration parameters automatically. In practical terms, this often includes the address, mask, gateway, and DNS server information needed for ordinary operation. That is exactly why DHCP is such a central end-host service. This is one of the most foundational services in enterprise client connectivity.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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