Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A small office wants branch routers to automatically hand out IP addresses, default gateway values, and DNS servers to clients. Which service should be configured?
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
Distractor review
DNS
DNS resolves names to IP addresses.
B
Best answer
DHCP
DHCP supplies addressing parameters to clients.
C
Distractor review
NTP
NTP synchronizes time, not addresses.
D
Distractor review
TACACS+
TACACS+ handles AAA, not client addressing.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common exam trap is confusing DHCP with other network services like DNS, NTP, or TACACS+. DNS only resolves domain names to IP addresses and does not assign IP addresses or default gateways. NTP synchronizes time across devices but does not handle IP addressing. TACACS+ is an AAA protocol used for authentication and authorization, not for assigning IP addresses or network parameters. Selecting any of these instead of DHCP leads to incorrect answers because they do not fulfill the requirement of automatically handing out IP addresses and related network configuration to clients.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network management protocol used to automate the process of configuring devices on IP networks. DHCP servers assign IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server information to client devices, enabling them to communicate on the network without manual configuration. This automation reduces errors and administrative overhead, especially in environments with many devices or frequent changes. In Cisco networking and the CCNA context, DHCP is essential for branch routers or small office networks to provide IP addressing and related parameters dynamically. When a client device connects to the network, it sends a DHCPDISCOVER broadcast. The DHCP server responds with a DHCPOFFER containing configuration details. The client then requests the offered parameters with a DHCPREQUEST, and the server finalizes the lease with a DHCPACK. This process ensures clients receive consistent and valid network settings, including the default gateway and DNS servers, which are critical for routing and name resolution. A common exam trap is confusing DHCP with other network services like DNS or NTP. While DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses and NTP synchronizes time, neither provides IP addressing or gateway configuration. TACACS+ is an AAA protocol unrelated to client IP configuration. Understanding DHCP’s role in IP services prevents misinterpretation of questions asking about automatic IP address assignment and related parameters. Practically, DHCP simplifies network management and supports scalability in Cisco environments by centralizing IP address allocation and reducing manual errors.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server information to clients to enable network connectivity without manual configuration.
- A DHCP client initiates communication by broadcasting a DHCPDISCOVER message to locate available DHCP servers on the network.
- The DHCP server responds with a DHCPOFFER message containing IP configuration parameters, which the client can accept or reject.
- DHCP uses a four-step process: DHCPDISCOVER, DHCPOFFER, DHCPREQUEST, and DHCPACK to lease IP addresses and network settings to clients.
- DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses but does not provide IP addressing or gateway information to clients.
- NTP synchronizes device clocks and does not handle IP address assignment or network configuration.
- TACACS+ is an AAA protocol used for authentication, authorization, and accounting, unrelated to DHCP or IP address assignment.
- Branch routers configured as DHCP servers simplify IP address management by centrally providing addressing and network parameters to client devices.
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 clients to enable network connectivity without manual configuration.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DHCP — DHCP is built for this exact job. It centrally provides addressing details so endpoints do not need to be configured by hand.
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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