- A
Check the DHCP snooping configuration on the access switch.
Why wrong: DHCP snooping is a switch security feature that filters untrusted DHCP messages. While it could block DHCP, there is no indication in the scenario that DHCP snooping is enabled, and the client is on the same subnet as the server, so the traffic does not typically traverse a switch where snooping would be configured upstream. This would be a premature and less likely next step.
- B
Verify that no firewall is blocking UDP ports 67 and 68 on the local network.
Why wrong: Firewalls typically exist between different subnets or at network edges, not within the same broadcast domain. Since the DHCP server and client are on the same subnet, there is no router or firewall between them that would filter DHCP traffic. This step is unnecessary in this context.
- C
Run the ipconfig /release and /renew commands on the client.
Why wrong: While releasing and renewing the IP address may temporarily resolve the issue, it does not address the underlying cause. If a rogue DHCP server is present, the client will likely fall back to APIPA again after the next lease attempt. This step is more of a reactive workaround than a diagnostic action.
- D
Check for a rogue DHCP server on the network.
Given that the legitimate DHCP server is reachable, has a correct scope, and addresses are available, the most probable reason for persistent APIPA assignment is interference from an unauthorized DHCP server. A rogue server could be responding to DHCP Discover messages, preventing the client from obtaining a proper lease. The technician should use tools like packet captures or DHCP logs to detect any other DHCP Offer messages.
Quick Answer
The correct next step is to check for a rogue DHCP server on the network. When a client on the same subnet as a properly configured DHCP server still receives an APIPA address (169.254.x.x), it indicates that the client’s DHCP Discover broadcasts are being intercepted or answered before the legitimate server can respond. Since the technician has already verified that the authorized DHCP scope is active and has available addresses, and that the client’s NIC shows a physical link, the most likely cause is a rogue server offering invalid or conflicting IPs, which the client accepts or becomes confused by. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of DHCP starvation and spoofing attacks at Layer 7, and it often appears as a trap where candidates mistakenly check physical cabling or DHCP server configuration first. A common memory tip is “APIPA means no valid offer—if the server is fine, think rogue.”
CCNA Network Services and Security Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network services and security. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 client PC is receiving an APIPA address (169.254.x.x) instead of a valid IP from the DHCP server. The DHCP server is on the same subnet as the client. The technician runs the command 'show ip dhcp binding' and confirms that the correct scope is configured. The command 'show ip dhcp pool' shows that there are plenty of addresses remaining in the pool. The client's NIC status shows 'connected'. What should the technician do next?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Check for a rogue DHCP server on the network.
When a client on the same subnet as the DHCP server still receives an APIPA address, the problem is often that the client's DHCP Discover broadcasts are not reaching the legitimate DHCP server or the server's offers are not reaching the client. Since the technician has already verified the DHCP server configuration (scope exists, addresses available) and the client's physical connectivity (NIC connected), the most logical next step is to check for a rogue DHCP server. A rogue server can intercept DHCP Discover messages and respond with invalid or malicious offers, causing the client to disregard legitimate offers, or it might respond with offers that conflict and confuse the client. This addresses the DHCP application layer (Layer 7) and ensures that only the authorized server is responding. Identifying a rogue server can be done via packet capture or by inspecting DHCP lease database inconsistencies.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Check the DHCP snooping configuration on the access switch.
Why it's wrong here
DHCP snooping is a switch security feature that filters untrusted DHCP messages. While it could block DHCP, there is no indication in the scenario that DHCP snooping is enabled, and the client is on the same subnet as the server, so the traffic does not typically traverse a switch where snooping would be configured upstream. This would be a premature and less likely next step.
- ✗
Verify that no firewall is blocking UDP ports 67 and 68 on the local network.
Why it's wrong here
Firewalls typically exist between different subnets or at network edges, not within the same broadcast domain. Since the DHCP server and client are on the same subnet, there is no router or firewall between them that would filter DHCP traffic. This step is unnecessary in this context.
- ✗
Run the ipconfig /release and /renew commands on the client.
Why it's wrong here
While releasing and renewing the IP address may temporarily resolve the issue, it does not address the underlying cause. If a rogue DHCP server is present, the client will likely fall back to APIPA again after the next lease attempt. This step is more of a reactive workaround than a diagnostic action.
- ✓
Check for a rogue DHCP server on the network.
Why this is correct
Given that the legitimate DHCP server is reachable, has a correct scope, and addresses are available, the most probable reason for persistent APIPA assignment is interference from an unauthorized DHCP server. A rogue server could be responding to DHCP Discover messages, preventing the client from obtaining a proper lease. The technician should use tools like packet captures or DHCP logs to detect any other DHCP Offer messages.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Check for a rogue DHCP server on the network.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
Given that the legitimate DHCP server is reachable, has a correct scope, and addresses are available, the most probable reason for persistent APIPA assignment is interference from an unauthorized DHCP server. A rogue server could be responding to DHCP Discover messages, preventing the client from obtaining a proper lease. The technician should use tools like packet captures or DHCP logs to detect any other DHCP Offer messages.
✗Check the DHCP snooping configuration on the access switch.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Candidates often jump to switch security features when they see DHCP issues, but without evidence of a switch misconfiguration, it is not the most direct next action.
✗Verify that no firewall is blocking UDP ports 67 and 68 on the local network.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Test-takers often consider firewalls as universal blockers, forgetting that in a flat Layer 2 domain, broadcast traffic such as DHCP Discover is not filtered by a firewall.
✗Run the ipconfig /release and /renew commands on the client.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Candidates prefer simple client-side fixes, but CCNA troubleshooting emphasises identifying root causes before applying band-aid solutions.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
DHCP snooping is a switch security feature that filters untrusted DHCP messages. While it could block DHCP, there is no indication in the scenario that DHCP snooping is enabled, and the client is on the same subnet as the server, so the traffic does not typically traverse a switch where snooping would be configured upstream. This would be a premature and less likely next step.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 200-301 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Network Services and Security — This question tests Network Services and Security — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check for a rogue DHCP server on the network. — When a client on the same subnet as the DHCP server still receives an APIPA address, the problem is often that the client's DHCP Discover broadcasts are not reaching the legitimate DHCP server or the server's offers are not reaching the client. Since the technician has already verified the DHCP server configuration (scope exists, addresses available) and the client's physical connectivity (NIC connected), the most logical next step is to check for a rogue DHCP server. A rogue server can intercept DHCP Discover messages and respond with invalid or malicious offers, causing the client to disregard legitimate offers, or it might respond with offers that conflict and confuse the client. This addresses the DHCP application layer (Layer 7) and ensures that only the authorized server is responding. Identifying a rogue server can be done via packet capture or by inspecting DHCP lease database inconsistencies.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 200-301 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 14, 2026
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