- A
1. Create DHCP pool with network and default-router. 2. Exclude addresses. 3. Enable DHCP relay on the remote interface.
This order ensures the DHCP pool is defined before relay is configured; relay must be on the interface of the subnet needing DHCP services.
- B
1. Enable DHCP relay on the remote interface. 2. Create DHCP pool with network and default-router. 3. Exclude addresses.
This is incorrect because enabling relay before creating the pool is not a functional issue, but the pool must exist before relay can forward requests to the server; however, the order is not strictly enforced, but best practice is to configure the server first.
- C
1. Exclude addresses. 2. Create DHCP pool with network and default-router. 3. Enable DHCP relay on the remote interface.
This is incorrect because excluding addresses is typically done after creating the pool, as the pool defines the subnet from which addresses are excluded.
- D
1. Enable DHCP relay on the remote interface. 2. Exclude addresses. 3. Create DHCP pool with network and default-router.
This is incorrect because it places relay configuration before pool creation and exclusion before pool, which is out of logical order.
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.
Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure a DHCP server on a Cisco IOS-XE router and enable DHCP relay on a remote subnet, following Cisco's recommended configuration sequence.
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
1. Create DHCP pool with network and default-router. 2. Exclude addresses. 3. Enable DHCP relay on the remote interface.
The recommended order is to first create the DHCP pool with network and default-router, then exclude addresses, and finally enable DHCP relay on the remote interface. While the 'ip dhcp excluded-address' command can technically be issued before or after the pool definition, Cisco documentation typically shows the pool created first. The critical requirement is that DHCP relay is configured last, after the DHCP server is fully configured. Options B and D place relay first, which is incorrect.
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.
- ✓
1. Create DHCP pool with network and default-router. 2. Exclude addresses. 3. Enable DHCP relay on the remote interface.
- ✓
1. Enable DHCP relay on the remote interface. 2. Create DHCP pool with network and default-router. 3. Exclude addresses.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because enabling relay before creating the pool is not a functional issue, but the pool must exist before relay can forward requests to the server; however, the order is not strictly enforced, but best practice is to configure the server first.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✓
1. Exclude addresses. 2. Create DHCP pool with network and default-router. 3. Enable DHCP relay on the remote interface.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because excluding addresses is typically done after creating the pool, as the pool defines the subnet from which addresses are excluded.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✓
1. Enable DHCP relay on the remote interface. 2. Exclude addresses. 3. Create DHCP pool with network and default-router.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because it places relay configuration before pool creation and exclusion before pool, which is out of logical order.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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.
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: 1. Create DHCP pool with network and default-router. 2. Exclude addresses. 3. Enable DHCP relay on the remote interface. — The recommended order is to first create the DHCP pool with network and default-router, then exclude addresses, and finally enable DHCP relay on the remote interface. While the 'ip dhcp excluded-address' command can technically be issued before or after the pool definition, Cisco documentation typically shows the pool created first. The critical requirement is that DHCP relay is configured last, after the DHCP server is fully configured. Options B and D place relay first, which is incorrect.
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 6, 2026
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