- A
SLAAC allows a host to form its own address using information from router advertisements.
This is correct because SLAAC relies on router advertisements and local address formation.
- B
DHCPv6 can be used to provide host configuration in a more server-driven way.
This is correct because DHCPv6 is a server-based IPv6 configuration mechanism.
- C
SLAAC requires NAT to function.
Why wrong: This is wrong because IPv6 SLAAC does not depend on NAT.
- D
DHCPv6 replaces the need for router advertisements completely.
Why wrong: This is wrong because router advertisements still play an important role in IPv6 host behavior.
- E
Neither SLAAC nor DHCPv6 can provide any addressing information to hosts.
Why wrong: This is wrong because both can contribute to host IPv6 configuration.
Quick Answer
The answer is that DHCPv6 can be used to provide host configuration in a more server-driven way, while SLAAC allows hosts to autonomously generate their own IPv6 addresses using router advertisements. This distinction is critical because SLAAC relies on the host combining a learned prefix with its own interface identifier, making it stateless and decentralized, whereas DHCPv6 operates as a stateful protocol where a server assigns addresses and delivers additional parameters like DNS servers. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this topic tests your understanding of IPv6 configuration modes and the role of the M and O flags in router advertisements, which determine whether a host uses SLAAC alone, DHCPv6 for additional info, or DHCPv6 for everything. A common trap is assuming SLAAC and DHCPv6 are interchangeable, but remember that SLAAC cannot provide DNS server addresses without DHCPv6 or RDNSS. For a quick memory tip, think “SLAAC builds its own, DHCPv6 is server-driven—one is stateless, the other stateful.”
CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network infrastructure and connectivity. 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. A key principle to apply: sLAAC enables IPv6 hosts to autonomously generate their addresses using prefix information advertised by routers in router advertisements.. 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.
Which two statements accurately compare SLAAC and DHCPv6?
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
SLAAC allows a host to form its own address using information from router advertisements.
SLAAC and DHCPv6 are both IPv6 host-configuration approaches, but they are not the same. In practical terms, SLAAC lets a host build its own address using router advertisements and the advertised prefix, while DHCPv6 can be used to provide addressing information or other configuration in a more server-driven way. Depending on design, IPv6 networks can use one, the other, or a mixture of behaviors. The key is not to oversimplify. SLAAC is not “IPv6 DHCP,” and DHCPv6 is not the only way IPv6 hosts learn how to operate. Router advertisements remain very important.
Key principle: SLAAC enables IPv6 hosts to autonomously generate their addresses using prefix information advertised by routers in router advertisements.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
SLAAC allows a host to form its own address using information from router advertisements.
- ✓
DHCPv6 can be used to provide host configuration in a more server-driven way.
Why this is correct
This is correct because DHCPv6 is a server-based IPv6 configuration mechanism.
Related concept
SLAAC enables IPv6 hosts to autonomously generate their addresses using prefix information advertised by routers in router advertisements.
- ✗
SLAAC requires NAT to function.
When this WOULD be correct
In a question that asks about IPv6 address configuration in a specific scenario where NAT is being discussed in conjunction with SLAAC, such as in a hybrid network environment that uses both IPv4 and IPv6, this option could be correct if it stated that SLAAC can work with NAT for IPv4 addresses.
- ✗
DHCPv6 replaces the need for router advertisements completely.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because router advertisements still play an important role in IPv6 host behavior.
When this WOULD be correct
If the exam question stated that DHCPv6 is the sole method for IPv6 address assignment without mentioning SLAAC, then option D would be correct. For example, a question could ask about the exclusive use of DHCPv6 in a network design that does not utilize any form of SLAAC.
- ✗
Neither SLAAC nor DHCPv6 can provide any addressing information to hosts.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because both can contribute to host IPv6 configuration.
When this WOULD be correct
In a question that specifically asks about protocols that do not provide addressing information, such as 'Which of the following protocols do not assign IP addresses to hosts?', option E would be correct if the focus were solely on protocols that lack this capability.
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.
✓SLAAC allows a host to form its own address using information from router advertisements.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because SLAAC relies on router advertisements and local address formation.
✗SLAAC requires NAT to function.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
SLAAC does not require NAT because IPv6 has a vast address space, eliminating the need for address translation. NAT is a workaround for IPv4 address exhaustion and is not used in native IPv6 networks. SLAAC relies on router advertisements to provide prefix information, and hosts generate their own addresses without any translation.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a question that asks about IPv6 address configuration in a specific scenario where NAT is being discussed in conjunction with SLAAC, such as in a hybrid network environment that uses both IPv4 and IPv6, this option could be correct if it stated that SLAAC can work with NAT for IPv4 addresses.
Why candidates choose this
Students often confuse IPv6 SLAAC with IPv4 DHCP, where NAT is commonly used in conjunction with private addressing. The misconception that SLAAC might need NAT arises from a misunderstanding of IPv6's address abundance and the role of NAT in IPv4.
✗DHCPv6 replaces the need for router advertisements completely.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
DHCPv6 does not replace router advertisements; in fact, router advertisements are still required for hosts to determine the default gateway and other network parameters. Even when DHCPv6 is used, hosts rely on RAs to learn the on-link prefix and to decide whether to use stateful or stateless configuration.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the exam question stated that DHCPv6 is the sole method for IPv6 address assignment without mentioning SLAAC, then option D would be correct. For example, a question could ask about the exclusive use of DHCPv6 in a network design that does not utilize any form of SLAAC.
Why candidates choose this
Test-takers may think that since DHCPv6 provides addresses and other configuration, it can fully replace RAs. However, RAs are essential for neighbor discovery and default gateway information, which DHCPv6 does not provide.
✗Neither SLAAC nor DHCPv6 can provide any addressing information to hosts.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Both SLAAC and DHCPv6 can provide addressing information to hosts. SLAAC allows hosts to form their own addresses from prefix information in RAs, while DHCPv6 can assign addresses and other configuration parameters. Therefore, the statement that neither can provide addressing information is false.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a question that specifically asks about protocols that do not provide addressing information, such as 'Which of the following protocols do not assign IP addresses to hosts?', option E would be correct if the focus were solely on protocols that lack this capability.
Why candidates choose this
This option might be chosen by students who are confused about the capabilities of SLAAC and DHCPv6, perhaps thinking that only one of them provides addressing. The wording 'neither' is a common distractor that tests understanding of both protocols.
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: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Do not assume DHCPv6 is the only way to configure IPv6 addresses or settings; SLAAC also plays a crucial role.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
IPv6 addressing and configuration differ significantly from IPv4, especially in how hosts obtain their IP addresses and related parameters. SLAAC (Stateless Address Autoconfiguration) allows an IPv6 host to self-configure its address by combining locally generated interface identifiers with network prefix information received from router advertisements (RAs). This process requires no DHCP server and relies on routers broadcasting prefix and configuration flags. DHCPv6, on the other hand, is a stateful protocol where a DHCP server centrally manages and assigns IPv6 addresses and other configuration details to hosts, similar to DHCP in IPv4. The decision between using SLAAC or DHCPv6 depends on network design and administrative preferences. SLAAC is simpler and decentralized, enabling hosts to generate their own addresses using prefix information from RAs. DHCPv6 provides more granular control by allowing servers to assign addresses and additional parameters like DNS servers. Importantly, even when DHCPv6 is used, router advertisements remain essential because they inform hosts about network prefixes and whether to use SLAAC, DHCPv6, or both. Thus, DHCPv6 does not replace router advertisements but complements them. A common exam trap is assuming DHCPv6 completely replaces router advertisements or that SLAAC requires NAT to function. IPv6 was designed to eliminate the need for NAT, and SLAAC operates independently of NAT. Also, router advertisements are fundamental to IPv6 host configuration regardless of DHCPv6 usage. Understanding these distinctions is critical for Cisco CCNA candidates to correctly interpret IPv6 addressing mechanisms and avoid misconceptions about how IPv6 hosts obtain their configuration.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- SLAAC enables IPv6 hosts to autonomously generate their addresses using prefix information advertised by routers in router advertisements.
- DHCPv6 provides a server-driven method to assign IPv6 addresses and additional configuration parameters to hosts in a managed way.
- Router advertisements remain essential in IPv6 networks to inform hosts about prefix information and whether to use SLAAC, DHCPv6, or both.
- SLAAC does not require Network Address Translation (NAT) because IPv6 was designed to provide globally unique addresses without NAT.
- DHCPv6 cannot fully replace router advertisements because hosts rely on RAs to learn network prefixes and configuration flags.
- IPv6 networks can implement SLAAC, DHCPv6, or a combination depending on administrative control and network design requirements.
- Hosts use router advertisements to determine if they should use SLAAC, DHCPv6, or both for address configuration.
- Misunderstanding the roles of SLAAC and DHCPv6 can lead to incorrect assumptions about IPv6 address assignment and network behavior.
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
SLAAC enables IPv6 hosts to autonomously generate their addresses using prefix information advertised by routers in router advertisements.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review sLAAC enables IPv6 hosts to autonomously generate their addresses using prefix information advertised by routers in router advertisements., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — This question tests Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — SLAAC enables IPv6 hosts to autonomously generate their addresses using prefix information advertised by routers in router advertisements..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SLAAC allows a host to form its own address using information from router advertisements. — SLAAC and DHCPv6 are both IPv6 host-configuration approaches, but they are not the same. In practical terms, SLAAC lets a host build its own address using router advertisements and the advertised prefix, while DHCPv6 can be used to provide addressing information or other configuration in a more server-driven way. Depending on design, IPv6 networks can use one, the other, or a mixture of behaviors. The key is not to oversimplify. SLAAC is not “IPv6 DHCP,” and DHCPv6 is not the only way IPv6 hosts learn how to operate. Router advertisements remain very important.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review sLAAC enables IPv6 hosts to autonomously generate their addresses using prefix information advertised by routers in router advertisements., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
SLAAC enables IPv6 hosts to autonomously generate their addresses using prefix information advertised by routers in router advertisements.
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Last reviewed: Apr 12, 2026
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