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Which DHCP message does the client send to formally accept an offered address?

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Which DHCP message does the client send to formally accept an offered address?

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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

REQUEST

Correct. REQUEST is the client's acceptance step.

B

Distractor review

DISCOVER

DISCOVER starts the process but does not accept the offer.

C

Distractor review

OFFER

OFFER is sent by the server.

D

Distractor review

ACK

ACK is sent by the server, not the client.

Common exam trap

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

A common exam trap is mistaking the DHCPACK message for the client’s acceptance of an IP address. DHCPACK is actually sent by the server to confirm the lease after the client has accepted the offer. Another frequent mistake is confusing DHCPDISCOVER with DHCPREQUEST; DISCOVER initiates the process but does not accept any offer. Candidates may also incorrectly assume the client sends the OFFER message, but this is sent only by the server. Recognizing that DHCPREQUEST is the client’s formal acceptance step is crucial to avoid these pitfalls.

Technical deep dive

How to think about this question

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) automates IP address assignment on networks, using a four-step process known as DORA: Discover, Offer, Request, and Acknowledge. The client initiates communication by broadcasting a DHCPDISCOVER message to locate available DHCP servers. Servers respond with a DHCPOFFER message containing an IP address and configuration parameters. The client then formally accepts one offer by sending a DHCPREQUEST message, signaling its intent to lease the offered IP address. Finally, the server confirms the lease with a DHCPACK message, completing the process. The DHCPREQUEST message is critical because it represents the client's explicit acceptance of the offered IP address and other configuration details. This message also serves to inform all DHCP servers about the selected offer, allowing non-selected servers to reclaim their offered addresses. Cisco devices follow this standard DHCP behavior, ensuring interoperability and consistent IP address management across diverse network environments. A common exam trap is confusing the DHCPREQUEST message with DHCPACK or DHCPDISCOVER. While DISCOVER initiates the process and ACK confirms the lease from the server, only REQUEST is sent by the client to accept the offer. Understanding this distinction is vital for CCNA candidates, as misidentifying the message flow can lead to incorrect answers. Practically, recognizing DHCPREQUEST helps network engineers troubleshoot IP assignment issues and verify proper client-server communication in Cisco networks.

KKey Concepts to Remember

  • The DHCP client sends a DHCPDISCOVER message to locate available DHCP servers on the network.
  • DHCP servers respond with a DHCPOFFER message containing an IP address and configuration parameters.
  • The DHCPREQUEST message is sent by the client to formally accept one offered IP address from a DHCP server.
  • DHCPREQUEST informs all DHCP servers about the selected offer, allowing non-selected servers to reclaim their offers.
  • The DHCPACK message is sent by the server to confirm and finalize the IP address lease to the client.
  • Cisco devices implement the standard DHCP DORA process to ensure consistent IP address allocation and management.
  • Confusing DHCPREQUEST with DHCPACK or DHCPDISCOVER is a common exam trap that leads to incorrect answers.
  • Understanding DHCP message roles helps network engineers troubleshoot IP address assignment and lease negotiation.

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?

The DHCP client sends a DHCPDISCOVER message to locate available DHCP servers on the network.

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: REQUEST — In the DORA process, the client sends DHCPREQUEST after receiving an offer. The server then responds with DHCPACK if the lease is granted.

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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