CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
Which three statements are true about the operation of Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) in an enterprise network? (Choose three.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that DHCPREQUEST is always unicast, but in the initial DORA exchange, it is broadcast until the client receives an ACK and configures its IP; the trap here is confusing the renewal process with the initial lease acquisition.
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
✓
A DHCP client sends a DHCPDISCOVER message as a broadcast to locate a DHCP server.
The DHCP client sends a DHCPDISCOVER message as a broadcast (destination IP 255.255.255.255) because it does not yet know the IP address of any DHCP server. The server uses the client's MAC address (from the CHADDR field) to uniquely identify the client and assign an IP address. DHCP options like default gateway and DNS server are carried in the DHCPOFFER and DHCPACK messages as part of the Options field, allowing the server to provide essential network configuration parameters.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
A DHCP client sends a DHCPDISCOVER message as a broadcast to locate a DHCP server.
Why this is correct
A DHCP client has no IP address or server IP when it boots, so it cannot send a unicast. Instead, it sends a DHCPDISCOVER packet to the limited broadcast address 255.255.255.255 on UDP port 67. This broadcast enables any DHCP server on the same Layer 2 broadcast domain to receive the discovery and respond with a DHCPOFFER.
- ✓
A DHCP server uses the client's MAC address to uniquely identify and assign an IP address.
Why this is correct
The DHCP server reads the client hardware address (chaddr field) in the DHCPDISCOVER message to maintain a binding between the client's MAC and leased IP address. This ensures the same client is often assigned the same IP across lease renewals, aiding in fault troubleshooting and access control. The server uses the MAC as a unique identifier when selecting an address from its pool or a reservation.
- ✓
DHCP options, such as default gateway and DNS server, are included in DHCPOFFER and DHCPACK messages.
Why this is correct
DHCPOFFER and DHCPACK messages carry options that dictate client configuration beyond just the IP address. For example, Option 3 specifies the default gateway, Option 6 lists DNS servers, and Option 51 defines the lease duration. Without these options, a client would only have an IP with no route or resolution path, so these messages are essential for full network usability.
- ✗
A DHCP relay agent is required only if the client and server are on the same subnet.
Why it's wrong here
This statement is incorrect because a DHCP relay agent is needed when the client and server are on different subnets, not the same one. Broadcast DHCPDISCOVER messages cannot pass through routers, so a relay (often configured on the router) forwards the request unicast to the DHCP server. On the same subnet, the server receives the broadcast directly and no relay is required.
- ✗
The DHCPREQUEST message is always sent as a unicast directly to the DHCP server.
Why it's wrong here
DHCPREQUEST is not always unicast; its transmission mode depends on the phase. When a client selects a server after receiving multiple offers, it broadcasts DHCPREQUEST to inform other servers of the selection, so they can withdraw offers. Only later, during lease renewal, does the client send DHCPREQUEST unicast to the specific server that granted the lease.
- ✗
DHCP ensures that IP addresses are permanently assigned and never expire.
Why it's wrong here
DHCP is based on lease terms, not permanent ownership. Each IP assignment has a lease duration (default often 24 hours) after which the client must renew, and the server may reclaim the address if no renewal occurs. The server is free to reuse expired addresses, so addresses are not permanently assigned and can certainly expire.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
IPv4 Addressing and Address Classes
Key term
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) automatically assigns IP addresses and network settings to devices on a network, so they can communicate without manual configuration.
Key term
MAC
MAC (Media Access Control) is a unique hardware identifier assigned to network interfaces for communication on a local network segment.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-301 exam.