Question 1mediummulti select
Full question →mediummulti selectObjective-mapped
Which two statements accurately compare DNS and DHCP?
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
DNS resolves names to IP information, while DHCP dynamically assigns addressing information to clients.
This is correct because it states the core job of each service accurately.
B
Distractor review
DHCP is used primarily to translate private addresses into public addresses.
This is wrong because address translation is the role of NAT, not DHCP.
C
Best answer
DNS can help users reach services by hostname instead of remembering numeric IP addresses.
This is correct because one of DNS’s main benefits is usability through hostname resolution.
D
Distractor review
DHCP replaces the need for subnet masks and default gateways.
This is wrong because DHCP does not remove the need for those settings; it usually supplies them automatically.
E
Distractor review
DNS and DHCP are both Layer 1 technologies.
This is wrong because DNS and DHCP are application-layer services, not Layer 1 technologies.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is confusing DHCP with NAT or assuming DHCP replaces the need for subnet masks and default gateways. Some candidates mistakenly believe DHCP translates private IP addresses to public ones, but this is the role of NAT, not DHCP. Additionally, DHCP does not remove the need for subnet masks or default gateways; instead, it provides these parameters automatically to clients. Misunderstanding these distinctions can lead to incorrect answers, especially when questions ask about the functions of IP services. Carefully distinguishing DHCP’s role in dynamic addressing from NAT’s role in address translation is essential to avoid this trap.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
DNS (Domain Name System) is a hierarchical and distributed naming system that translates human-friendly domain names into IP addresses, enabling users and devices to locate resources on a network without memorizing numeric IP addresses. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), on the other hand, automates the assignment of IP configuration parameters such as IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information to client devices, simplifying network administration and ensuring consistent addressing. In Cisco networking and the CCNA context, DNS operates at the application layer and is essential for hostname resolution, allowing devices to communicate using names rather than IP addresses. DHCP dynamically leases IP addressing information to clients, reducing manual configuration errors and supporting scalable network deployments. Understanding that DNS resolves names and DHCP assigns addressing is crucial for differentiating their roles during the exam and in practical network design. A common exam trap is confusing DHCP with NAT or assuming DHCP eliminates the need for subnet masks and gateways. DHCP provides these parameters but does not perform address translation or remove the necessity of subnetting. Practically, DHCP leases are time-limited and require renewal, and DNS queries can be cached or forwarded, which affects network behavior. Recognizing these distinctions helps avoid misinterpretation and ensures accurate answers on the CCNA exam.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- DNS resolves human-readable hostnames into IP addresses, enabling easier access to network resources without memorizing numeric addresses.
- DHCP dynamically assigns IP configuration parameters such as IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information to client devices.
- DNS operates at the application layer and supports hostname resolution, which improves usability and network navigation.
- DHCP automates IP address management, reducing manual configuration errors and supporting scalable network environments.
- DHCP does not perform Network Address Translation (NAT); NAT is a separate function that translates private IP addresses to public IP addresses.
- DHCP provides subnet masks and default gateway information but does not eliminate the need for these addressing components in network communication.
- DNS and DHCP are distinct services that solve different network problems and should not be confused or conflated during configuration or exam scenarios.
- Understanding the specific roles of DNS and DHCP helps avoid common exam traps related to address assignment and name resolution.
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.
Related practice questions
Related 200-301 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
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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?
DNS resolves human-readable hostnames into IP addresses, enabling easier access to network resources without memorizing numeric addresses.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DNS resolves names to IP information, while DHCP dynamically assigns addressing information to clients. — DNS and DHCP solve very different problems, even though both are common infrastructure services. DNS helps devices and users find systems by name. In simple terms, it means people can type a hostname rather than memorizing numeric IP addresses. DHCP automatically gives clients important IP settings such as an address, subnet mask, default gateway, and often DNS server information. The trick in comparison questions is not to blend their roles together. DHCP does not perform NAT, and it does not eliminate the need for addressing details; it actually supplies them.
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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