CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
Which two statements accurately compare SLAAC and DHCPv6?
⚠ Common exam trap
Do not assume DHCPv6 is the only way to configure IPv6 addresses or settings; SLAAC also plays a crucial role.
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.
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.
Why this is correct
SLAAC (Stateless Address Autoconfiguration) enables a host to automatically configure its own IPv6 address by using the prefix information contained in router advertisements sent by a local router. The host generates the interface identifier portion of the address, typically using EUI-64 or a random value, and combines it with the advertised prefix to create a unique global or link-local address. This process is stateless because the router does not track or assign individual addresses to hosts.
- ✓
DHCPv6 can be used to provide host configuration in a more server-driven way.
Why this is correct
DHCPv6 (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol for IPv6) offers a more server-driven approach to host configuration, where a dedicated DHCPv6 server manages and assigns IPv6 addresses and dispenses other configuration parameters such as DNS server addresses, domain names, and NTP servers. This allows network administrators to centrally control address allocation and maintain stateful records of which device received which address, making it ideal for enterprise environments that require auditing, fixed addressing, or fine-grained policy control.
- ✗
SLAAC requires NAT to function.
Why it's wrong here
SLAAC does not require NAT to function. IPv6 was designed without any reliance on NAT, and SLAAC operates purely through ICMPv6 router advertisements that advertise the on-link prefix and other configuration data. NAT is an IPv4 technology used to conserve public addresses by translating private IPv4 addresses; it has no role in IPv6 SLAAC, which uses globally unique addresses or locally assigned addresses without translation.
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
DHCPv6 does not completely replace the need for router advertisements. Router advertisements remain essential for several IPv6 operations, including default gateway discovery, neighbor discovery, and conveying the 'Other configuration' and 'Managed' flags that tell hosts when to use DHCPv6 for additional configuration. Moreover, DHCPv6 alone cannot provide the on-link prefix or default route information that is carried in router advertisements.
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 statement is incorrect because both SLAAC and DHCPv6 are capable of providing addressing information to hosts. SLAAC supplies the IPv6 prefix and prefix length through router advertisements, allowing a host to generate its own full address, while DHCPv6 can either provide a complete IPv6 address (stateful) or just additional addressing parameters such as DNS servers (stateless). Thus, neither mechanism is inherently unable to contribute to host addressing.
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
SLAAC (Stateless Address Autoconfiguration) enables a host to automatically configure its own IPv6 address by using the prefix information contained in router advertisements sent by a local router. The host generates the interface identifier portion of the address, typically using EUI-64 or a random value, and combines it with the advertised prefix to create a unique global or link-local address. This process is stateless because the router does not track or assign individual addresses to hosts.
✗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?”
Visual reference
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
IPv4 Addressing and Address Classes
Key term
Router
A router is a networking device that connects different networks together and directs data traffic between them by choosing the best path for data to travel.
Key term
SLAAC
SLAAC (Stateless Address Autoconfiguration) is a method that allows an IPv6 device to automatically generate its own IP address without needing a centralized server like DHCP.
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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.