Which two statements accurately compare SLAAC and DHCPv6?
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.
Best answer
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.
Best answer
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.
Distractor review
SLAAC requires NAT to function.
This is wrong because IPv6 SLAAC does not depend on NAT.
Distractor review
DHCPv6 replaces the need for router advertisements completely.
This is wrong because router advertisements still play an important role in IPv6 host behavior.
Distractor review
Neither SLAAC nor DHCPv6 can provide any addressing information to hosts.
This is wrong because both can contribute to host IPv6 configuration.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is believing that DHCPv6 completely replaces router advertisements or that SLAAC requires NAT to function. In reality, router advertisements are always necessary for IPv6 hosts to learn network prefixes and configuration flags, regardless of whether DHCPv6 is used. Additionally, SLAAC operates independently of NAT, as IPv6 was designed to provide globally unique addresses without relying on address translation. Candidates who confuse these concepts may incorrectly eliminate correct answers or select options that contradict IPv6 design principles.
Technical deep dive
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.
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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?
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?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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