CCNA Network Services and Security Practice Question
Which two statements accurately describe DHCP?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common exam trap is confusing DHCP with DNS or routing protocol functions. Some candidates mistakenly believe DHCP resolves hostnames to IP addresses, but this is the role of DNS. Others incorrectly think DHCP participates in routing protocol processes such as OSPF designated router elections, which it does not. Additionally, some may assume DHCP eliminates the need for subnet masks, but DHCP actually provides subnet mask information to clients. Recognizing that DHCP strictly handles IP address and related configuration assignment prevents these errors.
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
✓
It can automatically provide an IP address to a client.
DHCP is used to provide IP configuration automatically to hosts. In practical terms, it can supply an IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and often DNS server information. This reduces manual effort and helps standardize endpoint configuration across a network. The wrong answers often confuse DHCP with DNS or routing. The two correct answers are the ones focused on automatic host configuration.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
It can automatically provide an IP address to a client.
Why this is correct
This is correct because address assignment is a core DHCP function.
- ✓
It can provide additional configuration such as default gateway and DNS server information.
Why this is correct
This is correct because DHCP commonly provides more than just the IP address.
- ✗
It resolves hostnames into IP addresses.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because DNS performs hostname resolution.
When this WOULD be correct
In a question asking which protocol is responsible for resolving hostnames to IP addresses, option C would be correct if the context specifically pertains to DNS operations. For example, a question could ask about the role of DNS in a network setup.
- ✗
It elects the designated router in OSPF.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because OSPF election is unrelated to DHCP.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question were about OSPF functionality, specifically asking which protocol is responsible for electing the designated router, option D would be correct. In that context, a candidate might be asked to identify routing protocol behaviors, making this statement valid.
- ✗
It replaces the need for subnet masks.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because DHCP supplies masks; it does not remove the need for them.
When this WOULD be correct
In a scenario where the exam question asks about protocols that eliminate the need for traditional networking configurations, such as in a highly abstracted cloud environment where subnetting is managed automatically, this option could be considered correct.
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.
✓It can automatically provide an IP address to a client.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because address assignment is a core DHCP function.
✗It resolves hostnames into IP addresses.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
This option is wrong because DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) does not resolve hostnames into IP addresses; that function is typically performed by DNS (Domain Name System).
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a question asking which protocol is responsible for resolving hostnames to IP addresses, option C would be correct if the context specifically pertains to DNS operations. For example, a question could ask about the role of DNS in a network setup.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of network protocols, confusing DHCP's role in IP address assignment with DNS's role in hostname resolution, leading to an assumption that DHCP handles both functions.
✗It elects the designated router in OSPF.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Option D is incorrect because DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) does not participate in the election of designated routers in OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), which is a routing protocol. DHCP is solely responsible for assigning IP addresses and configuration settings to clients on a network.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question were about OSPF functionality, specifically asking which protocol is responsible for electing the designated router, option D would be correct. In that context, a candidate might be asked to identify routing protocol behaviors, making this statement valid.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might be tempted by option D due to a misunderstanding of network protocols, conflating DHCP's role in IP address management with OSPF's routing functions, leading them to incorrectly associate DHCP with router election processes.
✗It replaces the need for subnet masks.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
This option is wrong because DHCP does not replace the need for subnet masks; it can assign IP addresses within a subnet defined by a subnet mask, but the subnet mask itself is still necessary for proper network segmentation and routing.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a scenario where the exam question asks about protocols that eliminate the need for traditional networking configurations, such as in a highly abstracted cloud environment where subnetting is managed automatically, this option could be considered correct.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may find this option tempting due to a misunderstanding of DHCP's role in network configuration, confusing its ability to manage IP addresses with the idea that it can eliminate the need for fundamental networking concepts like subnet masks.
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
Quick reference
Routing Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Metric | Max Hops | Algorithm | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIP v2 | Hop count | 15 | Bellman-Ford | Distance vector |
| OSPF | Cost (bandwidth) | Unlimited | Dijkstra (SPF) | Link state |
| EIGRP | Composite metric | Unlimited | DUAL | Hybrid |
| IS-IS | Cost | Unlimited | Dijkstra | Link state |
| BGP | Policy / attributes | Unlimited | Path vector | Path vector |
RIP's 15-hop limit makes it unsuitable for large networks. OSPF and EIGRP dominate modern enterprise deployments.
Go deeper
Related to this question
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Configuring AAA with TACACS+ and RADIUS on IOS XE
Key term
Subnet mask
A subnet mask is a 32-bit number that helps a computer or network device determine which part of an IP address identifies the network and which part identifies the host device on that network.
Key term
Name Server
A name server is a specialized server that translates human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses so that computers can find each other on a network.
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JA
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.