Question 1mediummulti select
Full question →mediummulti selectObjective-mapped
Which two statements accurately describe 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
It can automatically provide an IP address to a client.
This is correct because address assignment is a core DHCP function.
B
Best answer
It can provide additional configuration such as default gateway and DNS server information.
This is correct because DHCP commonly provides more than just the IP address.
C
Distractor review
It resolves hostnames into IP addresses.
This is wrong because DNS performs hostname resolution.
D
Distractor review
It elects the designated router in OSPF.
This is wrong because OSPF election is unrelated to DHCP.
E
Distractor review
It replaces the need for subnet masks.
This is wrong because DHCP supplies masks; it does not remove the need for them.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network management protocol used to automate the process of configuring devices on IP networks. DHCP enables hosts to obtain IP addresses and other related configuration information such as subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server addresses without manual intervention. This automation reduces configuration errors and simplifies network administration, especially in large or dynamic environments. In Cisco networking and the CCNA context, DHCP operates by leasing IP addresses from a DHCP server to clients for a specified period. The DHCP server maintains a pool of available IP addresses and assigns them dynamically when a client requests configuration. Besides IP addresses, DHCP can provide additional parameters like the default gateway and DNS servers, which are critical for proper network communication and name resolution. This makes DHCP a comprehensive IP service rather than just an IP address allocator. A common exam trap is confusing DHCP with DNS or routing protocols. DHCP does not resolve hostnames to IP addresses; that is the role of DNS. Similarly, DHCP does not participate in routing decisions or protocol elections like OSPF designated router selection. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for correctly answering questions about IP services. Practically, DHCP streamlines device onboarding and network scalability by centralizing IP configuration management.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses to clients, eliminating the need for manual IP configuration on each device.
- DHCP provides additional network configuration parameters such as subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server addresses to clients.
- A DHCP server manages a pool of IP addresses and leases them to clients for a limited time to optimize address utilization.
- DHCP reduces configuration errors and administrative overhead by centralizing IP address and related configuration management.
- DHCP does not perform hostname resolution; this function is handled by DNS in IP networks.
- DHCP is unrelated to routing protocols and does not participate in routing decisions or protocol elections like OSPF.
- Clients use DHCP discovery and request messages to obtain IP configuration dynamically from DHCP servers.
- DHCP leases can be renewed or released by clients to maintain or free IP addresses within the network.
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
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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?
DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses to clients, eliminating the need for manual IP configuration on each device.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 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.
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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