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.
Option A is correct because DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically leases an IPv4 address to a client from a configured pool using the DORA process (Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge). Option B is correct because DHCP options, such as option 3 (default gateway/router) and option 6 (DNS servers), deliver additional configuration parameters alongside the IP address, subnet mask, and lease time. Option C is incorrect because hostname-to-IP resolution is performed by DNS, not DHCP. Option D is incorrect because OSPF elects a Designated Router (DR) and Backup Designated Router (BDR) via hello packets and priority values, which is unrelated to DHCP. Option E is incorrect because DHCP still supplies a subnet mask (option 1) as part of the lease; it does not eliminate the need for subnet masks.
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
DHCP's core function is dynamic address assignment: the server leases an available IPv4 address from its scope to a requesting client, removing manual configuration. This automatic provisioning is the defining characteristic distinguishing DHCP from static addressing.
- ✓
It can provide additional configuration such as default gateway and DNS server information.
Why this is correct
Beyond the address itself, DHCP options carry supplementary parameters — default gateway (option 3) and DNS servers (option 6) — in the same lease exchange. This lets clients obtain complete IP configuration automatically rather than requiring manual entry of each setting.
- ✗
It resolves hostnames into IP addresses.
Why it's wrong here
DHCP assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, gateways and DNS servers; hostname-to-IP resolution is performed by DNS. It is tempting because both are foundational network services often configured together; DNS would be the correct answer for a question about name 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
Designated router election in OSPF is handled by OSPF hello packets and priority values, not DHCP. It is tempting because both protocols operate at layer 3 and appear in routing discussions; OSPF itself would be the correct answer for a question about DR/BDR election.
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
DHCP supplies IP addresses, default gateways, DNS servers and lease timers; subnet masks are still required for hosts to determine local versus remote destinations. It tempts because DHCP does deliver a subnet mask option, but that merely configures the mask, it never removes the need for one.
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
DHCP's core function is dynamic address assignment: the server leases an available IPv4 address from its scope to a requesting client, removing manual configuration. This automatic provisioning is the defining characteristic distinguishing DHCP from static addressing.
✗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
Learn chapter
VTP Versions and Configuration
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
OSPF
OSPF is a link-state routing protocol that uses the SPF algorithm to compute the shortest path to each destination within a single autonomous system.
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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.