The correct conclusion is that the DHCP server successfully assigned IP address 10.0.0.2 to the client. This is because the debug output captures the complete four-message DHCP handshake—DISCOVER, OFFER, REQUEST, and ACK—which is the standard sequence for a successful lease assignment. The client ID shown is a long hex string derived from the client’s MAC address, and the final ACK message confirms the server has committed the IP address 10.0.0.2 to that client. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, interpreting DHCP debug output tests your ability to recognize a successful versus failed DORA process; a common trap is confusing a DHCPNAK or missing OFFER with a successful assignment. To interpret DHCP debug output quickly, remember that the ACK is the definitive sign of success—if you see it, the lease is granted. A useful memory tip is “DORA the Explorer” for Discover, Offer, Request, Ack—if all four appear, the client got its address.
CCNP NAT and DHCP Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of nat and dhcp. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A network engineer runs the following command on Router R2:
R2# debug ip dhcp server events
*Mar 1 00:05:23.123: DHCPD: DHCPDISCOVER received from client 0063.6973.636f.2d30.3030.302e.3030.3030.2e30.3030.312d.4574.30 on interface GigabitEthernet0/1
*Mar 1 00:05:23.124: DHCPD: Sending DHCPOFFER to client 0063.6973.636f.2d30.3030.302e.3030.3030.2e30.3030.312d.4574.30 (10.0.0.2)
*Mar 1 00:05:23.125: DHCPD: DHCPREQUEST received from client 0063.6973.636f.2d30.3030.302e.3030.3030.2e30.3030.312d.4574.30
*Mar 1 00:05:23.126: DHCPD: Sending DHCPACK to client 0063.6973.636f.2d30.3030.302e.3030.3030.2e30.3030.312d.4574.30 (10.0.0.2)
Based on this debug output, what can be concluded?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The DHCP server successfully assigned IP address 10.0.0.2 to the client.
The debug shows a successful DHCP four-message exchange (DISCOVER, OFFER, REQUEST, ACK) with the client receiving IP address 10.0.0.2. The client ID is a long hex string derived from the client's MAC address.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The DHCP server failed to allocate an IP address to the client.
Why it's wrong here
The sequence ends with DHCPACK, indicating successful allocation.
✗
The client is using DHCPv6 because of the long client ID.
Why it's wrong here
The client ID is a DHCPv4 client identifier; DHCPv6 uses DUIDs.
✓
The DHCP server successfully assigned IP address 10.0.0.2 to the client.
Why this is correct
The DHCPACK sent with address 10.0.0.2 confirms successful assignment.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The DHCP server is configured with a pool that excludes 10.0.0.2.
Why it's wrong here
The server assigned 10.0.0.2, so it is not excluded.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 350-401 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
NAT and DHCP — This question tests NAT and DHCP — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The DHCP server successfully assigned IP address 10.0.0.2 to the client. — The debug shows a successful DHCP four-message exchange (DISCOVER, OFFER, REQUEST, ACK) with the client receiving IP address 10.0.0.2. The client ID is a long hex string derived from the client's MAC address.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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