The answer is that the DHCP snooping trust configuration is missing on the server port. This is correct because DHCP snooping, by default, treats all switch ports as untrusted, meaning it will drop any DHCP server responses—such as OFFER and ACK messages—received on those ports. Since the DHCP server is connected to Ethernet1/1, which lacks the trust designation, its replies never reach the client on Ethernet1/2, preventing IP address assignment. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of DHCP snooping’s fundamental behavior: only trusted ports can forward server messages, while untrusted ports only allow client requests. A common trap is assuming that simply enabling DHCP snooping globally is enough, but you must explicitly configure the server-facing port as trusted. Memory tip: think of the server port as the “source of truth”—if it’s not trusted, the truth never gets through.
350-601 Security Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Exhibit
Switch# show running-config | section interface
interface Ethernet1/1
description DHCP Server
switchport mode access
!
interface Ethernet1/2
description Client
switchport mode access
ip verify source
!
ip dhcp snooping
ip dhcp snooping vlan 10
ip dhcp snooping information option
Refer to the exhibit. A client connected to Ethernet1/2 cannot obtain an IP address via DHCP. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The DHCP snooping trust configuration is missing on the server port
The client cannot obtain an IP address via DHCP because the DHCP server port (Ethernet1/1) is not configured as a DHCP snooping trusted port. By default, all ports are untrusted, and DHCP snooping drops all DHCP server responses (OFFER, ACK) received on untrusted ports. Configuring the port connecting to the DHCP server as trusted is required to allow these messages to reach the client.
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 snooping information option is disabled
Why it's wrong here
The option is enabled (ip dhcp snooping information option), so this is not the issue.
✗
The DHCP server is on a different VLAN
Why it's wrong here
DHCP snooping is enabled for VLAN 10, and the server is likely on that VLAN.
✓
The DHCP snooping trust configuration is missing on the server port
Why this is correct
Without trust, DHCP server messages are dropped on the untrusted port.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
IP source guard is enabled on the client port
Why it's wrong here
IP source guard can block IP spoofing, but DHCP replies are sent as Layer 2 broadcasts; source guard typically does not block valid DHCP.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the default untrusted state of all ports in DHCP snooping, leading candidates to overlook that the server port must be explicitly trusted, even when the server is on the same VLAN or reachable.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DHCP snooping builds a binding database by monitoring DHCP messages on trusted ports. When a DHCP server sends an ACK on an untrusted port, the switch drops it silently, preventing the client from receiving the IP lease. The 'ip dhcp snooping trust' interface command must be applied to the port facing the legitimate DHCP server; otherwise, all server responses are discarded, even if the server is reachable at Layer 2.
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.
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.
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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The DHCP snooping trust configuration is missing on the server port — The client cannot obtain an IP address via DHCP because the DHCP server port (Ethernet1/1) is not configured as a DHCP snooping trusted port. By default, all ports are untrusted, and DHCP snooping drops all DHCP server responses (OFFER, ACK) received on untrusted ports. Configuring the port connecting to the DHCP server as trusted is required to allow these messages to reach the client.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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