Quick Answer
The answer is Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), DHCP snooping, and IP Source Guard. These three security features work together to prevent DHCP-based attacks by first using DHCP snooping to build a trusted binding database of valid IP-to-MAC address mappings, which DAI then uses to validate ARP packets and IP Source Guard uses to filter IP traffic on untrusted ports. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this triad is frequently tested as a layered defense against DHCP starvation, IP spoofing, and ARP poisoning attacks, often appearing in a “choose three” format where a common trap is to select Port Security instead of IP Source Guard. Remember that DHCP snooping is the foundation—without it, DAI and IP Source Guard have no database to reference. A helpful memory tip is “DIP” for DHCP snooping, IP Source Guard, and DAI, in that order of dependency.
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of security. 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.
Which THREE security features are commonly used on Cisco Nexus switches to prevent DHCP-based attacks? (Choose three.)
Control Plane Policing (CoPP)
Why wrong: CoPP protects the CPU from floods, but not DHCP attack specific.
DHCP snooping
DHCP snooping filters untrusted DHCP messages.
Port security
Why wrong: Port security limits MAC addresses, not DHCP-specific.
IP Source Guard
IP Source Guard prevents IP spoofing using DHCP binding.
Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)
DAI validates ARP packets using DHCP snooping binding to prevent ARP spoofing.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
DHCP snooping
DHCP snooping is a security feature that acts as a firewall between untrusted hosts and DHCP servers. It filters DHCP messages by validating DHCP packets received on untrusted ports, dropping those that are invalid (e.g., DHCP server messages from a client port), and building a DHCP snooping binding database that maps client MAC addresses, IP addresses, VLAN, and port information. This database is then used by other features like IP Source Guard and Dynamic ARP Inspection to prevent IP spoofing and ARP poisoning attacks.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Control Plane Policing (CoPP)
Why it's wrong here
CoPP protects the CPU from floods, but not DHCP attack specific.
DHCP snooping
Why this is correct
DHCP snooping filters untrusted DHCP messages.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Port security
Why it's wrong here
Port security limits MAC addresses, not DHCP-specific.
IP Source Guard
Why this is correct
IP Source Guard prevents IP spoofing using DHCP binding.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)
Why this is correct
DAI validates ARP packets using DHCP snooping binding to prevent ARP spoofing.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between features that directly prevent DHCP-based attacks (DHCP snooping, IP Source Guard, DAI) versus general security features like CoPP or Port security, which address different attack vectors and do not inspect DHCP protocol messages.
Detailed technical explanation
DHCP snooping operates by classifying switch ports as trusted (connected to authorized DHCP servers) or untrusted (connected to clients). On untrusted ports, it drops DHCPOFFER, DHCPACK, and DHCPNAK messages from servers, and it rate-limits DHCPDISCOVER and DHCPREQUEST messages to prevent starvation attacks. The DHCP snooping binding database is stored in the switch's local memory and can be exported to a remote server for persistence; it is also used by IP Source Guard to enforce IP-to-MAC-to-port bindings on a per-packet basis, dropping any traffic that does not match the binding.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
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FAQ
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: DHCP snooping — DHCP snooping is a security feature that acts as a firewall between untrusted hosts and DHCP servers. It filters DHCP messages by validating DHCP packets received on untrusted ports, dropping those that are invalid (e.g., DHCP server messages from a client port), and building a DHCP snooping binding database that maps client MAC addresses, IP addresses, VLAN, and port information. This database is then used by other features like IP Source Guard and Dynamic ARP Inspection to prevent IP spoofing and ARP poisoning attacks.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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