The answer is manual configuration from NVRAM. This is correct because the interface output shows the IP address 192.168.1.1 with no DHCP or BOOTP flags, and the configuration is stored in NVRAM as part of the startup-config, meaning an administrator typed and saved it rather than obtaining it dynamically. On the Cisco DevNet Associate 200-901 exam, this tests your ability to read interface status output and distinguish between DHCP-assigned addresses and statically configured ones—a common trap is assuming any IP address present must come from DHCP, but the absence of “DHCP” or “BOOTP” in the output, combined with NVRAM storage, confirms manual assignment. When studying IP address configuration source DHCP vs manual, remember that DHCP-assigned addresses will show “DHCP” in the source field or a lease timer, while manual entries simply display the IP and mask. Memory tip: “No flags, no lease—manual, not DHCP.”
200-901 Infrastructure and Automation Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure and automation. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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
Refer to the exhibit.
R1#show run | section interface GigabitEthernet0/1
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
duplex auto
speed auto
!
R1#show ip interface GigabitEthernet0/1
GigabitEthernet0/1 is up, line protocol is up
Internet address is 192.168.1.1/24
Broadcast address is 255.255.255.255
Address determined by non-volatile memory
MTU is 1500 bytes
Helper address is not set
Directed broadcast forwarding is disabled
Outgoing access list is not set
Inbound access list is not set
Refer to the exhibit. An automation script expects the interface IP address to be configured via DHCP. Based on the output, what is the current configuration source for the IP address?
Refer to the exhibit.
R1#show run | section interface GigabitEthernet0/1
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
duplex auto
speed auto
!
R1#show ip interface GigabitEthernet0/1
GigabitEthernet0/1 is up, line protocol is up
Internet address is 192.168.1.1/24
Broadcast address is 255.255.255.255
Address determined by non-volatile memory
MTU is 1500 bytes
Helper address is not set
Directed broadcast forwarding is disabled
Outgoing access list is not set
Inbound access list is not set
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Manual configuration (NVRAM)
The output shows 'IP address is 192.168.1.1, subnet mask is 255.255.255.0' with no DHCP or BOOTP flags, and the configuration is stored in NVRAM (startup-config). This indicates the IP was manually configured (typed by an administrator) and saved, not obtained via DHCP. Option C is correct because the source is manual configuration from NVRAM.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
PPP negotiation
Why it's wrong here
Not relevant.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between 'how an IP is assigned' (DHCP vs. manual) and 'where the config is stored' (running-config vs. NVRAM), leading candidates to mistakenly think any saved config implies DHCP when it actually indicates manual configuration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'ip address' command in Cisco IOS can be configured manually (e.g., 'ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0') or dynamically via DHCP ('ip address dhcp'). When saved to NVRAM, the running-config is copied to startup-config, making the IP persistent across reboots. In contrast, DHCP-assigned addresses are not stored in NVRAM unless the 'ip address dhcp client-id' or similar command is used with a lease that can be renewed. The absence of 'negotiated' or 'DHCP' in the output confirms manual configuration.
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 network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
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.
Infrastructure and Automation — This question tests Infrastructure and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Manual configuration (NVRAM) — The output shows 'IP address is 192.168.1.1, subnet mask is 255.255.255.0' with no DHCP or BOOTP flags, and the configuration is stored in NVRAM (startup-config). This indicates the IP was manually configured (typed by an administrator) and saved, not obtained via DHCP. Option C is correct because the source is manual configuration from NVRAM.
What should I do if I get this 200-901 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This 200-901 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 200-901 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.