hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
Default DHCP Lease Time on Cisco IOS-XE: 86400 Seconds
What is the default DHCPv4 client lease time on a Cisco IOS-XE router configured as a DHCP client?
Quick Answer
The answer is 86400 seconds, or exactly one day, which is the default DHCPv4 client lease time on a Cisco IOS-XE router. This default value is rooted in RFC 2131, which suggests a one-day lease as a reasonable balance between network stability and address pool efficiency, and Cisco’s implementation follows this standard without modification. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this fact tests your understanding of DHCP client behavior on IOS-XE, often appearing in questions about lease renewal timers or troubleshooting address assignment issues. A common trap is assuming the lease time matches the server’s configured value, but remember: when the router acts as a client, it requests and accepts the default 86400-second lease unless the server explicitly offers a different duration. Memory tip: think of a full day’s cycle—86,400 seconds is the number of seconds in 24 hours, so just associate “DHCP client” with “one day.”
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the default DHCP client lease time on IOS-XE routers, and the trap here is that candidates confuse the default lease time requested by the client (86400 seconds) with common DHCP server default lease times (like 3600 or 43200 seconds) or with the default lease time for a Cisco IOS-XE DHCP server (which is also 86400 seconds, but for a different role).
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
✓
86400 seconds (1 day)
When a Cisco IOS-XE router is configured as a DHCPv4 client (e.g., using the 'ip address dhcp' command on an interface), the default lease time requested by the client is 86400 seconds (1 day). This value is defined in the Cisco DHCP client implementation and is the default lease time sent in the DHCPDISCOVER message, though the actual lease assigned depends on the DHCP server's configuration.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
3600 seconds (1 hour)
Why it's wrong here
This is not the default; 3600 seconds is a common server-assigned lease time, not the IOS client default.
- ✗
43200 seconds (12 hours)
Why it's wrong here
This is a possible server-assigned value but not the IOS default client lease time.
- ✓
86400 seconds (1 day)
Why this is correct
Cisco IOS-XE DHCP client requests a lease time of 86400 seconds by default.
- ✗
1800 seconds (30 minutes)
Why it's wrong here
This is too short; the IOS default is 86400 seconds.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on 300-410
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. What is the default DHCPv4 server lease time on a Cisco IOS-XE router configured as a DHCP server?
hard- A.3600 seconds (1 hour)
- B.43200 seconds (12 hours)
- ✓ C.86400 seconds (1 day)
- D.604800 seconds (7 days)
Why C: The default DHCPv4 lease time on a Cisco IOS-XE router configured as a DHCP server is 86400 seconds (1 day). This is defined in the Cisco IOS DHCP server configuration and is the standard default value used when no lease duration is explicitly specified in the DHCP pool configuration.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 300-410 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 300-410 exam.