hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
DHCP Server Statistics NAKs and Declines
A network engineer runs the following command on Router R1:
R1# show ip dhcp server statistics
Memory usage 26140 Address conflicts 0
Pool statistics
Pool IP addresses Requests Offers Acks Naks Declines Releases POOL1 10-20 50 45 40 5 2 3
Based on this output, which statement is correct?
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the DHCP server is rejecting requests (NAKs) and clients are declining offers, indicating possible pool exhaustion or address conflicts. This is directly supported by the show ip dhcp server statistics output, where 5 NAKs show the server refusing client requests—typically because the requested IP is no longer valid or the pool is exhausted—while 2 Declines reveal clients detecting address conflicts via ARP and rejecting the offered address. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this command tests your ability to interpret DHCP server health and troubleshoot common IPv4 addressing issues; a frequent trap is confusing NAKs (server-side rejections) with Declines (client-side rejections). Remember, NAKs point to pool or lease problems, while Declines point to duplicate IP conflicts. A useful memory tip: NAKs are the server saying “No,” Declines are the client saying “No, thanks.”
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between server-tracked address conflicts (shown in the 'Address conflicts' counter) and client-detected conflicts (shown as Declines), leading candidates to incorrectly assume zero conflicts means no issues.
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
✓
The DHCP server is rejecting requests (Naks) and clients are declining offers, indicating possible pool exhaustion or address conflicts.
The output shows 5 NAKs and 2 Declines, indicating that the DHCP server is rejecting requests (NAKs) and clients are declining offers (Declines). NAKs typically occur when a client requests an IP address that is no longer valid or available, while Declines happen when a client detects an address conflict via ARP. This combination strongly suggests pool exhaustion or address conflicts, making option B correct.
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 is operating without any issues.
Why it's wrong here
There are Naks and Declines, indicating problems.
- ✓
The DHCP server is rejecting requests (Naks) and clients are declining offers, indicating possible pool exhaustion or address conflicts.
Why this is correct
Naks and Declines are signs of issues.
- ✗
The DHCP server has a memory problem.
Why it's wrong here
Memory usage is shown but not indicated as a problem.
- ✗
The DHCP server has no address conflicts.
Why it's wrong here
Address conflicts are 0, but declines indicate conflicts detected by clients.
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1 more way this is tested on 300-410
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Variation 1. A network engineer runs the following command to verify DHCPv4 server statistics on router R1: R1# show ip dhcp server statistics Output: Memory usage: 12345 Address pools: 2 Database agents: 0 Automatic bindings: 150 Manual bindings: 5 Expired bindings: 10 Malformed messages: 0 Message Received BOOTREQUEST 0 DHCPDISCOVER 200 DHCPREQUEST 180 DHCPDECLINE 2 DHCPRELEASE 5 DHCPINFORM 10 What does this output indicate?
medium- ✓ A.The DHCP server has 150 active automatic bindings and 5 manual bindings.
- B.The DHCP server has received 200 DHCPREQUEST messages.
- C.The DHCP server has 10 malformed messages, indicating a configuration issue.
- D.The DHCP server has 2 database agents configured.
Why A: The 'Automatic bindings: 150' and 'Manual bindings: 5' fields directly indicate the number of active leases assigned dynamically (via DHCP) and statically (via manual configuration), respectively. These represent the current active bindings on the DHCP server, with no other interpretation needed.
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.