hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
300-410 Practice Question: A router configured as a DHCPv4 server uses a…
A router configured as a DHCPv4 server uses a pool with 'bootfile' and 'next-server' options for PXE boot. Clients receive the DHCP offer with the correct bootfile, but they fail to download it. Which is the most likely explanation?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between hostname and IP address in DHCP options, where candidates assume DNS is available during PXE boot, but the client's firmware lacks DNS resolution at that stage.
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 'next-server' is configured with a hostname, but the client does not have DNS resolution capabilities at boot time.
During PXE boot, the client does not yet have an IP address or DNS resolver configured. When the DHCP server specifies a hostname in the 'next-server' option, the client cannot resolve that hostname to an IP address to initiate the TFTP download. The client requires the TFTP server's IP address directly, not a DNS name, at this stage of the boot process.
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 'next-server' is configured with a hostname, but the client does not have DNS resolution capabilities at boot time.
Why this is correct
Correct: PXE clients typically cannot resolve hostnames; they need an IP address in the 'next-server' field.
- ✗
The 'bootfile' name is case-sensitive, and the client is requesting a different case.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: While case can be an issue, the more fundamental problem is the next-server.
- ✗
The DHCP server is not configured with the 'option 150' for TFTP server.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Option 150 is for Cisco IP phones; PXE uses 'next-server' (option 66).
- ✗
The client's subnet does not have a route to the TFTP server, but the DHCP server cannot control that.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: While routing is needed, the question is about the DHCP configuration itself.
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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.