Question 1,322 of 2,152

DHCP (IPv4 and IPv6) →hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The answer is that the 'next-server' is configured with a hostname, but the client lacks DNS resolution capabilities during the PXE boot process. This is correct because the DHCP 'next-server' option is designed to supply the IP address of the TFTP server from which the client downloads the bootfile; when a hostname is used instead, the client—operating in a pre-boot environment with no network stack or DNS client—cannot resolve that name to an IP address, causing the download to fail even though the bootfile name is correctly delivered. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this tests your understanding of DHCP option 66 (next-server) and the practical limitations of PXE clients, often appearing as a subtle trap where candidates overlook the client’s inability to perform DNS lookups at boot time. A common memory tip is "PXE needs an IP, not a name"—always configure the next-server with a literal IPv4 address to avoid this failure.

300-410 DHCP (IPv4 and IPv6) Practice Question

This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of dhcp (ipv4 and ipv6). The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.

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?

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

Question 1hardmultiple choice

Read the full DHCP explanation →

A
The 'next-server' is configured with a hostname, but the client does not have DNS resolution capabilities at boot time.
Correct: PXE clients typically cannot resolve hostnames; they need an IP address in the 'next-server' field.
B
The 'bootfile' name is case-sensitive, and the client is requesting a different case.
Why wrong: Incorrect: While case can be an issue, the more fundamental problem is the next-server.
C
The DHCP server is not configured with the 'option 150' for TFTP server.
Why wrong: Incorrect: Option 150 is for Cisco IP phones; PXE uses 'next-server' (option 66).
D
The client's subnet does not have a route to the TFTP server, but the DHCP server cannot control that.
Why wrong: Incorrect: While routing is needed, the question is about the DHCP configuration itself.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

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.

The 'next-server' option specifies the TFTP server IP address. If the TFTP server is not reachable from the client's subnet, or if the client cannot route to it, the download fails. A subtle edge case is that the 'next-server' is set to a hostname instead of an IP address, and the client cannot resolve it.

Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.

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.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
✗
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.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses

Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.

KKey Concepts to Remember

CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.

TExam Day Tips

Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.

Key takeaway

Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.

Real-world example

How this comes up in practice

A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 300-410 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 300-410 question test?

DHCP (IPv4 and IPv6) — This question tests DHCP (IPv4 and IPv6) — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The 'next-server' is configured with a hostname, but the client does not have DNS resolution capabilities at boot time. — The 'next-server' option specifies the TFTP server IP address. If the TFTP server is not reachable from the client's subnet, or if the client cannot route to it, the download fails. A subtle edge case is that the 'next-server' is set to a hostname instead of an IP address, and the client cannot resolve it.

What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

What is the key concept behind this question?

CIDR notation defines the prefix length.

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