Quick Answer
The answer is a unicast DHCPREQUEST message. When a DHCP client seeks to renew its lease before expiration, it sends this DHCPREQUEST directly to the server that granted the original lease, transitioning from the BOUND state to the RENEWING state as defined in RFC 2131. This unicast approach differs from the broadcast DHCPREQUEST used during initial lease acquisition or rebinding, because the client already knows the server’s IP address. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your understanding of DHCP state machines and message flow, often appearing in troubleshooting scenarios where a renewal failure forces a client into the REBINDING state. A common trap is confusing the unicast renewal request with the broadcast request used when the server does not respond. Remember the memory tip: “Renew is direct, rebind is broadcast”—if the client knows the server, it sends a unicast DHCPREQUEST to extend its lease.
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of dhcp (ipv4 and ipv6). Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which DHCP message type is used by a client to renew its lease before it expires?
DHCPREQUEST
The client uses DHCPREQUEST to renew its lease, sent unicast to the DHCP server.
DHCPDISCOVER
Why wrong: DHCPDISCOVER is used to find a DHCP server during initial lease acquisition.
DHCPACK
Why wrong: DHCPACK is sent by the server to acknowledge a lease, not by the client.
DHCPRELEASE
Why wrong: DHCPRELEASE is used by the client to release its lease, not to renew it.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
DHCPREQUEST
When a DHCP client wants to renew its existing lease before it expires, it sends a unicast DHCPREQUEST message directly to the DHCP server that originally granted the lease. This is part of the renewal process defined in RFC 2131, where the client transitions from the BOUND state to the RENEWING state and uses the server's IP address to request an extension of the lease time.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
DHCPREQUEST
Why this is correct
The client uses DHCPREQUEST to renew its lease, sent unicast to the DHCP server.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
DHCPDISCOVER
Why it's wrong here
DHCPDISCOVER is used to find a DHCP server during initial lease acquisition.
DHCPACK
Why it's wrong here
DHCPACK is sent by the server to acknowledge a lease, not by the client.
DHCPRELEASE
Why it's wrong here
DHCPRELEASE is used by the client to release its lease, not to renew it.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between the unicast DHCPREQUEST used for lease renewal and the broadcast DHCPREQUEST used during the initial DORA process, leading candidates to mistakenly think DHCPDISCOVER is involved in renewal.
Detailed technical explanation
During the renewal process, the client sends a unicast DHCPREQUEST at T1 (typically 50% of lease time) directly to the server that holds the lease. If the server does not respond, the client waits until T2 (87.5% of lease time) and then broadcasts a DHCPREQUEST to any server to extend the lease. This two-phase renewal mechanism ensures the client attempts to maintain connectivity without unnecessary broadcast traffic.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 300-410 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
DHCP (IPv4 and IPv6) — This question tests DHCP (IPv4 and IPv6) — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: DHCPREQUEST — When a DHCP client wants to renew its existing lease before it expires, it sends a unicast DHCPREQUEST message directly to the DHCP server that originally granted the lease. This is part of the renewal process defined in RFC 2131, where the client transitions from the BOUND state to the RENEWING state and uses the server's IP address to request an extension of the lease time.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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