350-401 Infrastructure Practice Question
A network administrator is configuring a Cisco IOS router to act as a DHCP server for the 10.10.10.0/24 subnet. The router interface GigabitEthernet0/0 is configured with IP address 10.10.10.1/24. Which command is required to specify the DNS server address that will be provided to DHCP clients?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse the router's own DNS configuration ('ip name-server') with the DHCP pool option ('dns-server') that is sent to clients.
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
✓
dns-server 8.8.8.8
The correct command to specify DNS servers for DHCP clients is 'dns-server' within the DHCP pool configuration mode. This command directly populates the DNS option in DHCP offers. The other options are either global router DNS settings or invalid commands. Proper configuration ensures that clients receive the necessary DNS information to resolve hostnames, which is critical for network functionality.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
domain-name-server 8.8.8.8
Why it's wrong here
There is no IOS command 'domain-name-server' for DHCP configuration. The correct command is 'dns-server' within the DHCP pool. This option is a distractor that sounds plausible but is not a valid Cisco IOS command. Using it would result in an error. Therefore, it cannot be used to provide DNS server information to DHCP clients.
- ✓
dns-server 8.8.8.8
Why this is correct
Within the DHCP pool configuration mode, the 'dns-server' command specifies the DNS server IP address that DHCP clients will receive. This is the correct command to provide DNS information to clients. It is configured under 'ip dhcp pool' and can list multiple DNS servers. This ensures clients can resolve domain names. The command is essential for proper network operation when DHCP is used for address assignment.
- ✗
ip name-server 8.8.8.8
Why it's wrong here
The 'ip name-server' command is used in global configuration mode to configure DNS servers that the router itself will use for name resolution. It does not affect the DHCP pool or the information provided to DHCP clients. While it is a valid command, it is not the correct one for specifying DNS servers for DHCP clients. The question asks for the command to provide DNS to clients, which is 'dns-server' under the DHCP pool.
- ✗
ip dhcp dns 8.8.8.8
Why it's wrong here
The command 'ip dhcp dns' does not exist in Cisco IOS. DHCP DNS server configuration is done with the 'dns-server' command inside the DHCP pool. This option is invalid and would not be accepted by the router. It is a common misconception to prefix commands with 'ip dhcp', but the correct syntax is simply 'dns-server' within the pool context.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 350-401 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 350-401 exam.