Quick Answer
The default DHCP lease time in Cisco IOS is 1 day, or 24 hours. This value is defined by the Cisco IOS DHCP server configuration and applies when no lease duration is explicitly specified under the ip dhcp pool configuration mode. The lease time controls how long a client can use an assigned IP address before it must renew the lease, and the 24-hour default strikes a balance between network stability and address reuse. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this fact often appears in multiple-choice questions testing your knowledge of DHCP operation and default parameters, sometimes paired with a distractor like “infinite” or “7 days.” A common trap is assuming the lease time matches Windows Server defaults (often 8 days) or confusing it with the DHCP database agent update interval. To lock in the answer, remember that Cisco keeps it simple: one day, one DHCP lease.
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of nat and dhcp. 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.
What is the default lease time for a DHCP pool in Cisco IOS?
1 day
Correct. The default lease is 1 day.
12 hours
Why wrong: Incorrect. 12 hours is not the default; it must be configured explicitly.
2 days
Why wrong: Incorrect. The default is 1 day, not 2.
Infinite
Why wrong: Incorrect. Infinite must be configured; it is not the default.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
1 day
The default DHCP lease time on Cisco IOS is 1 day (24 hours).
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.
1 day
Why this is correct
Correct. The default lease is 1 day.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
12 hours
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. 12 hours is not the default; it must be configured explicitly.
2 days
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The default is 1 day, not 2.
Infinite
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Infinite must be configured; it is not the default.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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 350-401 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
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
NAT and DHCP — This question tests NAT and DHCP — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 1 day — The default DHCP lease time on Cisco IOS is 1 day (24 hours).
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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