mediumMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
DHCP Snooping Security Features
Which three statements about DHCP snooping are true? (Choose three.)
Quick Answer
The answer is that ports connected to DHCP servers should be configured as trusted ports. This is correct because DHCP snooping operates by dividing switch ports into trusted and untrusted categories; trusted ports are allowed to send DHCP server messages (like OFFER and ACK), while untrusted ports, typically facing clients, have these messages filtered out to prevent rogue DHCP server attacks. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of Layer 2 security mechanisms, often appearing in multiple-choice questions where you must identify true statements about DHCP snooping features. A common trap is confusing the storage location of the binding database—it is kept in flash memory, not NVRAM—or assuming DHCP snooping applies to DHCPv6 by default, which it does not. Remember the memory tip: "Trust the server, distrust the client" to quickly recall that trusted ports face upstream DHCP servers.
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
✓
DHCP snooping is configured on Layer 2 switches to filter DHCP messages on untrusted ports.
DHCP snooping is a security feature that filters untrusted DHCP messages and builds a binding database. It is configured on switches, not routers. The DHCP snooping binding table contains the client MAC address, IP address, lease time, VLAN, and port. Trusted ports are typically uplinks to DHCP servers, while untrusted ports face clients. Option D is incorrect because the DHCP snooping database is stored in the switch's flash memory, not NVRAM. Option E is incorrect because DHCP snooping does not validate DHCPv6 messages by default; it is for DHCPv4 only unless DHCPv6 snooping is separately configured.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
DHCP snooping is configured on Layer 2 switches to filter DHCP messages on untrusted ports.
Why this is correct
Correct because DHCP snooping is a Layer 2 security feature implemented on switches.
- ✓
The DHCP snooping binding table includes the client MAC address, IP address, lease time, VLAN, and port number.
Why this is correct
Correct because these are the fields stored in the DHCP snooping database.
- ✓
Ports connected to DHCP servers should be configured as trusted ports.
Why this is correct
Correct because trusted ports are allowed to send DHCP server messages without filtering.
- ✗
The DHCP snooping binding database is stored in NVRAM by default.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the database is stored in flash memory, not NVRAM.
- ✗
DHCP snooping validates DHCPv6 messages by default when enabled globally.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because DHCPv6 snooping requires separate configuration and is not enabled by default with DHCP snooping.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
ACLs and Infrastructure Security Features
Key term
L2 Security Features
L2 Security Features are network security mechanisms that operate at Layer 2 of the OSI model to protect local network traffic from threats like MAC spoofing, ARP attacks, and unauthorized access.
Key term
DHCP snooping
DHCP snooping is a network security feature that filters untrusted DHCP messages to prevent rogue DHCP servers from giving out false IP addresses.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on 350-401
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which three statements about DHCP snooping are true? (Choose three.)
hard- ✓ A.DHCP snooping is configured on a per-VLAN basis.
- B.DHCP snooping prevents all types of ARP spoofing attacks.
- ✓ C.The DHCP snooping binding database includes the client MAC address, IP address, lease time, VLAN, and port.
- ✓ D.Ports connected to DHCP servers should be configured as trusted ports.
- E.DHCP snooping encrypts all DHCP traffic between the client and server.
Why A: DHCP snooping is a security feature that filters untrusted DHCP messages. It builds a DHCP snooping binding database from trusted sources. Option A is correct because DHCP snooping is typically enabled on VLANs, not globally on the switch. Option C is correct because the binding database contains the client MAC address, IP address, lease time, VLAN, and port. Option D is correct because ports connected to DHCP servers are configured as trusted to allow DHCP server messages. Option B is incorrect because DHCP snooping does not prevent all ARP spoofing; that is the role of Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI). Option E is incorrect because DHCP snooping does not encrypt DHCP traffic; it only filters messages based on trust.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.