The correct conclusion is that the DHCP server has received more DHCPDISCOVER messages than DHCPREQUEST messages, indicating some clients did not proceed to request an IP address. This discrepancy arises because the DHCP lease process requires a client to send a DISCOVER to locate a server, then a REQUEST to accept an offered address; when the counts differ, it reveals that not all discovered clients completed the handshake. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, interpreting DHCP server statistics tests your ability to correlate protocol message flow with real-world network behavior, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must identify client drop-off or address conflicts. A common trap is overlooking the single DECLINE message, which confirms a client detected an IP conflict, while the 10 automatic and 2 manual bindings show successful leases. Memory tip: think of DISCOVER as “shopping” and REQUEST as “buying”—if more shoppers than buyers, some left the store.
350-401 NAT and DHCP Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of nat and dhcp. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 network engineer runs the following command on Router R8:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The DHCP server has received more DHCPDISCOVER messages than DHCPREQUEST messages, indicating some clients did not proceed to request.
The statistics show 100 DISCOVERs and 95 REQUESTs, indicating some clients did not complete the process. There is 1 DECLINE, meaning a client detected an address conflict. The server has 10 automatic and 2 manual bindings.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 DHCP server has received more DHCPDISCOVER messages than DHCPREQUEST messages, indicating some clients did not proceed to request.
Why this is correct
100 DISCOVER vs 95 REQUEST shows 5 clients did not send REQUEST.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The DHCP server has 12 active leases.
Why it's wrong here
Automatic bindings are 10, manual are 2, but expired bindings are 1; the total active is 12, but the question asks about the discrepancy.
✗
The DHCP server rejected 5 DHCPDISCOVER messages.
Why it's wrong here
There is no indication of rejection; the DISCOVERs were received.
✗
The DHCP server has 2 manual bindings that are static reservations.
Why it's wrong here
This is true but not the best conclusion from the data; the key insight is the DISCOVER/REQUEST mismatch.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 350-401 question in full detail.
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.
NAT and DHCP — This question tests NAT and DHCP — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The DHCP server has received more DHCPDISCOVER messages than DHCPREQUEST messages, indicating some clients did not proceed to request. — The statistics show 100 DISCOVERs and 95 REQUESTs, indicating some clients did not complete the process. There is 1 DECLINE, meaning a client detected an address conflict. The server has 10 automatic and 2 manual bindings.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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