Quick Answer
The answer is DHCP, as the technician must verify that the DHCP client protocol is functioning on the laptop. When a device shows an APIPA address in the 169.254.x.x range, it means the DHCP client failed to receive a response from a DHCP server, so the operating system self-assigned a link-local address as a fallback. Since other devices on the same network obtain IPs correctly, the server and network infrastructure are working, isolating the problem to the laptop’s DHCP client service or its network adapter configuration. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the DHCP lease process and APIPA as a troubleshooting indicator; a common trap is assuming the server is down when only one client is affected. Remember the memory tip: “169.254 means DHCP is ignored—check the client, not the server.”
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network protocols. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 technician is troubleshooting a user's laptop that cannot obtain an IP address via DHCP. The laptop shows an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address of 169.254.x.x. Other devices on the same network obtain IPs correctly. Which protocol should the technician verify is functioning on the laptop?
DNS
Why wrong: DNS resolves names; it does not assign IP addresses, so it is not relevant here.
ARP
Why wrong: ARP resolves IP to MAC addresses; it is not involved in IP address assignment.
DHCP
DHCP is responsible for assigning IP addresses; its failure results in an APIPA address.
ICMP
Why wrong: ICMP is used for diagnostic messages like ping; it does not assign IP addresses.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
DHCP
APIPA addresses indicate that the DHCP client failed to get a response from a DHCP server. The DHCP protocol is used to automatically assign IP addresses. Since other devices work, the issue is likely on the laptop's DHCP client or its network stack, not the server. Verifying that the DHCP client service is running and that the network adapter is configured to obtain an IP automatically is key.
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.
DNS
Why it's wrong here
DNS resolves names; it does not assign IP addresses, so it is not relevant here.
ARP
Why it's wrong here
ARP resolves IP to MAC addresses; it is not involved in IP address assignment.
DHCP
Why this is correct
DHCP is responsible for assigning IP addresses; its failure results in an APIPA address.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
ICMP
Why it's wrong here
ICMP is used for diagnostic messages like ping; it does not assign IP addresses.
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 220-1201 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 220-1201 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
Network Protocols — This question tests Network Protocols — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: DHCP — APIPA addresses indicate that the DHCP client failed to get a response from a DHCP server. The DHCP protocol is used to automatically assign IP addresses. Since other devices work, the issue is likely on the laptop's DHCP client or its network stack, not the server. Verifying that the DHCP client service is running and that the network adapter is configured to obtain an IP automatically is key.
Identify which 220-1201 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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 220-1201 exam.
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