The answer is DHCP, because an IP address in the 169.254.x.x range is the direct signature of a DHCP failure. When a Windows computer cannot reach a DHCP server to obtain a valid lease, it automatically assigns itself an Automatic Private IP Address (APIPA) from this reserved range, which only allows local link-local communication and blocks internet access. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the DHCP process and how APIPA acts as a fallback; a common trap is confusing it with a DNS or NAT issue, but those services do not handle IP address assignment. To remember this, think of the mnemonic “169.254 means DHCP no more”—if you see that address, the first thing to check is the DHCP server or the network connectivity to it.
220-1201 Network Services Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network services. 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 user reports that their computer cannot connect to the internet after being moved to a new office. The computer receives an IP address starting with 169.254.x.x. Which network service is failing to provide a valid IP configuration?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DHCP
An IP address in the 169.254.x.x range indicates that the computer has assigned itself an Automatic Private IP Address (APIPA) because it did not receive a response from a DHCP server. The DHCP service is failing or unreachable. DNS and NAT are not involved in IP assignment.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
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, but the issue here is that the computer did not get an IP address, which is a DHCP function.
✓
DHCP
Why this is correct
DHCP assigns IP addresses. The 169.254.x.x address is an APIPA address, meaning the DHCP server did not respond.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
NAT
Why it's wrong here
NAT translates IPs for internet access, but the computer first needs a valid IP from DHCP.
✗
ARP
Why it's wrong here
ARP resolves IP to MAC addresses and is not involved in IP address assignment.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Network Services — This question tests Network Services — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DHCP — An IP address in the 169.254.x.x range indicates that the computer has assigned itself an Automatic Private IP Address (APIPA) because it did not receive a response from a DHCP server. The DHCP service is failing or unreachable. DNS and NAT are not involved in IP assignment.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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