Quick Answer
The answer is the DHCP scope, as this is the specific configuration within a DHCP server that defines the IP address range and lease time for a subnet. A DHCP scope acts as a container of settings, allowing an administrator to specify exactly which pool of addresses, such as 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.200, will be dynamically assigned, along with the duration—like the required 8-hour lease—that a client can hold that address before renewing. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of core network services, often appearing in scenario-based items where you must differentiate DHCP from DNS (which resolves names), NAT (which translates addresses), or QoS (which prioritizes traffic). A common trap is confusing the DHCP scope with the DHCP relay agent or the router’s IP helper address, but remember: the scope is the direct configuration file or service on the DHCP server itself. Memory tip: think of a “scope” as a “scope of control”—it literally scopes out the range and time for IP leasing.
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network services. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 administrator wants to ensure that all devices on a subnet automatically receive IP addresses from a specific range, and that the lease time is set to 8 hours. Which configuration file or service should be modified?
DNS zone file
Why wrong: DNS zone files map domain names to IP addresses, not assign IPs to devices.
DHCP scope
The DHCP scope defines the IP address range and lease time for automatic assignment to clients.
NAT rules
Why wrong: NAT rules translate IP addresses but do not assign them to devices.
QoS policy
Why wrong: QoS policies manage traffic prioritization, not IP address assignment.
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 scope
The DHCP server configuration controls IP address ranges (scopes) and lease times. By modifying the DHCP scope, the administrator can set the desired IP range and lease duration. DNS and NAT do not manage IP assignment, and QoS handles traffic prioritization.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Common exam traps
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 220-1201 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Network Services — This question tests Network Services — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
The correct answer is: DHCP scope — The DHCP server configuration controls IP address ranges (scopes) and lease times. By modifying the DHCP scope, the administrator can set the desired IP range and lease duration. DNS and NAT do not manage IP assignment, and QoS handles traffic prioritization.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 220-1201 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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