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220-1201 Practice Question: During a network upgrade, a technician needs to…
During a network upgrade, a technician needs to ensure that all devices on a small office LAN receive IP addresses automatically from a central server. Which protocol must be running on that server?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between DHCP and DNS, as candidates may confuse name resolution with IP address assignment, especially when both services are commonly run on the same server.
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
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DHCP
The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is the correct answer because it is specifically designed to automatically assign IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and other network configuration parameters to devices on a LAN. A DHCP server listens on UDP port 67 and responds to client requests on UDP port 68, enabling zero-touch IP configuration for all devices on the network.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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DNS
Why it's wrong here
DNS resolves hostnames to IP addresses; it maps names to existing addresses and never allocates them. The server must run DHCP to hand out addresses automatically. DNS would be correct when clients need to resolve server names rather than obtain their own IP configuration.
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HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP serves web content and carries no address-assignment mechanism, so clients would never receive IP configuration. DHCP is the protocol that leases addresses automatically. HTTP would be correct for hosting a web-based management or configuration portal that technicians browse to.
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DHCP
Why this is correct
DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, gateways and DNS settings from a central server, eliminating manual configuration. Running it on the server satisfies the requirement that all LAN devices receive addresses automatically, which static addressing or DNS alone cannot provide.
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FTP
Why it's wrong here
FTP transfers files between hosts; it has no mechanism for allocating IP addresses, gateways or lease times. The server needs DHCP, which dynamically assigns addresses to LAN clients. FTP would be correct when a technician must upload or download configuration files to a server.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.