easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
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
✓
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.
- ✗
DNS
Why it's wrong here
DNS resolves hostnames to IP addresses, it does not assign IP addresses.
- ✗
HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP is used for web traffic, not for IP address assignment.
- ✓
DHCP
Why this is correct
DHCP is the protocol used to automatically assign IP addresses and other network settings to clients.
- ✗
FTP
Why it's wrong here
FTP is used for file transfers, not for IP address assignment.
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JA
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.