easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is setting up a new server that must…
A technician is setting up a new server that must always have the same IP address on a network using DHCP. The network administrator wants to avoid manually configuring the server's IP to prevent misconfiguration. Which method should be used to ensure the server receives the same IP from the DHCP server?
⚠ Common exam trap
The 220-1201 exam often tests the distinction between a DHCP reservation and a static IP address, trapping candidates who think any manual IP assignment outside the scope is acceptable, when the question specifically requires avoiding manual configuration.
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
✓
Configure a DHCP reservation on the router for the server's MAC address.
A DHCP reservation binds the server's MAC address to a specific IP address on the DHCP server. This ensures the server always receives the same IP from the DHCP pool without requiring manual static configuration, which aligns with the administrator's goal of avoiding misconfiguration.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Set the server to use a static IP address outside the DHCP scope.
Why it's wrong here
While setting a static IP address directly on the server would ensure it always has the same IP, this method requires manual configuration on the server itself. This approach is generally discouraged for network settings in environments that prioritize centralized management and automation, as it can lead to configuration inconsistencies and increased administrative overhead. Furthermore, it bypasses the benefits of DHCP for IP address management.
- ✓
Configure a DHCP reservation on the router for the server's MAC address.
Why this is correct
A DHCP reservation, also known as a static DHCP assignment, binds a specific IP address to a device's unique MAC address within the DHCP server's configuration. When the server requests an IP, the DHCP server recognizes its MAC address and always provides the pre-assigned IP. This method ensures the server consistently receives the same IP address without requiring manual static IP configuration on the server itself, thus centralizing IP management and reducing potential configuration errors.
- ✗
Set the server's IP address to 169.254.x.x.
Why it's wrong here
An IP address in the 169.254.x.x range is an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address, which a device self-assigns when it fails to obtain an IP from a DHCP server. APIPA addresses are designed for local link communication only, meaning the server would only be able to communicate with other devices on the same local segment that also have APIPA addresses. It would not be routable to other subnets or the internet, rendering the server inaccessible for its intended purpose.
- ✗
Disable the server's network adapter and re-enable it.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling and re-enabling a network adapter forces the client to release its current IP lease and then request a new one from the DHCP server. While this action renews the IP address, it does not guarantee that the server will receive the *same* IP address it had previously. The DHCP server might assign a different available IP from its pool, failing to provide the consistent IP address required for a server for reliable service delivery.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Network Configuration: IP, DNS, DHCP
Key term
DHCP server
A DHCP server is a network device or service that automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network, eliminating the need for manual configuration.
Key term
DHCP pool
A DHCP pool is a reserved set of IP addresses that a DHCP server can assign to devices on a network automatically when they request a connection.
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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.