The answer is to check whether the DHCP Server service is running. This is the correct first step because if the service is stopped, the server cannot process any DHCP Discover messages from clients, regardless of scope configuration or network connectivity. Since the clients are on the same subnet as the server, no router or DHCP relay is needed, so service status becomes the most fundamental check. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this question tests your understanding of the OSI model’s application layer and the importance of verifying basic service health before troubleshooting more complex issues like scope exhaustion or firewall rules. A common trap is jumping to check IP address conflicts or scope activation first, but the service must be running for any DHCP communication to occur. Remember the memory tip: “Service before scope” — always confirm the engine is on before checking the fuel.
FC0-U61 Infrastructure Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure. 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 network technician observes that a DHCP server is not issuing IP addresses to clients. The DHCP server is running on a Windows Server with a static IP of 192.168.1.10. Clients are on the same subnet. Which of the following should the technician check FIRST?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Whether the DHCP Server service is running
The most fundamental check when a DHCP server fails to issue IP addresses is whether the DHCP Server service itself is running. If the service is stopped, the server cannot respond to any DHCP Discover messages, regardless of scope configuration or network topology. Since the clients are on the same subnet, no router forwarding is required, making service status the logical first step.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Whether the DHCP Server service is running
Why this is correct
The DHCP service must be active to lease IP addresses.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Whether the DHCP scope is full
Why it's wrong here
Scope exhaustion would be checked after verifying service status.
✗
Whether a router is forwarding DHCP broadcasts
Why it's wrong here
On the same subnet, broadcasts are not routed; no forwarding needed.
✗
Whether the clients have a wireless connection
Why it's wrong here
Wireless connectivity is unrelated to DHCP service issues.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates jump to scope exhaustion or router configuration issues, forgetting that the most basic service-level check is the first step in any troubleshooting methodology.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The DHCP Server service in Windows Server listens on UDP port 67 for DHCP Discover broadcasts from clients. If the service is stopped, the server never processes incoming packets, and no DHCPOFFER is generated. A quick check using `services.msc` or `Get-Service DhcpServer` in PowerShell confirms the service state. In real-world troubleshooting, this is often overlooked after a reboot or update that may have stopped the service.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Infrastructure — This question tests Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Whether the DHCP Server service is running — The most fundamental check when a DHCP server fails to issue IP addresses is whether the DHCP Server service itself is running. If the service is stopped, the server cannot respond to any DHCP Discover messages, regardless of scope configuration or network topology. Since the clients are on the same subnet, no router forwarding is required, making service status the logical first step.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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