Quick Answer
The answer is DHCP, the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, because it is the standard network service designed to automatically assign IP addresses to devices from a centralized server. When a client connects, DHCP dynamically leases an IP address along with essential configuration like subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers, removing the need for manual static assignment. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this question tests your understanding of core network services and their purposes; a common trap is confusing DHCP with DNS (which resolves names to IPs) or with static addressing. Remember that DHCP handles the “automatic IP address assignment” part of network setup, while DNS handles name resolution. A simple memory tip: DHCP stands for “Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol,” and the “Dynamic” part reminds you it automatically assigns and manages IP addresses from a pool.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of it concepts and terminology. 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 system administrator needs to automatically assign IP addresses to devices on the network. Which protocol should be configured on the server?
DNS
Why wrong: DNS translates domain names to IP addresses.
ICMP
Why wrong: ICMP is used for network diagnostics like ping.
ARP
Why wrong: ARP resolves IP addresses to MAC addresses.
DHCP
DHCP dynamically assigns IP addresses to clients.
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
The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is the correct protocol because it is specifically designed to automatically assign IP addresses and other network configuration parameters (such as subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers) to devices on a network. A DHCP server maintains a pool of available addresses and leases them to clients, eliminating the need for manual static IP configuration.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
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 translates domain names to IP addresses.
ICMP
Why it's wrong here
ICMP is used for network diagnostics like ping.
ARP
Why it's wrong here
ARP resolves IP addresses to MAC addresses.
DHCP
Why this is correct
DHCP dynamically assigns IP addresses to clients.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse DNS with DHCP because both are 'automatic configuration' services, but DNS only resolves names, while DHCP is the protocol that actually hands out IP addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
DHCP operates using a four-step process (DORA: Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge) defined in RFC 2131. The DHCP server listens on UDP port 67, and the client broadcasts on UDP port 68. In a real-world scenario, a misconfigured DHCP server can assign duplicate IPs or incorrect subnet masks, causing network connectivity issues that are often diagnosed by checking the DHCP lease database or using 'ipconfig /renew' on Windows.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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
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FAQ
IT Concepts and Terminology — This question tests IT Concepts and Terminology — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: DHCP — The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is the correct protocol because it is specifically designed to automatically assign IP addresses and other network configuration parameters (such as subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers) to devices on a network. A DHCP server maintains a pool of available addresses and leases them to clients, eliminating the need for manual static IP configuration.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This FC0-U61 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 FC0-U61 exam.
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