Quick Answer
The answer is DHCP, or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, because it is the service designed specifically for automatic IP assignment on a network. When a device connects, DHCP automatically provides it with a unique IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and other essential configuration parameters from a defined pool, eliminating the need for manual static configuration and preventing address conflicts. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this concept tests your understanding of fundamental network services; you may see it contrasted with static IP assignment or other protocols like DNS or ARP. A common trap is confusing DHCP with DNS—remember that DHCP assigns addresses, while DNS translates names to addresses. For a quick memory tip, think of DHCP as the “hotel front desk” that automatically gives each guest (device) a room key (IP address) from a block of available rooms, ensuring no two guests get the same key.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure. 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 network administrator wants to automatically assign IP addresses to all devices on the network. Which service should be configured on the server?
DNS
Why wrong: DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses, not assign IPs.
DHCP
DHCP dynamically assigns IP addresses and other configuration to devices.
HTTP
Why wrong: HTTP is a protocol for web browsing, not IP assignment.
NAT
Why wrong: NAT translates private IP addresses to public ones, not assign them.
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
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is the correct service because it automatically assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network. This eliminates the need for manual static IP configuration and ensures each device receives a unique IP address from a defined pool, preventing address conflicts.
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
DHCP
Why this is correct
DHCP dynamically assigns IP addresses and other configuration to devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP is a protocol for web browsing, not IP assignment.
NAT
Why it's wrong here
NAT translates private IP addresses to public ones, not assign them.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse DHCP with DNS because both are network services, but DNS resolves names to IPs while DHCP assigns IPs to devices.
Detailed technical explanation
DHCP operates using a four-step process (DORA: Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge) defined in RFC 2131. The DHCP server maintains a pool of available IP addresses and leases them to clients for a configurable duration; when a lease expires, the client must renew it or obtain a new address. In enterprise networks, DHCP can also deliver options like DNS server addresses, domain names, and NTP servers via DHCP option fields.
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Infrastructure — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Infrastructure practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All FC0-U61 questions
512 questions across all exam domains
CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
FC0-U61 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to IT Concepts and Terminology.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Infrastructure.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Applications and Software.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Software Development Concepts.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Security.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Database Fundamentals.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to FC0-U61 fundamentals.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to FC0-U61 scenario.
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to FC0-U61 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Infrastructure — This question tests Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: DHCP — Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is the correct service because it automatically assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network. This eliminates the need for manual static IP configuration and ensures each device receives a unique IP address from a defined pool, preventing address conflicts.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.