Quick Answer
The answer is DHCP, the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. This protocol automates IP address assignment by leasing IP configurations—including the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers—to client devices from a defined pool of addresses, eliminating the need for manual static configuration. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this concept tests your understanding of network layer services and efficient IP management; a common trap is confusing DHCP with DNS, which resolves names to IPs rather than assigning them. Remember that DHCP handles the “how to get an address,” while DNS handles the “how to find a name.” A helpful memory tip: think of DHCP as a “lease office” for IP addresses—it lends them out temporarily and reclaims them when they’re no longer needed, ensuring no two devices get the same address.
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of networking concepts. 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 automate IP address assignment for client devices. Which protocol should be used?
DHCP
DHCP dynamically provides IP configuration to devices, making it the correct protocol for automated IP address assignment.
DNS
Why wrong: DNS resolves hostnames to IP addresses, it does not assign IP addresses.
ARP
Why wrong: ARP maps IP addresses to MAC addresses on a local network, not for assigning IP addresses.
ICMP
Why wrong: ICMP is used for network diagnostics and error reporting, not for IP address assignment.
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
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automates IP address assignment by leasing IP configurations to client devices from a defined pool. This eliminates the need for manual static IP configuration, making it the correct protocol for automated IP address management.
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.
DHCP
Why this is correct
DHCP dynamically provides IP configuration to devices, making it the correct protocol for automated IP address assignment.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
DNS
Why it's wrong here
DNS resolves hostnames to IP addresses, it does not assign IP addresses.
ARP
Why it's wrong here
ARP maps IP addresses to MAC addresses on a local network, not for assigning IP addresses.
ICMP
Why it's wrong here
ICMP is used for network diagnostics and error reporting, not for IP address assignment.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the distinction between DHCP for address assignment and DNS for name resolution, leading candidates to confuse the two when the question mentions 'automating IP address assignment'.
Detailed technical explanation
DHCP operates using a four-step DORA process (Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge) defined in RFC 2131. The DHCP server maintains a pool of addresses and can also assign subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server addresses via options like Option 3 (Router) and Option 6 (DNS Server). In enterprise networks, DHCP snooping is often used to prevent rogue DHCP server attacks.
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
Networking Concepts — This question tests Networking Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: DHCP — DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automates IP address assignment by leasing IP configurations to client devices from a defined pool. This eliminates the need for manual static IP configuration, making it the correct protocol for automated IP address management.
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 30, 2026
This N10-009 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 N10-009 exam.
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