Quick Answer
The answer is DHCP, or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, which is the correct choice because it is the standard protocol designed to automatically assign IP addresses and other critical network configuration parameters—such as subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS servers—to devices on a network. This automation eliminates the need for manual IP configuration, significantly reducing administrative overhead and preventing the address conflicts that arise from duplicate static assignments. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this concept is frequently tested in the networking fundamentals domain, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must identify the protocol that streamlines client configuration. A common trap is confusing DHCP with DNS, which resolves domain names to IP addresses, or with ARP, which maps IP addresses to MAC addresses. To keep them straight, remember that DHCP is all about the initial assignment: think of it as the protocol that gives devices their network identity, while DNS helps them find each other by name.
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network operations. 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 implement a protocol to automatically assign IP addresses to devices on the network. Which of the following protocols is used for this purpose?
DNS
Why wrong: DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses; it does not assign IP addresses.
DHCP
DHCP dynamically assigns IP addresses and other configuration parameters to clients.
ARP
Why wrong: ARP resolves IP addresses to MAC addresses on a local network.
ICMP
Why wrong: ICMP is used for error reporting and diagnostics (e.g., ping), not for 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) is the correct answer 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. This eliminates the need for manual IP configuration, reducing administrative overhead and 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
Why it's wrong here
DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses; it does not assign IP addresses.
DHCP
Why this is correct
DHCP dynamically assigns IP addresses and other configuration parameters to clients.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
ARP
Why it's wrong here
ARP resolves IP addresses to MAC addresses on a local network.
ICMP
Why it's wrong here
ICMP is used for error reporting and diagnostics (e.g., ping), not for address assignment.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse DNS with DHCP because both are network services that involve IP addresses, but DNS resolves names to addresses while DHCP assigns the addresses themselves.
Detailed technical explanation
DHCP operates using a four-step process known as DORA (Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge) as defined in RFC 2131. The client broadcasts a DHCPDISCOVER message, the server responds with a DHCPOFFER containing an available IP address, the client sends a DHCPREQUEST to accept the offer, and the server finalizes with a DHCPACK. In real-world scenarios, DHCP can be configured with reservations to ensure specific devices (e.g., printers, servers) always receive the same IP address based on their MAC address.
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
Network Operations — This question tests Network Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: DHCP — DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is the correct answer 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. This eliminates the need for manual IP configuration, reducing administrative overhead and 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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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