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. A key principle to apply: dHCP uses the DORA process (Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge).. 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.
Which of the following protocols is used to automatically assign IP addresses to devices on a network?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
B) 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. When a client device connects, it sends a DHCP Discover broadcast, and the DHCP server responds with an Offer, followed by a Request and Acknowledgment (DORA process), enabling plug-and-play connectivity.
Key principle: DHCP uses the DORA process (Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge).
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
A) DNS
Why it's wrong here
DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names to IP addresses, not assign IP addresses.
✓
B) DHCP
Why this is correct
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is the correct protocol for automatic IP address assignment.
Related concept
DHCP uses the DORA process (Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge).
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C) ARP
Why it's wrong here
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) resolves IP addresses to MAC addresses within a local network.
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D) ICMP
Why it's wrong here
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is used for error reporting and diagnostics (e.g., ping).
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between DHCP (address assignment) and DNS (name resolution), leading candidates to confuse the two because both are essential for network communication, but only DHCP handles automatic IP configuration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DHCP operates on UDP ports 67 (server) and 68 (client) and uses a four-step handshake: Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge (DORA). The server can also provide lease durations, after which the client must renew; if no renewal occurs, the IP address is returned to the pool. In real-world scenarios, DHCP snooping is often configured on switches to prevent rogue DHCP servers from assigning malicious IP addresses, a common security practice in enterprise networks.
KKey Concepts to Remember
DHCP uses the DORA process (Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge).
DHCP operates on UDP ports 67 (server) and 68 (client).
It assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server addresses.
DHCP can assign addresses dynamically, automatically, or manually (reservations).
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
DHCP uses the DORA process (Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge).
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this N10-009 question in full detail.
Review dHCP uses the DORA process (Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge)., then practise related N10-009 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Networking Concepts — This question tests Networking Concepts — DHCP uses the DORA process (Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge)..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: B) 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. When a client device connects, it sends a DHCP Discover broadcast, and the DHCP server responds with an Offer, followed by a Request and Acknowledgment (DORA process), enabling plug-and-play connectivity.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 question wrong?
Review dHCP uses the DORA process (Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge)., then practise related N10-009 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
DHCP uses the DORA process (Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge).
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Question Discussion
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