- A
DNS zone file
Why wrong: DNS zone files map domain names to IP addresses, not assign IPs to devices.
- B
DHCP scope
The DHCP scope defines the IP address range and lease time for automatic assignment to clients.
- C
NAT rules
Why wrong: NAT rules translate IP addresses but do not assign them to devices.
- D
QoS policy
Why wrong: QoS policies manage traffic prioritization, not IP address assignment.
Question 889 of 1,020
DHCP Scope Configuration: IP Range and Lease Time
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network services. 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 ensure that all devices on a subnet automatically receive IP addresses from a specific range, and that the lease time is set to 8 hours. Which configuration file or service should be modified?
Quick Answer
The answer is the DHCP scope, as this is the specific configuration within a DHCP server that defines the IP address range and lease time for a subnet. A DHCP scope acts as a container of settings, allowing an administrator to specify exactly which pool of addresses, such as 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.200, will be dynamically assigned, along with the duration—like the required 8-hour lease—that a client can hold that address before renewing. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of core network services, often appearing in scenario-based items where you must differentiate DHCP from DNS (which resolves names), NAT (which translates addresses), or QoS (which prioritizes traffic). A common trap is confusing the DHCP scope with the DHCP relay agent or the router’s IP helper address, but remember: the scope is the direct configuration file or service on the DHCP server itself. Memory tip: think of a “scope” as a “scope of control”—it literally scopes out the range and time for IP leasing.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DHCP scope
The DHCP scope defines the range of IP addresses that a DHCP server can assign to clients on a subnet, along with lease duration and other options. By modifying the DHCP scope, the administrator can set the specific IP address range and configure the lease time to 8 hours, ensuring all devices on that subnet automatically receive addresses from that pool.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
DNS zone file
- ✓
DHCP scope
Why this is correct
The DHCP scope defines the IP address range and lease time for automatic assignment to clients.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
NAT rules
Why it's wrong here
NAT rules translate IP addresses but do not assign them to devices.
- ✗
QoS policy
Why it's wrong here
QoS policies manage traffic prioritization, not IP address assignment.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA A+ exams often test the distinction between DHCP scope (which controls IP address assignment and lease time) and DNS zone file (which handles name resolution), leading candidates to confuse the two when the question involves 'automatic IP address' configuration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A DHCP scope is a range of IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.100–192.168.1.200) defined on a DHCP server, typically using the dhcpd.conf file on Linux/ISC DHCP or the DHCP console on Windows Server. The lease time, specified in seconds (e.g., 28800 for 8 hours), is part of the scope configuration and is communicated to clients via DHCPACK messages per RFC 2131. In a real-world scenario, a misconfigured lease time can cause IP exhaustion if too short or stale entries if too long, impacting network stability.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Visual reference
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Network Services — This question tests Network Services — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DHCP scope — The DHCP scope defines the range of IP addresses that a DHCP server can assign to clients on a subnet, along with lease duration and other options. By modifying the DHCP scope, the administrator can set the specific IP address range and configure the lease time to 8 hours, ensuring all devices on that subnet automatically receive addresses from that pool.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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