- A
Set the server to use a static IP address outside the DHCP scope.
Why wrong: This would work but violates the requirement to avoid manual configuration.
- B
Configure a DHCP reservation on the router for the server's MAC address.
A DHCP reservation assigns a fixed IP to a specific MAC address, ensuring the server always receives the same IP from DHCP.
- C
Set the server's IP address to 169.254.x.x.
Why wrong: APIPA addresses are self-assigned and not routable, so the server would not be reachable on the network.
- D
Disable the server's network adapter and re-enable it.
Why wrong: This would only renew the IP lease, but the server could still receive a different IP from DHCP.
Question 916 of 1,020
DHCP Reservation: How to Ensure a Server Always Gets the Same IP
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of ip addressing. 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 technician is setting up a new server that must always have the same IP address on a network using DHCP. The network administrator wants to avoid manually configuring the server's IP to prevent misconfiguration. Which method should be used to ensure the server receives the same IP from the DHCP server?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"always"Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
Quick Answer
The answer is to configure a DHCP reservation on the router for the server’s MAC address. This method works because a DHCP reservation creates a permanent binding between a specific MAC address and a chosen IP address in the DHCP server’s lease table, so every time that device requests an address, the server always delivers the same one. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how to provide a static-like IP assignment without manual configuration, which avoids misconfiguration and IP conflicts. A common trap is confusing a reservation with a static IP set directly on the device—remember, a reservation is configured on the DHCP server, not the client. For the exam, think of it as the server “reserving a seat” for that MAC address. A helpful memory tip: “Reserve the IP on the server side, not the client side.”
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
✓
Configure a DHCP reservation on the router for the server's MAC address.
Option B is correct because a DHCP reservation binds the server's MAC address to a specific IP address on the DHCP server. This ensures the server always receives the same IP from the DHCP pool without requiring manual static configuration, which aligns with the administrator's goal of avoiding misconfiguration.
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.
- ✗
Set the server to use a static IP address outside the DHCP scope.
Why it's wrong here
This would work but violates the requirement to avoid manual configuration.
- ✓
Configure a DHCP reservation on the router for the server's MAC address.
Why this is correct
A DHCP reservation assigns a fixed IP to a specific MAC address, ensuring the server always receives the same IP from DHCP.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "always" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Set the server's IP address to 169.254.x.x.
Why it's wrong here
APIPA addresses are self-assigned and not routable, so the server would not be reachable on the network.
- ✗
Disable the server's network adapter and re-enable it.
Why it's wrong here
This would only renew the IP lease, but the server could still receive a different IP from DHCP.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between a DHCP reservation and a static IP address, trapping candidates who think any manual IP assignment outside the scope is acceptable, when the question specifically requires avoiding manual configuration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A DHCP reservation works by the DHCP server (often a router or Windows Server) storing a mapping between the client's MAC address and a specific IP address from the scope. When the server sends a DHCPDISCOVER, the server checks its reservations table and replies with the reserved IP in the DHCPOFFER, bypassing the normal pool allocation. In real-world scenarios, this is critical for servers like DNS or file servers where IP stability is needed but centralized management is preferred over static addressing.
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 practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
IP Addressing — This question tests IP Addressing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure a DHCP reservation on the router for the server's MAC address. — Option B is correct because a DHCP reservation binds the server's MAC address to a specific IP address on the DHCP server. This ensures the server always receives the same IP from the DHCP pool without requiring manual static configuration, which aligns with the administrator's goal of avoiding misconfiguration.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "always". Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
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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