- A
DNS
Why wrong: DNS resolves names, but the issue here is that the computer did not get an IP address, which is a DHCP function.
- B
DHCP
DHCP assigns IP addresses. The 169.254.x.x address is an APIPA address, meaning the DHCP server did not respond.
- C
NAT
Why wrong: NAT translates IPs for internet access, but the computer first needs a valid IP from DHCP.
- D
ARP
Why wrong: ARP resolves IP to MAC addresses and is not involved in IP address assignment.
Question 562 of 1,020
APIPA 169.254.x.x: DHCP Failure Troubleshooting
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network services. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 user reports that their computer cannot connect to the internet after being moved to a new office. The computer receives an IP address starting with 169.254.x.x. Which network service is failing to provide a valid IP configuration?
Quick Answer
The answer is DHCP, because an IP address in the 169.254.x.x range is the direct signature of a DHCP failure. When a Windows computer cannot reach a DHCP server to obtain a valid lease, it automatically assigns itself an Automatic Private IP Address (APIPA) from this reserved range, which only allows local link-local communication and blocks internet access. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the DHCP process and how APIPA acts as a fallback; a common trap is confusing it with a DNS or NAT issue, but those services do not handle IP address assignment. To remember this, think of the mnemonic “169.254 means DHCP no more”—if you see that address, the first thing to check is the DHCP server or the network connectivity to it.
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
The 169.254.x.x address is an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address, assigned by Windows when a DHCP server is unreachable. Since the computer cannot obtain a valid IP configuration from a DHCP server, the DHCP service is failing. DNS, NAT, and ARP do not assign IP addresses dynamically.
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
- ✓
DHCP
Why this is correct
DHCP assigns IP addresses. The 169.254.x.x address is an APIPA address, meaning the DHCP server did not respond.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
NAT
- ✗
ARP
Why it's wrong here
ARP resolves IP to MAC addresses and is not involved in IP address assignment.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common misconception on the CompTIA A+ exam is that a 169.254.x.x address indicates a DNS failure, but DNS is only involved in name resolution after a valid IP is obtained, not in IP address assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
APIPA is defined in RFC 3927 and uses the 169.254.0.0/16 range, with the client performing a gratuitous ARP probe to ensure no duplicate IP exists before self-assigning. In a corporate environment, a missing or misconfigured DHCP scope, a dead DHCP server, or a VLAN mismatch preventing DHCP discovery broadcasts from reaching the server are common root causes. The DHCP DORA process (Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge) fails at the Discover step when no server responds.
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 — The 169.254.x.x address is an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address, assigned by Windows when a DHCP server is unreachable. Since the computer cannot obtain a valid IP configuration from a DHCP server, the DHCP service is failing. DNS, NAT, and ARP do not assign IP addresses dynamically.
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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