- A
DNS
Why wrong: DNS resolves hostnames to IP addresses, it does not assign IP addresses.
- B
HTTP
Why wrong: HTTP is used for web traffic, not for IP address assignment.
- C
DHCP
DHCP is the protocol used to automatically assign IP addresses and other network settings to clients.
- D
FTP
Why wrong: FTP is used for file transfers, not for IP address assignment.
Question 253 of 1,020
220-1201 Network Protocols Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network protocols. 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.
During a network upgrade, a technician needs to ensure that all devices on a small office LAN receive IP addresses automatically from a central server. Which protocol must be running on that server?
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 Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is the correct answer because it is specifically designed to automatically assign IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and other network configuration parameters to devices on a LAN. A DHCP server listens on UDP port 67 and responds to client requests on UDP port 68, enabling zero-touch IP configuration for all devices on the network.
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
Why it's wrong here
DNS resolves hostnames to IP addresses, it does not assign IP addresses.
- ✗
HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP is used for web traffic, not for IP address assignment.
- ✓
DHCP
Why this is correct
DHCP is the protocol used to automatically assign IP addresses and other network settings to clients.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
FTP
Why it's wrong here
FTP is used for file transfers, not for IP address assignment.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between DHCP and DNS, as candidates may confuse name resolution with IP address assignment, especially when both services are commonly run on the same server.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DHCP operates using a four-step process known as DORA: Discover, Offer, Request, and Acknowledge. The server maintains a pool of available IP addresses and can also assign leases with a defined time-to-live (TTL), after which the client must renew the lease. In a real-world scenario, a misconfigured DHCP server can cause IP address conflicts or exhaust the address pool, leading to network connectivity issues.
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 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.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Network Protocols — This question tests Network Protocols — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DHCP — The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is the correct answer because it is specifically designed to automatically assign IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and other network configuration parameters to devices on a LAN. A DHCP server listens on UDP port 67 and responds to client requests on UDP port 68, enabling zero-touch IP configuration for all devices on the network.
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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