- A
The DHCP server is not running.
Why wrong: If the server were not running, clients would get link-local addresses, but internal resolution would also fail; the server is likely running since it has a subnet declaration.
- B
The DHCP relay agent is not forwarding requests to the server.
Why wrong: While possible, this scenario assumes no relay is configured; the more direct cause is that the server is not in the same broadcast domain.
- C
The DHCP server's interface is not in the same broadcast domain.
DHCP uses broadcast, so the server must be on the same L2 segment or a relay must be present to forward requests.
- D
The subnet mask in the DHCP configuration is incorrect.
Why wrong: An incorrect subnet mask would still allow leases, but clients might get wrong addresses; it would not prevent leases entirely.
LPIC-2 Advanced Networking Configuration Practice Question
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of advanced networking configuration. 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 DHCP server running on a Linux machine is not leasing IP addresses to clients on a particular VLAN. The server's configuration file includes a subnet declaration for that VLAN, but clients receive only link-local addresses. What is the most likely issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
The DHCP server's interface is not in the same broadcast domain.
Option C is correct because the DHCP server's interface must be in the same broadcast domain (i.e., the same VLAN) as the clients to receive their DHCPDISCOVER broadcasts directly. If the server is on a different subnet or VLAN without a DHCP relay agent, the broadcast frames never reach the server, so clients receive no DHCPOFFER and fall back to link-local addresses (APIPA).
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.
- ✗
The DHCP server is not running.
Why it's wrong here
If the server were not running, clients would get link-local addresses, but internal resolution would also fail; the server is likely running since it has a subnet declaration.
- ✗
The DHCP relay agent is not forwarding requests to the server.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, this scenario assumes no relay is configured; the more direct cause is that the server is not in the same broadcast domain.
- ✓
The DHCP server's interface is not in the same broadcast domain.
Why this is correct
DHCP uses broadcast, so the server must be on the same L2 segment or a relay must be present to forward requests.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The subnet mask in the DHCP configuration is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
An incorrect subnet mask would still allow leases, but clients might get wrong addresses; it would not prevent leases entirely.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume a DHCP relay agent is always required for cross-subnet operation, but the question's phrasing about a 'particular VLAN' and 'link-local addresses' points to the fundamental broadcast domain boundary, not a relay failure.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
While possible, this scenario assumes no relay is configured; the more direct cause is that the server is not in the same broadcast domain.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DHCP relies on UDP broadcast traffic (source port 68, destination port 67) that does not cross router boundaries unless a DHCP relay agent (ip helper-address) is configured. When a client sends a DHCPDISCOVER broadcast, it is encapsulated in an Ethernet frame with a destination MAC of FF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF, which is confined to the local VLAN; if the server's NIC is not on that VLAN, the frame is dropped at the switch or router. In real-world scenarios, this often occurs when a DHCP server is placed on a management VLAN without a relay, or when trunking is misconfigured on the switch port connecting the server.
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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Advanced Networking Configuration — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this LPIC-2 question test?
Advanced Networking Configuration — This question tests Advanced Networking Configuration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The DHCP server's interface is not in the same broadcast domain. — Option C is correct because the DHCP server's interface must be in the same broadcast domain (i.e., the same VLAN) as the clients to receive their DHCPDISCOVER broadcasts directly. If the server is on a different subnet or VLAN without a DHCP relay agent, the broadcast frames never reach the server, so clients receive no DHCPOFFER and fall back to link-local addresses (APIPA).
What should I do if I get this LPIC-2 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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This LPIC-2 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the LPIC-2 exam.
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