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Network Client ManagementmediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

LPIC-2 Network Client Management Practice Question

Exhibit

subnet 192.168.1.0 netmask 255.255.255.0 {
  range 192.168.1.100 192.168.1.200;
}
subnet 192.168.2.0 netmask 255.255.255.0 {
  range 192.168.2.100 192.168.2.200;
}
host special {
  hardware ethernet 08:00:27:ab:cd:ef;
  fixed-address 192.168.2.10;
}

Refer to the exhibit. A client with MAC address 08:00:27:ab:cd:ef on the 192.168.1.0/24 network receives IP 192.168.2.10 instead of an IP from the 192.168.1.0 subnet. What is the most likely explanation?

⚠ Common exam trap

Test-takers frequently assume a relay agent or client misconfiguration is responsible, but the real issue is the DHCP server's host declaration overriding subnet pool selection with a fixed-address from a different subnet.

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 server's host declaration assigns a fixed-address from a different subnet.

The DHCP server's host declaration explicitly assigns a fixed-address to the client's MAC address (08:00:27:ab:cd:ef) from a different subnet (192.168.2.10). In ISC DHCP, the 'host' block with a 'fixed-address' directive overrides any subnet pool selection, forcing the server to offer that specific IP regardless of the relay agent or client's subnet. This is a common misconfiguration when administrators copy host declarations between subnet definitions without updating the address.

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 relay agent is misconfigured and forwards requests to the wrong subnet.

    Why it's wrong here

    Incorrect. The relay agent would affect which subnet pool is used, but the fixed-address host entry takes precedence regardless.

  • The client's network interface is set to a static IP address.

    Why it's wrong here

    Incorrect. If the client had a static IP, it would not send DHCP requests; dynamic assignment would not occur.

  • The server's host declaration assigns a fixed-address from a different subnet.

    Why this is correct

    Correct. The host entry for the client's MAC assigns an IP from 192.168.2.0, overriding the subnet automation.

  • The client sent a DHCP request with an incorrect subnet mask.

    Why it's wrong here

    Incorrect. The client's subnet mask does not affect which IP the server assigns; the server uses its configuration.

Visual reference

Client DHCP Server 1 Discover (broadcast) 2 Offer (IP: 192.168.1.10) 3 Request (I accept) 4 Acknowledge (lease confirmed) DORA — the four-step DHCP lease process

Quick reference

Access Control Model Comparison

ModelAcronymWho Controls Access?Best For
Discretionary Access ControlDACResource ownerSmall teams, file shares
Mandatory Access ControlMACSystem / security labelsClassified govt / military
Role-Based Access ControlRBACAdministrator (via roles)Enterprise environments
Attribute-Based Access ControlABACPolicy engine (user + resource attributes)Fine-grained, dynamic policies
Rule-Based Access ControlRuBACSystem rules / ACLsFirewall rules, network ACLs

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JA

Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

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.