CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)Networking ConceptsMedium
A laptop connects to a new wired network and must automatically obtain an IP address configuration. Which sequence of messages correctly represents the DHCP process between the client and server?
- ADiscover, Request, Offer, Acknowledge
- BDiscover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge
- CRequest, Discover, Offer, Acknowledge
- DOffer, Discover, Acknowledge, Request
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge
DHCP follows the DORA process: the client broadcasts a Discover message, the server responds with an Offer, the client sends a Request to accept the offer, and the server finalizes with an Acknowledge (ACK).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Request must follow the Offer, not precede it, since the client is responding to an offer.
- C. Request cannot come before Discover since the client must first find a server.
- D. Offer cannot precede Discover; the server must first see a request for an address.
DHCP DORA Process
DHCP assigns IP addresses through a four-step handshake: Discover, Offer, Request, and Acknowledge (DORA).
- Discover: client broadcasts for a DHCP server
- Offer: server proposes an IP lease
- Request: client accepts the offered lease
- Acknowledge: server confirms the lease
Memory trick: Dora Offers Requests Acknowledged - remember DORA in order.