CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)Network OperationsMedium
A growing organization struggles to track which IP addresses are assigned, reserved, or available across multiple subnets and DHCP scopes. Which type of tool would best solve this problem?
- ASyslog server
- BNetwork flow collector
- CIP address management (IPAM) system
- DConfiguration management database (CMDB)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. IP address management (IPAM) system
An IPAM system centralizes tracking of IP address allocation, subnet usage, and DHCP/DNS integration, giving administrators visibility into address utilization across the network.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Syslog servers aggregate log messages, unrelated to IP address tracking.
- B. A flow collector analyzes traffic patterns, not address assignments.
- D. A CMDB tracks configuration items and assets generally, not IP-specific allocation details.
IP Address Management (IPAM)
A system or tool used to plan, track, and manage IP address allocation, DHCP scopes, and DNS records across an organization's network.
- Prevents IP conflicts and scope exhaustion
- Often integrates with DHCP and DNS servers
- Provides audit trail of address assignments
Memory trick: IPAM keeps your IPs in an organized AM (address map).