Cisco CCNA (200-301)Network FundamentalsMedium
A network engineer wants to configure a Cisco router to dynamically assign IP addresses to hosts on a new LAN segment. Which feature should they enable on the router?
- ANAT (Network Address Translation)
- BACL (Access Control List)
- CDHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server
- DSTP (Spanning Tree Protocol)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network protocol used to dynamically assign IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to client devices. Enabling a DHCP server on a router allows it to automatically provide IP addresses to hosts on its connected LAN segments.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. NAT translates IP addresses but does not dynamically assign them to hosts.
- B. ACLs filter network traffic and control access, they do not assign IP addresses.
- D. STP prevents loops in switched networks and is not involved in IP address assignment.
DHCP Server
A DHCP server automatically assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server information to client devices on a network, simplifying network administration.
- Dynamically assigns IP addresses from a pool.
- Reduces manual configuration and errors.
- Crucial for host onboarding in most networks.
Memory trick: For 'Dynamic' IP, let 'DHCP' do the 'Host Configuration' work!