CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What feature allows DHCP to manage IP addresses based on device MAC addresses?

1. DHCP pooling

2. DHCP leasing

3. DHCP reservation

4. DHCP assignment

The correct answer is: DHCP reservation

The feature that allows DHCP to manage IP addresses based on device MAC addresses is known as DHCP reservation. This mechanism enables a DHCP server to assign a specific IP address to a device with a known MAC address. When a device requests an IP address through DHCP, the server checks if there is a reservation for that MAC address and, if one exists, provides the specific IP address associated with it. This functionality is particularly useful for devices that require a consistent IP address for services, such as printers or servers, ensuring that those devices are easily accessible on the network without the risk of IP address changes. By linking an IP address to a MAC address through reservations, network administrators can effectively manage their IP address allocations while maintaining stability and predictability within the network. Pooling refers to the collection of available IP addresses that a DHCP server can offer, leasing pertains to the temporary allocation of IP addresses, and assignment generally suggests the process of delivering an IP address to a device without the nuance of ensuring the assignment is tied to a specific MAC address.