During which DHCP step does the server assign the IP address to a device?

During which DHCP step does the server assign the IP address to a device?

• A. DHCP Discover
• B. DHCP Offer
• C. DHCP Request
• D. DHCP Acknowledge

Answer: (D)

The IP address is officially assigned when the DHCP server sends the Acknowledge. In DHCP’s four-step exchange, the Discover is a broadcast from the client to find servers, the Offer is the server proposing an IP and configuration, the Request is the client telling the server which offer it wants, and the Acknowledge finalizes the lease. The Acknowledge confirms the chosen IP, completes the lease, and provides the final network settings, allowing the client to use the IP without risk of conflict. If the server can’t fulfill the request, it may respond with a NACK, and the process would start again.

The IP address is officially assigned when the DHCP server sends the Acknowledge. In DHCP’s four-step exchange, the Discover is a broadcast from the client to find servers, the Offer is the server proposing an IP and configuration, the Request is the client telling the server which offer it wants, and the Acknowledge finalizes the lease. The Acknowledge confirms the chosen IP, completes the lease, and provides the final network settings, allowing the client to use the IP without risk of conflict. If the server can’t fulfill the request, it may respond with a NACK, and the process would start again.