Which DHCP message does the server send to offer an IP address to a client?

Which DHCP message does the server send to offer an IP address to a client?

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

Answer: (C)

When a client first joins a network, it doesn’t know an IP address or a DHCP server, so it broadcasts a DHCPDISCOVER to ask for options. In response, a DHCP server sends a DHCPOFFER, proposing an IP address along with other network settings (subnet mask, gateway, DNS, lease time). This offer lets the client see what address could be used and under what terms. The client then selects an offer and sends a DHCPREQUEST to indicate it wants to use that address, and the server replies with a DHCPACK to finalize the lease.

When a client first joins a network, it doesn’t know an IP address or a DHCP server, so it broadcasts a DHCPDISCOVER to ask for options. In response, a DHCP server sends a DHCPOFFER, proposing an IP address along with other network settings (subnet mask, gateway, DNS, lease time). This offer lets the client see what address could be used and under what terms. The client then selects an offer and sends a DHCPREQUEST to indicate it wants to use that address, and the server replies with a DHCPACK to finalize the lease.