In a DHCP exchange, what is the purpose of the DHCP ACK message?

• A. To inform the client that the server has accepted the requested configuration and assigned it.
• B. To assign an IP address permanently
• C. To advertise available DHCP servers
• D. To request client hostname

Answer: (A)

In DHCP, the final stage of obtaining an address is the ACK, which confirms that the server has accepted the client’s requested configuration and is assigning it. This message essentially says, “Here is the actual lease: the IP address, plus the associated network parameters like the subnet mask, default gateway, DNS servers, and the lease duration.” It signals that the client can now configure its network interface with these values and start communicating on the network. The lease is not handed out as a permanent assignment; it’s a lease that can be renewed when its time comes. The ACK isn’t about advertising servers or requesting a hostname—the roles for those actions occur in other parts of the DHCP process or via different options.