Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET) Practice Exam

Which protocol is commonly used for dynamic IP address allocation?

1. ARP

2. RARP

3. DHCP

4. TCP

The correct answer is: DHCP

Dynamic IP address allocation is primarily managed by the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). This protocol allows devices on a network to automatically receive an IP address and other configuration parameters such as the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers. DHCP operates on a client-server model, wherein a DHCP server assigns IP addresses to clients, allowing them to join a network without the need for manual configuration. This capability is essential in environments where devices frequently connect and disconnect from the network, such as in homes and large organizations, enabling efficient management of available IP addresses. ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) is used for resolving IP addresses to MAC addresses on a local area network, while RARP (Reverse Address Resolution Protocol) serves the opposite function, mapping MAC addresses back to IP addresses. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a transport layer protocol responsible for establishing reliable connections and ensuring data packet delivery, but it is not involved in IP address allocation. Thus, DHCP is the most relevant protocol for dynamic IP address allocation, making it the correct answer.