In the DHCP server configuration, what does the authoritative parameter specify?

In the DHCP server configuration, what does the authoritative parameter specify?

• A. The DHCP server is the authoritative server for the network, providing correct responses on this network.
• B. The DHCP server will forward DHCP requests to other servers.
• C. The DHCP server will disable DNS.
• D. The DHCP server will only lease addresses from its pool.

Answer: (A)

Ownership of the subnet’s DHCP responses is what this setting defines. When a DHCP server is marked as authoritative for a network, it becomes the official source of IP address assignments and related network configuration for clients on that subnet. That means the server will respond to DHCP requests from clients on that network with correct leases from its own pool, and it helps prevent other DHCP servers on the same segment from giving out conflicting configurations. In a environment with multiple DHCP servers, designating one as authoritative for a subnet ensures clients on that network receive consistent, legitimate configuration from the designated server. This setting is not about forwarding requests to other servers, nor about disabling DNS, nor about restricting leases to only its pool in a way that changes its fundamental role — it establishes the server as the trusted source for that network’s DHCP information.

Ownership of the subnet’s DHCP responses is what this setting defines. When a DHCP server is marked as authoritative for a network, it becomes the official source of IP address assignments and related network configuration for clients on that subnet. That means the server will respond to DHCP requests from clients on that network with correct leases from its own pool, and it helps prevent other DHCP servers on the same segment from giving out conflicting configurations.

In a environment with multiple DHCP servers, designating one as authoritative for a subnet ensures clients on that network receive consistent, legitimate configuration from the designated server. This setting is not about forwarding requests to other servers, nor about disabling DNS, nor about restricting leases to only its pool in a way that changes its fundamental role — it establishes the server as the trusted source for that network’s DHCP information.