CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) — Question 384

A technician sets up a new printer on the network, allowing it to obtain an IP address. The technician records the IP address and sets up users to print using the information. The following Monday after powering on the printer, users report they can no longer print. After verifying users can access other network shares, the technician prints a configuration page and sees the IP address has changed.
Which of the following is the BEST method for the technician to ensure this will not happen again?

Answer options

• A. Set up MAC filtering on the switch to ensure the printer gets the same IP.
• B. Set up the users to print using the newly assigned IP address.
• C. Create an IP reservation for the printer on the DHCP server.
• D. Statically assign the current IP address to the printer.

Correct answer: C

Explanation

Creating an IP reservation for the printer on the DHCP server ensures that the printer always receives the same IP address whenever it connects to the network, preventing future changes that disrupt printing. While statically assigning the IP may seem effective, it can create IP conflicts if not managed carefully. MAC filtering does not guarantee the same IP assignment in all scenarios, and simply updating users with the new IP does not resolve the underlying issue.