CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) — Question 129

A help desk technician plugged in a user’s new computer to a network port. After a few minutes, the computer showed an APIPA address. Which of the following is the MOST likely reason this happened?

Answer options

• A. The WLAN is disabling the NIC card.
• B. The network cable is not attached.
• C. The PC is unable to contact a DHCP server.
• D. The DHCP server is using addresses in the range of 169.254.254.1.

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is C because an APIPA address indicates that the computer could not obtain an IP address from a DHCP server. Option A is incorrect as WLAN settings do not typically disable a wired NIC card. Option B would cause no connectivity, but if an APIPA address is shown, the cable is likely connected. Option D is also incorrect since APIPA addresses are in the range of 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.255.254, not the range mentioned.