A network technician is troubleshooting a client workstation that is generating an APIPA address () on a newly created VLAN. Which sequence of diagnostic steps represents the correct order to isolate and resolve this DHCP relay issue?
- 1Execute `ipconfig /all` on the workstation to inspect current interface settings and confirm APIPA address assignment.
- 2Verify physical layer connectivity and switch port VLAN assignment for the client connection.
- 3Inspect the Layer 3 gateway interface configuration to verify the active `ip helper-address` statement.
- 4Examine the central DHCP server to verify scope activation status and IP pool lease availability.
Answer
The correct sequence begins with verifying client configuration (`ipconfig /all`), followed by verifying local switch port link and VLAN assignment, then validating the Layer 3 helper address relay setting on the gateway, and finally inspecting the central DHCP server scope status.
Methodological network troubleshooting follows a structured approach starting from the affected endpoint. First, the technician verifies local client IP configurations (`ipconfig /all`) to confirm the APIPA condition. Second, local Layer 1/2 connectivity and VLAN port assignments are checked. Third, because the workstation is on a remote VLAN, the Layer 3 gateway interface must be inspected for a correct `ip helper-address` to relay DHCP broadcasts across subnets. Finally, the central DHCP server scope status and lease pool are checked.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Methodological troubleshooting of DHCP relay and IP addressing failures across network segments.
Estimated Time:1m 30s