Which DHCP message indicates the server is proposing an IP address to the client?

• A. DHCP Discover
• B. DHCP Request
• C. DHCP Acknowledge
• D. DHCP Offer

Answer: (D)

In DHCP, the server’s message that includes a proposed IP address for the client is the DHCP Offer. After the client broadcasts DHCP Discover to locate available servers, one or more servers respond with an Offer that includes the IP address they’re proposing, plus other configuration details like subnet mask and lease time. The client can review these offers, select one, and then send a DHCP Request to accept it. The server confirms with a DHCP Acknowledgement. So the Offer is the moment the server presents a concrete IP assignment to the client.