Which DHCP message is transmitted by a client to indicate it needs network configuration?

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

Answer: (A)

DHCP uses a four-step exchange to obtain IP configuration, and the client starts by broadcasting a DHCP Discover message to locate any DHCP servers on the network. This is the indication that the client needs network settings and hasn’t yet chosen a server or an address. Servers that hear the Discover respond with DHCP Offer messages proposing configuration parameters. The client then selects an offer and sends DHCP Request to ask for that specific configuration, and the server finalizes with DHCP Acknowledge to confirm the lease. So, the message the client sends to initiate configuration is DHCP Discover, since it signals the need and starts the negotiation.