Which of the following best explains how ip addresses are assigned?
Options:
(A) As a new device is connected to the Internet, it is assigned an IP address to enable communication on the
network.
(B) IP addresses are assigned only to servers that host Web sites; user devices do not require an IP address.
(C) New devices are connected to the Internet without an IP address, but are eventually assigned an IP address
once they can be verified by a certificate authority.
(D) New devices are connected to the Internet without an IP address; IP addresses are assigned only for encrypted communications.
The Correct Answer Is: (A) As a new device is connected to the Internet, it is assigned an IP address to enable communication on the network.
Let’s delve into the details of why this is the correct answer, and why the other options are not.
(A) As a new device is connected to the Internet, it is assigned an IP address to enable communication on the network.
This statement accurately describes how IP addresses are assigned in computer networks. When a new device, such as a computer, smartphone, or IoT device, is connected to the Internet, it needs an IP address to communicate with other devices and services on the network.
IP addresses serve as unique identifiers for devices on the Internet. These addresses are assigned dynamically or statically, depending on the network’s configuration.
Dynamic IP address assignment is common in home networks and many corporate environments. In this method, a device is assigned an IP address temporarily from a pool of available addresses.
The device retains this IP address for a limited period, and when it disconnects from the network or its lease expires, the IP address is returned to the pool for reuse.
Static IP address assignment is typically used for servers and networking equipment. In this case, a specific IP address is manually configured for the device and does not change unless an administrator modifies it.
Servers hosting websites, email servers, and other critical services typically have static IP addresses to ensure consistent accessibility.
Therefore, option (A) accurately describes the common practice of assigning IP addresses to devices as they connect to the Internet, making it the correct answer.
Now, let’s discuss why the other options are not correct:
(B) IP addresses are assigned only to servers that host Web sites; user devices do not require an IP address.
This statement is incorrect. While it is true that servers hosting websites typically have IP addresses, user devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets also require IP addresses to access the Internet and communicate with other devices and services.
Without IP addresses, user devices would not be able to send or receive data over the Internet. Every device connected to the Internet, whether it’s a server or a user device, needs an IP address.
(C) New devices are connected to the Internet without an IP address, but are eventually assigned an IP address once they can be verified by a certificate authority.
This statement is inaccurate. IP addresses are assigned for the purpose of network communication and routing, not for verification by certificate authorities. Certificate authorities are responsible for verifying the authenticity of digital certificates used in secure communications (e.g., HTTPS).
The assignment of IP addresses is a separate process that occurs when a device connects to a network. Additionally, waiting for certificate authority verification before assigning IP addresses would introduce unnecessary delays and complications in the device connectivity process.
(D) New devices are connected to the Internet without an IP address; IP addresses are assigned only for encrypted communications.
This statement is also incorrect. IP addresses are not assigned solely for encrypted communications. IP addresses are fundamental to the functioning of the Internet and are used for all types of communications, whether encrypted or not.
Encryption is a security measure applied to data transmissions to protect their confidentiality and integrity. While encryption is essential for securing sensitive data, it is not a prerequisite for IP address assignment. Devices need IP addresses to establish connections and exchange data, regardless of whether the data is encrypted or not.
In summary, the correct explanation of how IP addresses are assigned is that they are assigned to devices, both servers and user devices, as they connect to the Internet to enable communication on the network. The other options provided are inaccurate and do not reflect the standard practice of IP address assignment in computer networks.
MBA,BBA.
I am Smirti Bam, an enthusiastic edu blogger with a passion for sharing insights into the dynamic world of business and management through this website.
I hold a MBA degree from Presidential Business School, Kathmandu, and a BBA degree with a specialization in Finance from Apex College,
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