Windows server 2012 Practice Test

During a successful DHCP address assignment, the communication between a client and the DHCP server follows a specific sequence of messages to lease an IP address.

The DHCP process begins when a client sends a DHCPDISCOVER message to locate available DHCP servers on the network. Upon receiving the request, the DHCP servers respond with a DHCPOFFER message, proposing an IP address and other network configuration parameters. The client then responds with a DHCPACK message, which signifies acceptance of the offered parameters, securing the IP address for its use.

The DHCPINFORM message, while a legitimate message type within DHCP communication, is not part of the initial address assignment process. Instead, it is used by a client that already has an IP address and needs additional configuration information from a DHCP server. This typically occurs in scenarios where a client may be connected to a network with a static IP address or needs to acquire other configuration details like domain name servers or default gateway information without going through the address acquisition process.

Therefore, because the DHCPINFORM message does not play a role in the successful assignment of a DHCP address, it is the correct answer to the question.