Accommodating New Network Devices: Best Practices for IP Address Allocation

D.

When a network administrator is installing additional devices on a network, and the network segment is utilizing all the allocated IP addresses, the BEST solution to accommodate the new devices depends on the specific network configuration and requirements.

Option A suggests creating a new DHCP scope for the network segment in question. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and network configuration settings to devices on a network. Creating a new DHCP scope means defining a new range of IP addresses that the DHCP server can assign to devices on the network. This option can be a viable solution if there are available IP addresses in a separate range that can be allocated to the new devices. However, if the new devices require a specific IP address range or subnet, this solution may not be ideal.

Option B suggests configuring the DHCP server for IPv6. IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is the latest version of the Internet Protocol that provides a much larger address space compared to IPv4. This option can be a viable solution if the network administrator wants to use IPv6 addresses for the new devices. However, if the network devices only support IPv4, this solution may not be the best option.

Option C suggests configuring the network to use NAT (Network Address Translation) for the network segment in question. NAT is a technique that allows multiple devices on a network to share a single public IP address. This option can be a viable solution if there is a shortage of public IP addresses and the new devices do not require unique public IP addresses. However, if the new devices require unique public IP addresses, this solution may not be appropriate.

Option D suggests increasing the size of the DHCP scope for the network segment in question. This option means expanding the range of IP addresses that the DHCP server can assign to devices on the network. This option can be a viable solution if there are available IP addresses within the same subnet that can be allocated to the new devices. However, if the network administrator needs to maintain specific IP address ranges or subnets, this solution may not be ideal.

In summary, the BEST solution to accommodate new network devices depends on the specific network requirements and available resources. A combination of the above solutions may also be necessary to achieve the desired result.