To connect a device to a network, which items are required?

To connect a device to a network, which items are required?

• A. IP address, subnet mask, gateway
• B. MAC address and DNS server
• C. Only an IP address
• D. Subnet mask and gateway

Answer: (A)

Connecting a device to a network requires three pieces of IP configuration: an IP address to identify the device on the network, a subnet mask to separate the local network from remote addresses, and a default gateway to route traffic to networks outside the local subnet. The IP address gives the device a unique identity on its network segment. The subnet mask works with that address to determine which addresses are on the same local network and which must be sent elsewhere. The gateway is the route out of the local network, allowing traffic to reach other networks or the internet. DNS servers are helpful for resolving names, but basic connectivity doesn’t require them. The MAC address is the hardware address used on the local link, but without IP configuration you can’t participate in IP routing. Therefore, the combination of IP address, subnet mask, and gateway is what enables a device to connect and communicate beyond its immediate local network.

Connecting a device to a network requires three pieces of IP configuration: an IP address to identify the device on the network, a subnet mask to separate the local network from remote addresses, and a default gateway to route traffic to networks outside the local subnet. The IP address gives the device a unique identity on its network segment. The subnet mask works with that address to determine which addresses are on the same local network and which must be sent elsewhere. The gateway is the route out of the local network, allowing traffic to reach other networks or the internet. DNS servers are helpful for resolving names, but basic connectivity doesn’t require them. The MAC address is the hardware address used on the local link, but without IP configuration you can’t participate in IP routing. Therefore, the combination of IP address, subnet mask, and gateway is what enables a device to connect and communicate beyond its immediate local network.