When configuring a network device like a printer, assigning it a static IP address ensures that it always uses the same IP address. If a static IP cannot be set due to security restrictions, the next best solution is to configure a reservation in the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server. This reservation ensures that the device (in this case, the printer) always receives the same IP address based on its MAC address, even if the router restarts.
* A. Reservation: A DHCP reservation ties a specific IP address to the MAC address of a device, ensuring it always receives the same IP address from the DHCP server.
Why the other options are incorrect:
* B. Scope: A DHCP scope defines the range of IP addresses that can be assigned to devices. It doesn't ensure that a specific device always gets the same IP.
* C. Lease: A lease refers to the length of time a device is assigned an IP address from the DHCP server.
It doesn't guarantee that the same IP will be re-assigned after the lease expires.
* D. Exclusion: An exclusion in DHCP configuration excludes specific IP addresses from being assigned dynamically. This is used to prevent certain addresses from being given out but doesn't ensure a device will always get the same IP.
This topic is covered under the Networking domain of the CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam.