What happens when a DHCP lease expires?

• A. The IP address permanently stops working.
• B. The device reboots.
• C. The assignment duration for an IP lease; when it expires the client must renew or obtain a new IP.
• D. The DHCP server deletes the client's configuration.

Answer: (C)

A DHCP lease is a time-limited permission to use a specific IP address. The server gives an address with a defined duration. While that lease is valid, the device uses the IP. As the lease time nears expiration, the client automatically tries to renew to keep using the same address. If renewal succeeds, the lease is extended. If renewal can’t happen—due to network issues or no response—the client will eventually stop using that address and must obtain a new one, potentially getting a different IP. So when a DHCP lease expires, the current assignment ends unless the client renews or reclaims a lease, and a new IP may be issued.