RRAS dial-up client receives 169.254.x.x (APIPA) on a private network (192.168.0.0). Connection succeeds, but no resources are reachable (pings time out). What server-side action resolves the addressing issue so dial-in clients receive valid IPs?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Ensure the remote access server can reach a DHCP server that has an active scope for its subnet

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
When Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) assigns an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address (169.254.x.x) to dial-in clients, it indicates the server could not obtain a valid lease to hand out. Without a valid IP on the client, routing and resource access will fail, hence the timeouts.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Private network uses 192.168.0.0 addressing.
  • RRAS is installed; dial-up connects but lacks usable IP configuration.
  • ipconfig on the client shows 169.254.75.182 (APIPA).


Concept / Approach:

RRAS can deliver IPs to remote clients either from a static address pool or by acting as a DHCP proxy (obtaining leases from a DHCP server on behalf of clients). If RRAS cannot contact a DHCP server with an active scope, clients fall back to APIPA. Therefore, the remedy is to guarantee DHCP reachability and a valid scope that matches the RRAS server’s subnet, or alternatively configure a static pool directly on RRAS.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Verify that a DHCP server exists and has an active scope for the RRAS subnet.Ensure Layer-3 connectivity between RRAS and DHCP (no filters blocking UDP 67/68).In RRAS IP assignment settings, select DHCP and confirm leases are obtained.Reconnect a client and confirm it receives a valid 192.168.x.x address and can reach resources.


Verification / Alternative check:

As an alternative to DHCP dependency, configure a static address pool on RRAS and confirm clients receive those addresses successfully.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Merely “configuring the server with the address of a DHCP server” or “authorizing” without actual reachability and an active scope does not solve the root problem.

DHCP Relay Agent is used to forward client DHCP broadcasts across routers; RRAS already proxies for remote clients and primarily needs a reachable DHCP scope.

None: A direct, correct action exists.


Common Pitfalls:

Forgetting to create a scope or isolating RRAS from DHCP by firewall; misinterpreting APIPA as a client-side modem or authentication issue.


Final Answer:

Ensure the remote access server can reach a DHCP server that has an active scope for its subnet

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