What is the smallest IPv4 network prefix you can define within DHCP?

• A. /32
• B. /24
• C. /16
• D. /8

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how subnet prefix length determines subnet size. The number of usable addresses in a subnet is 2^(32 minus the prefix length). A /32 has 32 network bits and 0 host bits, so it represents exactly one IP address. In DHCP, you’re leasing addresses from a defined pool, so the smallest possible pool is a single address, which corresponds to a /32. This is the case for host-specific reservations or point-to-point scenarios where only one address is needed. Larger prefixes (/24, /16, /8) cover progressively more addresses, which is why they represent bigger networks.