Which one of the following protocols may need to broadcast some of its messages?

Select one answerSingle correct

Pick an option to check

Solution

Step-by-step verified solution

Official answer: C) DHCP

DNS and HTTP

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is used by hosts to dynamically obtain network configuration parameters such as an IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server addresses.

When a newly joined client initializes, it does not possess an assigned IP address nor does it know the IP address of any DHCP server on the local network. Therefore, it must broadcast messages such as DHCPDISCOVER (and DHCPREQUEST) using the broadcast IP destination address $255.255.255.255$ and MAC address FF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF.

In contrast:

SMTP, FTP, and HTTP are application layer protocols that run over unicast TCP connections, which do not support broadcasting.

Thus, (C) is the correct option.

Try the question first, then check your work.

Think the official key or this write-up is wrong?

Report error or challenge

Examiner trap

The misconception this question tests

This DNS and HTTP previous year question is Q22 of the GATE CSE 2026 Set 2 paper. Find more GATE CSE PYQs on DNS and HTTP in Computer Networks, or browse all GATE CSE PYQs.

Free diagnostic

Where do you stand for GATE?

Take the 20-minute diagnostic: the 3 topics that cost you the most marks, and a rank range. Or sit 5 related DNS and HTTP PYQs now with no account.

One GATE CSE PYQ every morning

An official question by email at 7 AM IST, with a link to its verified solution. Unsubscribe in one click.

DNS and HTTP in GATE CSE

DNS and HTTP has 18 GATE CSE PYQs across 15 papers from 2011 to 2026. 13 of them are 1-mark MCQs like this one, and it is the only one in GATE CSE 2026 Set 2.

How GATE tests DNS and HTTP

More from GATE CSE 2026 Set 2

Independent practice explanation verified by the GateAI team. GATE is conducted by the IITs; question text follows the official paper.