Chapter 5, Problem 21Q

Explanation of Solution

The ways that client computer follows to obtain data link layer address of its subnet router:

• When a client computer is installed on a TCP/IP network (Figure 5-16), it knows the Internet Protocol (IP) address of its subnet gateways or router.
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server is used for dynamic addressing.
• When a client computer is connected to the network, the software which is installed on a computer sends a broadcast DHCP message to any DHCP server that can receive a message.
• The message asks the server to assign the network layer address for requesting computer.
• A server runs corresponding DHCP software package that responds to these request and sends back a reply with its network layer address such as IP address.
• The DHCP server can be configured to assign the same network layer address to the computer whenever it is connected to the network...