What are the 3 requirements to connect to a network?

• A. IP address, DNS, subnet
• B. IP address, subnet, hostname
• C. IP address, gateway, subnet
• D. MAC address, gateway, subnet

Answer: (C)

To connect to a network you need essential pieces that let your device participate in IP communication and reach other networks. An IP address identifies your device on the network, so packets know where they’re coming from and where to go. The subnet (subnet mask) defines the local network boundary, so your device can tell which other devices are on the same local network and which destinations require routing. The default gateway provides the route to outside networks—the router that forwards your traffic toward other networks or the internet. Without an IP address, you can’t communicate at the IP level; without a subnet mask, you can’t determine local versus remote destinations; without a gateway, you can’t reach networks beyond your local subnet.

DNS and hostname aren’t required to connect. DNS is for translating domain names to IP addresses, and a hostname is just a human-friendly label; neither is needed just to establish basic network connectivity. MAC addresses are used on the local link for frame delivery, but the key trio that enables initial network connection and routing is the IP address, the subnet, and the gateway.