What type of allocation assigns a permanent IP address to a DHCP client?

The correct answer is automatic allocation. This type of allocation is designed to assign a permanent IP address to a DHCP client, ensuring that the client always receives the same IP address whenever it connects to the network.

In automatic allocation, the DHCP server keeps a record of the client's MAC address and the corresponding IP address, effectively creating a “binding” that persists over time. This is particularly useful for devices that need a consistent address, such as printers or servers, which rely on a fixed IP to be easily accessible within the network.

The other types of allocation serve different purposes. Dynamic allocation grants temporary IP addresses from a pool and can change over time, while static allocation would refer to manually configuring an IP address that does not rely on DHCP. Manual allocation is not a standard term used in DHCP but may refer to statically assigning an IP outside the DHCP scope rather than using DHCP for auto-assigning addresses. Therefore, the distinction of automatic allocation provides a clear understanding of how IP addresses can be persistently assigned to DHCP clients.