Which IP address configuration method is the opposite of DHCP?

The correct answer, static IP addressing, refers to a method of configuring an IP address that does not change over time. When a device is assigned a static IP address, it is assigned a specific address manually and retains that address until it is deliberately changed. This method contrasts with Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network dynamically from a pool of addresses.

Static IP addressing is especially useful in situations where consistent addressing is necessary, such as servers, printers, and other devices that require a fixed address to allow clients and other devices to reliably connect to them. While DHCP simplifies network management by minimizing the need for manual configuration, static addressing provides stability in addressing for critical infrastructure components.

In contrast, the other mentioned options do not represent a direct opposite of DHCP. Persistent IP addressing suggests maintaining an IP configuration that endures through restarts but is not well-defined in networking terminology. Dynamic IP addressing refers to a method similar to DHCP where addresses are assigned temporarily and can change on different connections, and manual IP addressing is essentially another term for static IP but lacks the clarity of being distinctly contrasted with DHCP.