What would DHCP snooping do if an unauthorized DHCP server connected to the network?

DHCP snooping is a security feature that acts as a firewall between untrusted and trusted DHCP messages in a network. When an unauthorized DHCP server connects to the network, DHCP snooping plays a crucial role in preventing potential network disruptions or malicious activities. Specifically, it will block messages from the unauthorized server on untrusted interfaces.

This mechanism helps to ensure that only DHCP messages from trusted sources—such as a legitimate DHCP server—are processed and allowed to configure devices on the network. By doing this, DHCP snooping protects against man-in-the-middle attacks and ensures that clients don’t receive false or harmful configurations from rogue DHCP servers, thereby maintaining the integrity and security of the network.

In scenarios where other options might suggest enabling or permitting unauthorized server activity, such as allowing messages or automatically trusting the server, DHCP snooping firmly upholds network security by restricting harmful interference. The capabilities of DHCP snooping thereby create a more secure networking environment.