What technology allows devices to automatically connect to a network without manual configuration?

• A. Zero Configuration networking (Zeroconf)
• B. DHCP
• C. VPN
• D. NAT

Answer: (A)

Zero Configuration Networking is about automatic network setup with no user intervention. It lets devices join a local network and configure basic connectivity on their own by using methods like link-local IP addresses when a DHCP server isn’t available, and by advertising and discovering services through multicast DNS and DNS Service Discovery. This combination means devices can connect, announce what they can do (printers, shares, etc.), and find each other without manual configuration.

DHCP also automates IP address assignment, but it relies on a DHCP server on the network. VPN is for secure remote access, not for joining a local network automatically. NAT translates addresses but doesn’t enable automatic network configuration for devices.