An IP address starting with 169.254.x.x is a self-assigned address (also called APIPA – Automatic Private IP Addressing). It’s used when a client device cannot contact a DHCP server. This address allows limited communication on the local network segment but no internet access.

Option A: DHCP reservations assign specific IPs from the DHCP server — they don’t result in APIPA.

Option B: Dynamic assignment from DHCP assigns valid IPs in the proper subnet, not 169.254.x.x.

Option D: Static IPs are manually set and would not fall in the 169.254.x.x range unless set incorrectly.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 2.6: Given a scenario, configure and troubleshoot network connectivity.