If a client system cannot access the Internet and has an IP address of 169.254.10.26, what server role should the administrator investigate?

The correct server role to investigate in this scenario is DHCP. An IP address that starts with 169.254 indicates that the system is using Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA), which occurs when a device is unable to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server. This often means that the device is not properly connected to a network or that the DHCP service is not functioning correctly.

When DHCP is set up within a network, devices should normally receive an IP address in a specific range assigned by the DHCP server. If the client has only a 169.254.x.x IP address, it suggests that it has failed to get the correct IP configuration from the DHCP server, which is essential for internet access. Troubleshooting steps would involve checking the network connection, the operational status of the DHCP server, and any relevant configurations that might prevent IP assignment.

Other roles such as PROXY, TCP/IP, and SNMP are less relevant in this context. The proxy role would not typically be involved with initial IP assignment, the TCP/IP role pertains to the communication protocol itself rather than DHCP server functionalities, and SNMP is primarily used for network management and monitoring rather than for IP addressing. Thus, focusing on DHCP is crucial for resolving the connectivity issue