Why is it important to activate a DHCP scope after creating it?

Activating a DHCP scope is essential because it enables the DHCP server to begin assigning IP addresses and related configuration options to clients on the network. When a scope is created, it defines a range of IP addresses that the DHCP server can lease to clients, along with other settings such as subnet mask, gateway, and DNS servers. Until the scope is activated, the DHCP server does not offer any IP addresses to clients, meaning that devices attempting to connect to the network will not receive an IP address and could potentially fail to communicate effectively.

This activation process allows the DHCP server to start processing requests from clients, managing the distribution of IP addresses as they come online. It is a crucial step in making a DHCP scope functional, ensuring that devices can join the network seamlessly and obtain necessary configuration details automatically, thus enhancing overall network management and usability.