What type of address is typically assigned to a device that cannot obtain a valid IP address from a DHCP server?

A device that cannot obtain a valid IP address from a DHCP server typically assigns itself a link-local address. Link-local addresses are a type of automatic private IP address that devices generate when DHCP is not available. In IPv4, these addresses generally fall within the range of 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.255.254. This allows for basic local communication between devices on the same network segment, even in the absence of a configured DHCP server.

While public and private IP addresses serve specific purposes in larger networks, they often require a manual setup or a DHCP service to be assigned properly. A static IP address is also configured manually to maintain a fixed address that does not change, which does not apply in this context where the device is attempting to self-assign due to the unavailability of DHCP. Thus, link-local addresses are specifically designed for scenarios where devices need to communicate without relying on DHCP or other configuration methods.