Which method is used to validate DHCP messages in a network?

DHCP Snooping is a security feature that helps to validate DHCP messages in a network. This method functions by allowing the switch to build and maintain a DHCP binding table, which contains information about the IP addresses that have been assigned to devices on the network. By examining DHCP traffic, the switch can determine which ports are trusted to relay DHCP messages and which are untrusted, effectively filtering out malicious or rogue DHCP servers that might try to assign IP addresses inappropriately.

This security mechanism is crucial for protecting the network from DHCP spoofing attacks, where an unauthorized device poses as a legitimate DHCP server. It helps ensure that only valid DHCP responses from trusted servers reach the clients, thereby maintaining the integrity of the address assignment process.

Other methods listed do not serve the same validation purpose. While DHCP filtering and broadcasting are terms associated with managing IP address assignments and network traffic, they do not specifically relate to the validation of DHCP messages like DHCP Snooping does.