What is DHCP?
Posted: (EET/GMT+2)
If you have configured TCP/IP manually for your PC, you know that every computer needs an IP address before it can communicate on the network.
The DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automates this process by assigning network settings to computers when they join the network.
A simplified DHCP exchange looks like this:
- DHCP Discover
- DHCP Offer
- DHCP Request
- DHCP Acknowledge.
Along with an IP address, a DHCP server can also provide:
- Subnet mask
- Default gateway
- DNS servers
- Lease time.
Instead of configuring every workstation manually, administrators only need to maintain the DHCP server.
The assigned address is leased for a period of time and can later be renewed automatically.
DHCP greatly simplifies administration of medium-sized and large TCP/IP networks.
For more information, see RFC 2131. Happy networking!