DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network management protocol used to automatically assign IP addresses and other related network configuration details (like subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server) to devices on a network, allowing them to communicate with other IP networks.
When a device (like a computer, phone, or printer) joins a network, the DHCP server provides it with an IP address and necessary settings so it can communicate with other devices and access the internet. Without DHCP, network administrators would have to manually assign IP addresses to every device, which would be tedious and prone to errors.
Key steps in the DHCP process:
- DHCP Discover: The client (device) broadcasts a message to the network seeking a DHCP server.
- DHCP Offer: A DHCP server replies to the client with an available IP address and configuration settings.
- DHCP Request: The client sends a request to the DHCP server to accept the offered IP address.
- DHCP Acknowledgment: The DHCP server confirms the lease and the client starts using the IP address.
This process simplifies network administration and helps avoid conflicts like duplicate IP addresses.