Scribd
Upload
69 views1 page

What Is DHCP

DHCP is a network protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network from a defined range. When a device is turned on, it sends a request to the DHCP server which responds by leasing the device an available IP address along with other network configuration details like DNS servers. This dynamic assignment of IP addresses minimizes conflicts that can occur from manually configuring devices with static IP addresses that may overlap.

Uploaded by

kamarajvm
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
69 views1 page

What Is DHCP

DHCP is a network protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network from a defined range. When a device is turned on, it sends a request to the DHCP server which responds by leasing the device an available IP address along with other network configuration details like DNS servers. This dynamic assignment of IP addresses minimizes conflicts that can occur from manually configuring devices with static IP addresses that may overlap.

Uploaded by

kamarajvm
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

What is DHCP?

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network protocol that enables


a DHCP server to automatically assign an IP address to an individual computer's
TCP/IP stack software. DHCP assigns a number dynamically from a defined
range of numbers (i.e., a scope) configured for a given network.

Client computers configured to use DHCP for IP assignment do not need to have
a statically assigned IP address. In addition, they generally do not need to have
addresses configured for DNS servers or WINS servers, as these are also set by
the DHCP server.

DHCP assigns a TCP/IP address when a system is started. Typically, it works like
this:

1. A user turns on a computer with a DHCP client.

2. The client computer sends a broadcast request (called a DISCOVER or


DHCPDISCOVER), looking for a DHCP server to answer.

3. The router directs the DISCOVER packet to the correct DHCP server.

4. The server receives the DISCOVER packet. Based on availability and


usage policies set on the server, the server determines an appropriate
address (if any) to give to the client. The server then temporarily reserves
that address for the client and sends back to the client an OFFER (or
DHCPOFFER) packet, with that address information. The server also
configures the client's DNS servers, WINS servers, NTP servers, and
sometimes other services as well.

5. The client sends a REQUEST (or DHCPREQUEST) packet, letting the


server know that it intends to use the address.

6. The server sends an ACK (or DHCPACK) packet, confirming that the client
has a been given a lease on the address for a server-specified period of
time.

When a computer uses a static IP address, it means that the computer is


manually configured to use a specific IP address. One problem with static
assignment, which can result from user error or inattention to detail, occurs when
two computers are configured with the same IP address. This creates a conflict
that results in loss of service. Using DHCP to dynamically assign IP addresses
minimizes these conflicts.

You might also like