Define DHCP

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a software utility used to dynamically assign IP addresses to network devices. This dynamic process eliminates the need to manually assign IP addresses. A DHCP server can be set up and the hosts can be configured to automatically obtain an IP address. When a computer is set to obtain an IP address automatically, all the other IP addressing configuration boxes are dimmed, as shown in Figure 8-9. The server maintains a list of IP addresses to assign, and it manages the process so that every device on the network receives a unique IP address. Each address is held for a predetermined amount of time. When the time expires, the DHCP server can use this address for any computer that joins the network.

Figure 8-9 TCP/IP Properties

Dhcp Define

This is the IP address information that a DHCP server can assign to hosts:

■ Subnet mask

■ Default gateway

■ Optional values, such as a Domain Name System (DNS) server address

The DHCP server receives a request from a host. The server then selects IP address information from a set of predefined addresses that are stored in a database. After the IP address information is selected, the DHCP server offers these values to the requesting host on the network. If the host accepts the offer, the DHCP server leases the IP address for a specific period of time.

Using a DHCP server simplifies the administration of a network because the software keeps track of IP addresses. Automatically configuring TCP/IP also reduces the possibility of assigning duplicate or invalid IP addresses. Before a computer on the network can take advantage of the DHCP server services, the computer must be able to identify the server on the local network. You can configure a computer to accept an IP address from a DHCP server by clicking the Obtain an IP address automatically option in the NIC configuration window, as shown in Figure 8-9.

If your computer cannot communicate with the DHCP server to obtain an IP address, the Windows operating system automatically assigns a private IP address. If your computer is assigned an IP address in the range of 169.254.0.0 to 169.254.255.255, it can communicate with only other computers in the same range. An example of when these private addresses would be useful is in a classroom lab where you want to prevent access outside to your network. This operating system feature is called Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA). APIPA continually requests an IP address from a DHCP server for your computer.

Continue reading here: Describe Internet Protocols and Applications

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Readers' Questions

  • dehab
    What is the meaning of dhcp?
    1 month ago
  • DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is an Internet protocol used to automatically assign IP addresses, domain names, and other network configurations to systems on your network. It's used to manage the configuration of devices such as computers, printers, and other network devices on IP networks.
    • Pearl
      Which of the following are ways a dhcp can operate?
      1 month ago
      1. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) can operate in a central server mode. In this mode, there is a central DHCP server that manages IP address assignments and other network configuration parameters. When a device connects to the network, it sends a DHCP request to the server, and the server responds with an available IP address and other configuration settings.
      2. DHCP can also operate in a distributed mode. In this mode, multiple DHCP servers are deployed across different locations or subnets to provide redundancy and load balancing. The DHCP servers work together to handle the IP address lease process and distribute configuration parameters to clients.
      3. Another way DHCP can operate is through a relay agent mode. In this mode, DHCP clients and DHCP servers are not directly connected but separated by a network device, such as a router or switch. The relay agent listens for DHCP requests from clients and forwards them to the appropriate DHCP server. The server then responds to the relay agent, which forwards the response back to the client.
      4. DHCP can also work in a proxy mode. In this mode, there are multiple DHCP servers, each serving a different subnet or network segment. When a DHCP request is received by a DHCP proxy server, it forwards the request to the appropriate DHCP server based on the subnet or network segment the client belongs to. The DHCP server then responds to the proxy server, which relays the response back to the client.These are some common ways in which DHCP can operate, but the exact implementation may vary depending on the network configuration and requirements.
      • Gioele
        Which protocol do domain name system (dns) and dynamic host configuration protocol (dhcp) use?
        1 month ago
      • The Domain Name System (DNS) primarily uses the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) on port 53, but it can also use Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) on the same port for large or complex queries. The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) uses UDP on port 67 and port 68 for communication between DHCP clients and servers.
        • conrad goodbody
          Which protocol do domain name system (dns) and dynamic host configuration protocol (dhcp) use?
          2 months ago
        • Both DNS and DHCP use the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and Transmission Control Protocol (TCP).
          • amalda bunce
            Which protocol do domain name system (dns) and dynamic host configuration protocol (dhcp) use?
            3 months ago
          • Both DNS and DHCP use the User Datagram Protocol (UDP).
            • kenneth
              Which protocol do domain name system (dns) and dynamic host configuration protocol (dhcp) use?
              4 months ago
            • Both DNS and DHCP use the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) as their transport protocol. DNS and DHCP packet contents are encapsulated in UDP packets before being sent over the network.
              • Edward Gibson
                Which protocol do domain name system (dns) and dynamic host configuration protocol (dhcp) use?
                5 months ago
              • Both DNS and DHCP use the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) to communicate.
                • jamie nichols
                  Which protocol do domain name system (dns) and dynamic host configuration protocol (dhcp) use?
                  6 months ago
                • Both DNS and DHCP use the User Datagram Protocol (UDP).
                  • Sabrina
                    Which of the following is an invalid internet protocol address?
                    7 months ago
                  • Keegan
                    What is maintained by dhcp server?
                    7 months ago
                  • A DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server is used to maintain a network's IP addresses and configuration settings, including network masks, gateway addresses, and DNS addresses. It is used to assign dynamic IP addresses to computers and other devices on the network when they connect.
                    • Miriam
                      Which protocol do domain name system (dns) and dynamic host configuration protocol (dhcp) use?
                      7 months ago
                    • Both DNS and DHCP use the User Datagram Protocol (UDP).
                      • samantha
                        Which protocol do domain name system (dns) and dynamic host configuration protocol (dhcp) use?
                        7 months ago
                      • The Domain Name System (DNS) and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) both use the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) for communication.
                        • MICHAEL BRIDGES
                          Where do you define a dhcp policy?
                          7 months ago
                        • A DHCP policy can be defined on a DHCP server by setting conditions or parameters, such as IP address range and duration of lease, which will be enforced when granting IP addresses to DHCP clients.
                          • zufan tewelde
                            What is an example of automatic private ip addressing (apipa) in ipv4?
                            7 months ago
                          • An example of Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) in IPv4 is 169.254.x.x, where x is a number between 0 and 255.
                            • marilyn
                              Which protocol do domain name system (dns) and dynamic host configuration protocol (dhcp) use?
                              7 months ago
                            • Both DNS and DHCP use the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) to communicate.
                              • rory
                                What is the purpose of dhcp server?
                                7 months ago
                              • A DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server is a network server that automatically provides and assigns an IP address to every device connected to a network. It simplifies network administration and helps eliminate the need for users to manually configure their network devices. DHCP also provides other network configuration data such as the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information.
                                • gladys
                                  Where is a dhcp policy defined?
                                  7 months ago
                                • A DHCP policy is usually defined on a DHCP server. The policy sets the rules on which IP addresses can be leased, as well as how long they can be leased, and which machines can receive them.
                                  • klaudia
                                    What is the range of addresses that might be assigned by apipa?
                                    7 months ago
                                  • APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) assigns IP addresses from the range 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.255.254.
                                    • ubalda
                                      Which service can you use on your network to automatically assign ip addresses to hosts?
                                      8 months ago
                                    • Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
                                      • johanna
                                        How does a dhcp server dynamically assign ip address to host?
                                        8 months ago
                                      • A DHCP server assigns IP addresses dynamically to hosts by using a leasing system. When a new host requests an IP address, the DHCP server evaluates the available IP addresses, assigns one to the requesting host, and records the host’s ID and the IP address in a table. The DHCP server will also assign a subnet mask, default gateway, and other network configuration settings to the host. The host then uses the lease to maintain its assigned IP address until the lease expires and the address is returned to the pool of available addresses.
                                        • rebecca
                                          What is meant by dhcp?
                                          8 months ago
                                        • Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network protocol used to dynamically assign IP addresses to network devices. It will allow network administrators to manage network configurations more efficiently, and allow devices to obtain correct network settings automatically.
                                          • RUBEN
                                            Which protocol dynamically assigns ip addresses to network devices?
                                            8 months ago
                                          • Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
                                            • frederick
                                              What is automatic dhcp?
                                              8 months ago
                                            • Automatic DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network protocol that is used to enable devices on a network to automatically request and obtain an IP address from a DHCP server. The DHCP server then allocates an available IP address to the requesting device, and other configuration information such as the subnet mask, default gateway and DNS server. This process makes it much easier for network administrators to manage devices, as the IP address and other configuration data are all handled automatically.
                                              • cindy
                                                Which ip address uses an automatic private ip addressing (apipa) assignment?
                                                8 months ago
                                              • An Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) assignment uses an IP address in the range of 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.255.254.
                                                • alesha
                                                  What server automatically assigns ip addresses?
                                                  8 months ago
                                                • A DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server is responsible for automatically assigning IP addresses.
                                                  • Annikki
                                                    Which network service automatically assigns ip addresses to devices on the network?
                                                    8 months ago
                                                  • DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)