DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a protocol that provides fast, automatic, and central management for the distribution of IP addresses within a network. It is also used to configure the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information on the device.
DHCP Explained – Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
A DHCP server assigns unique IP addresses and automatically configures other network information. In most homes and small businesses, the router acts as a DHCP server. In large networks, a single computer may serve that role.
For this to work, a device (the client) requests an IP address from a router (the host). The host then assigns an available IP address so that the client can communicate on the network.
When a device is turned on and connects to a network with a DHCP server, it sends a request to the server, called a DHCPDISCOVER request.
