Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network protocol that enables a server to automatically assign an IP address to a computer from a defined range of numbers (i.e., a scope) configured for a given network.
Here's how the DHCP process works:
- The client machine sends a broadcast request for an IP address (DHCP Discover message) to the local network.
- The DHCP server receives the request and responds with a DHCP Offer message, which includes the client's MAC address and the offered IP address from the scope, as well as the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information.
- The client machine receives the DHCP Offer and sends a request for the offered IP address (DHCP Request message) to the server.
- The DHCP server responds with a DHCP Acknowledge message, which confirms the assignment of the IP address to the client.
- The client machine receives the DHCP Acknowledge and configures itself with the assigned IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information.
The DHCP process helps to automate and simplify the task of configuring IP addresses on a network. It allows a client to obtain an IP address automatically, rather than having to manually configure one. This is especially useful in large networks with many clients, as it eliminates the need for a network administrator to manually assign IP addresses to each client.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.
