Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

Is a network management protocol, used to dynamically assign an IP address to nay device, or node, on a network so they can communicate using Internet Protocol. DHCP automates and centrally manages these configurations. There is no need to manually assign IP addresses to new devices. Therefore, there is no requirement for any user configuration to connect to a DHCP based network. DHCP can be implemented on local networks as well as large enterprise networks. DHCP is the default protocol used by the most routers and networking equipment. DHCP is also called RFC (Request for comments) 2131. To check what is my ip I am using tool to check it.

How DHCP works ?

DHCP runs at the application layer of the TCP/IP protocol stack to dynamically assign IP addresses to DHCP clients/nodes and to allocate TCP/IP configuration information to the DHCP clients. Information includes subnet mask information, default gateway, IP addresses and domain name system addresses. DHCP is based on client-server protocol in which servers manage a pool of unique IP addresses, as well as information about client configuration parameters, and assign addresses out of those address pools.

Benefits of DHCP

• Centralized administration of IP configuration
• Dynamic host configuration
• Seamless IP host configuration
• Flexibility and scalability