Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, or DHCP, is a network protocol for the automatic configuration of end devices in IP networks. A DHCP server assigns an IP address to connected clients and also provides the subnet mask, default gateway, DNS servers and further parameters. Addresses are assigned for a defined period known as a lease, following a four-step process of discover, offer, request and acknowledge. Reservations allow devices such as printers or servers to be permanently assigned fixed addresses. The service is provided by routers, switches, firewalls or dedicated servers. In segmented networks, a DHCP relay forwards requests across VLAN boundaries. DHCP reduces manual configuration effort, prevents address conflicts and ranks among the essential basic services of any network infrastructure.