A DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server is a network server that automatically provides and assigns IP addresses, default gateways, and other network parameters to client devices. DHCP is a client/server protocol in which servers manage a pool of unique IP addresses, as well as information about client configuration parameters. The servers then assign addresses out of those address pools. DHCP-enabled clients send a request to the DHCP server whenever they connect to a network. The DHCP server manages a record of all the IP addresses it allocates to network nodes. If a node is relocated in the network, the server identifies it using its media access control (MAC) address, which prevents the accidental configuration of multiple devices with the same IP address.
DHCP servers have simplified the process of managing IP addresses on the Internet and private networks. Without a DHCP server, network administrators would need to manually set up every client that joins the network, which would be very time-consuming, particularly in large networks. DHCP runs at the application layer of the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) stack to dynamically assign IP addresses to DHCP clients and to allocate TCP/IP configuration information. DHCP provides several benefits, including automation of the process of configuring devices on IP networks, allowing them to connect to the internet and other networks. DHCP servers also provide logging and management interfaces that aid administrators in managing their IP address scopes. DHCP servers can provide redundancy and high availability, ensuring that clients preserve their IP addresses even if one DHCP server fails.
