Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network management protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and manages device configurations on networks, eliminating the need for manual IP assignment. It involves components such as DHCP servers, clients, and IP address pools, and operates on both local and enterprise networks. DHCP also facilitates the configuration of subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server information for devices connecting to the network.
Dynamic Host ConfigurationProtocol (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 IP (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.
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DHCP can beimplemented 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.
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DHCP does thefollowing: DHCP manages the provision of all the nodes or devices added or dropped from the network. DHCP maintains the unique IP address of the host using a DHCP server. It sends a request to the DHCP server whenever a client/node/device, which is configured to work with DHCP, connects to a network. The server acknowledges by providing an IP address to the client/node/device. DHCP is also used to configure the proper subnet mask, default gateway and DNS server information on the node or device.
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There are manyversions of DCHP are available for use in IPV4 (Internet Protocol Version 4) and IPV6 (Internet Protocol Version 6). Components of DHCP: When working with DHCP, it is important to understand all of the components. Following are the list of components: DHCP Server: DHCP server is a networked device running the DCHP service that holds IP addresses and related configuration information. This is typically a server or a router but could be anything that acts as a host, such as an SD-WAN appliance.
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DHCP client:DHCP client is the endpoint that receives configuration information from a DHCP server. This can be any device like computer, laptop, IoT endpoint or anything else that requires connectivity to the network. Most of the devices are configured to receive DHCP information by default. IP address pool: IP address pool is the range of addresses that are available to DHCP clients. IP addresses are typically handed out sequentially from lowest to the highest.
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Subnet: Subnetis the partitioned segments of the IP networks. Subnet is used to keep networks manageable. Lease: Lease is the length of time for which a DHCP client holds the IP address information. When a lease expires, the client has to renew it. DHCP relay: A host or router that listens for client messages being broadcast on that network and then forwards them to a configured server. The server then sends responses back to the relay agent that passes them along to the client. DHCP relay can be used to centralize DHCP servers instead of having a server on each subnet.