What is DHCP?

DHCP, or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, is a system that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.

Think of it like a hotel concierge handing out room keys to guests. When a device, like your laptop or smartphone, joins a network, DHCP assigns it a unique IP address, ensuring it can communicate effectively with other devices.

In a network, it’s crucial for each device to have its distinct address. Manually assigning these can be tedious, especially in large networks.

DHCP simplifies this process. When a device wants to join, it sends a request, and the DHCP server responds by leasing an available IP address to that device for a set period. Once the lease expires, the device can either renew its current address or get a new one.