Daniel B. answered 07/08/25
PhD in Computer Science with 42 years in Computer Research
DHCP stands for "Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol".
It is a way of assigning an IP address (and other parameters) to a node joining a network.
A network typically contains one or more nodes designated as "DHCP server".
Each DHCP server is configured with a pool of IP addresses available for lease.
When a new node joins the network, for example, when powered on,
it needs an IP address to communicate with other nodes.
The new node, referred to as "client", runs the client side of DHCP,
while the DHCP servers run the server side of DHCP.
Step 1: The client broadcasts a message to discover what IP addresses are available for lease.
Step 2: Each server sends back an offer with an IP address,
a time limit on the duration of the lease, plus other information.
And each server temporarily removes the offered IP address from its pool.
Step 3: The client then sends a request for one of the offers.
Step 4: The chosen server send back an acknowledgement,
and reserves the IP address for the duration of the lease.
The other servers release their temporarily reserved IP address into their pool.
Naeema N.
Great teacher07/08/25