Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

CF

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network protocol used to dynamically assign IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network. The protocol operates at the application layer of the TCP/IP model and allows hosts to obtain necessary network configuration information from a DHCP server.

The two tasks that DHCP performs are:

1. Configure IP address parameters from DHCP server to a host: When a host (client device) connects to a network, it sends a DHCPDISCOVER message to locate a DHCP server. The DHCP server then responds with a DHCPOFFER message containing IP address parameters such as subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information. The client can accept the offered configuration by sending a DHCPREQUEST message to the server, which is acknowledged by the server with a DHCPACK message. The client then configures its network interface with the assigned IP address and related parameters.

2. Assign and renew IP address from the default pool: DHCP servers typically maintain a pool of available IP addresses that can be dynamically assigned to clients. When a client connects to the network, it requests an IP address from the server, and the server assigns an available IP address from the pool. The assigned IP address has a limited lease time, after which the client must renew its lease by sending a DHCPREQUEST message to the server. If the lease is not renewed before expiration, the IP address is released back into the pool for other clients to use.

In summary, DHCP performs the tasks of configuring IP address parameters from a DHCP server to a host and assigning and renewing IP addresses from a default pool, making network configuration easier to manage and more efficient.