Section: IT & Technology · NetworkingDifficulty: Easy
DHCP
USUK
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol — automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.
Also: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
Definition
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network management protocol used to dynamically assign IP addresses and other network configuration parameters (such as subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers) to devices on a network. This automation eliminates the need for manual IP configuration, reducing errors and administrative overhead. DHCP servers maintain a pool of available addresses and lease them to devices for a specified period.
Example
“When your phone connects to a Wi-Fi network, the router's DHCP server automatically assigns it an IP address like 192.168.0.15.”
Synonyms
- IP assignment server
- dynamic IP allocator
- automatic IP configuration
Antonyms / Opposites
- static IP
- manual IP configuration
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Related Terms
- ip-address
- dns
- gateway
- network-configuration