What Is DHCP And How Does DHCP Work?


Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a computer networking protocol that provides an intuitive way to assign IP addresses, subnet masks, and other network information to the computers on a network. When you set up your home router and connect it to your DSL or cable modem, you use DHCP. If someone else connects their laptop or tablet device to the same wireless connection, they will also be assigned an IP address by DHCP.

How Does DHCP Work?

DHCP servers help to automatically provide IP(Internet Protocol) addresses, eliminating the need for computers on a network to have their static IP address. It also makes it possible for computers that move from one subnet (a group of devices with their independent network settings to another to keep an active connection without losing connectivity.)

DHCP uses a client-server model where designated DHCP servers, called Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) servers for short, manage the IP address configuration and distribution. When a device needs to join the network, it first contacts one or more available DHCP servers. Then requests an IP address and other required information such as subnet mask and default gateway.

The client device stores its assigned address in local memory, so when you reboot your computer or restart your router, it will know to use the same IP address when it connects again. DHCP servers ensure that duplicate addresses are not assigned. And authorize client access to shared resources such as your attached storage devices or printers on a network.

DHCP DORA Process

Discover

The DHCP client broadcasts a DHCPDISCOVER packet looking for available DHCP servers if the router is configured to be in server mode.

Offer

The DHCP server sends back a reply containing the requested IP address and other information like subnet mask, gateway address, etc.

Request

When the client receives the offer from the DHCP server, it sends a request packet. This is to the server to confirm the IP address offered.

Acknowledge

Finally, the DHCP server sends an acknowledgment packet to confirm that the offered IP address has been assigned.

What Are The Advantages Of Using DHCP?

  • It is easier for users to connect their devices without manually configuring each one separately with its unique settings. This allows them more time for other things while keeping all of their network information in sync.
  • It makes it possible for devices to move from one network subnet or location and still keep an active connection. DHCP helps with the assignment of IP addresses used by other servers elsewhere on a more extensive network. This makes them more efficient in handling large numbers of users at once.
  • It reduces the administrative overhead of managing IP addresses on a network.
  • DHCP servers can also provide other information, such as DNS (Domain Name System) and WINS (Windows Internet Name Service) server addresses to clients automatically.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Using DHCP?

If you plan on moving your devices around and change their settings, it can be a pain when they automatically connect to the wrong network because they still have old information stored in them. It might also take some time for an address to become available if there are multiple requests at once.

Is It Better To Use Static IP Or DHCP?

Static IP addresses are great for devices that will remain in one place and rarely change locations. However, DHCP is more efficient and better if you plan to move your device around and use multiple networks over time. It also makes it easier to keep everything running smoothly since there’s no need to go through the manual process of entering network information every time you connect a device to the network.

What Should Be The DHCP Lease time?

Have your DHCP lease time set for about one day so they can stay connected without causing issues with IP address space availability. If you need them longer, it is possible but not ideal since there might be conflicts when trying to keep track of all the devices currently using an IP at once.

The DHCP Lease time is the length of time for which a device can use an IP address before it must request another one. This prevents devices from hogging all available addresses on a network and ensures that each computer gets its unique settings assigned to them automatically.

Conclusion

The DHCP protocol is an excellent tool for managing IP addresses on network servers and clients while connecting with ease. It also makes it easier to manage the entire connecting devices since they can obtain new information when needed without any manual intervention, reducing administrative overhead over time. However, if you don’t plan on moving your device around then, static IPs are better in some cases, like needing unique settings each time or longer lease times than one day at most.

Recent Posts