What is dynamic host configuration protocol?

Managing IP servers can be a tough business even for experienced administrators. Keeping track of various IP Servers in an organisation can be tiresome and time consuming. In such a situation, a DHCP enabled-network helps the managers to manage their networks easily and more efficiently. This article explains what is DHCP and why it has become an important tool for network managers to carry on their job.

What is DHCP?

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) signifies a communication protocol which allows network administrators to manage the allocation of IP addresses in a network. Most of us know that when a machine tries to establish connection with the internet, it requires an exclusive IP address. This address is provided to the machine after an internet connection is assigned for a computer.

Why DHCP?

IP address DHCP is a very important tool for network administrators as without this, they will have to enter the IP address manually for every computer in their company. It does not end there. Every time a computer is shifted to a different location, they should manually enter a new IP address for this computer, if they do not have DHCP. With DHCP in place, it assigns IP addresses from a single place. It also automatically assigns a new IP address if a computer is shifted to a different place in a network.

Uses of DHCP

DHCP also automates network-parameters to various network devices. DHCP also makes it easier to bring in new machines to the existing networks. The DHCP server also manages various IP addresses of client configuration parameters like domain name, default gateway, other servers like time servers, the name servers, and so on. Allowing for changes With DHCP, you can make the required changes to your network without having to disturb the end user. All the actions will take place behind the scenes and the end user will not even be aware of these changes. On the other hand, if you are working with static configuration, the user will come to know as the administrators will have to use their machines. Also, with DHCP, administrators do not need to keep a track of which machines consist of which address.