32.1. Introduction to the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
DHCP is a protocol that allows hosts to request and be assigned an IP address on a local area network. It is used to simplify the process of IP assignment, as a single server can manage the addresses of multiple clients. It is also useful for systems like laptops that are moved between multiple networks, as they do not need to be reconfigured for each LAN to which they are connected.
DHCP is usually used on Ethernet networks, although it can be used on any type of LAN that supports broadcast traffic such as 802.11b and Tolken Ring. It is not used for address assignment for dial-up connections—the PPP protocol has its own method of telling clients their IP addresses. Because broadcasts ...
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