The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) provides a mechanism through which computers using TCP/IP can obtain protocol configuration parameters automatically through the network. DHCP is an open standard, developed by the Dynamic Host Configuration working group (DHC WG) of the Internet Engineering task Force (IETF).

DHCP is based on a client-server paradigm, in which the DHCP client, e.g. a desktop computer, contacts a DHCP server for configuration parameters. The DHCP server is typically centrally located and operated by the network administrator. Because the server is run by a network administrator, DHCP clients can be reliably and dynamically configured with parameters appropriate to the current network architecture.

The most important configuration parameter carried by DHCP is the IP address. A computer must be initially assigned a specific IP address that is appropriate to the network to which the computer is attached, and that is not assigned to any other computer on that network. If a computer moves to a new network, it must be assigned a new IP address for that new network. DHCP can be used to manage these assignments automatically.

DHCP carries other important configuration parameters such as the subnet mask, default router and Domain Name System (DNS) server. Using DHCP, a network administrator can avoid "hands-on" configuration of individual computers through complex and confusing setup applications. Instead, those computers can obtain all required configuration parameters automatically, without manual intervention, from a centrally managed DHCP server.

Did that hurt your brain or what ?

Thanks to the folks at the dhcp.org website maintained by Ralph Droms droms@bucknell.edu, Bucknell University.