Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network
protocol that automatically assigns TCP/IP information to client machines. Each
DHCP client connects to the centrally located DHCP server, which returns that
client's network configuration (including the IP address, gateway, and DNS
servers).
DHCP is useful for
automatic configuration of client network interfaces. When configuring the
client system, the administrator chooses DHCP instead of specifying an IP
address, netmask, gateway, or DNS servers. The client retrieves this
information from the DHCP server. DHCP is also useful if an administrator wants
to change the IP addresses of a large number of systems. Instead of reconfiguring
all the systems, he can just edit one DHCP configuration on the server for
the new set of IP addresses. If the DNS servers for an organization changes, the
changes are made on the DHCP server, not on the DHCP clients. When the
administrator restarts the network or reboots the clients, the changes will go
into effect. If an organization has a functional DHCP server properly connected
to a network, laptops and other mobile computer users can move these devices
from office to office.