The document explains DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), which automates the assignment of IP addresses to network devices, allowing them to communicate efficiently. It details how DHCP works, including the role of a server in issuing IP addresses through a four-phase process, and discusses different allocation methods: manual, automatic, and dynamic. The advantages include reduced address wastage and basic firewall features, while disadvantages highlight connectivity issues and complexity.

1. DHCP
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2. FAISAL
S U P E R I O R C O L L E G E L A H O R E
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4. Contents
• What is DHCP
• How it works
• How does DHCP process work?
• Allocation
• Advantages & Disadvantages

5. What is DHCP
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network management
protocol used to dynamically assign an Internet Protocol (IP) address to any
device, or node, on a network so they can communicate using IP. DHCP
automates and centrally manages these configurations rather than requiring
network administrators to manually assign IP addresses to all network
devices. DHCP can be implemented on small local networks as well as large
enterprise networks.

6. How it works
A DHCP server is used to issue unique IP addresses and automatically
configure other network information. In most homes and small businesses,
the router acts as the DHCP server. In large networks, a single computer
might act as the DHCP server.
In short, the process goes like this: A device (the client) requests an IP
address from a router (the host), after which the host assigns an available IP
address to allow the client to communicate on the network.

7. HOW DOES DHCP PROCESS WORK?
DHCP operation divides into 4 phases.
• Server Discovery
• IP Lease Offer
• IP Lease Request
• IP lease Acknowledgement

8. Processes

9. Allocation
How DHCP Operates
1) Manual Allocation: The administrator manually assigns a pre-allocated IP address to
the client and DHCP only communicates the IP address to the device.
2) Automatic Allocation: DHCP automatically assigns a static IP address permanently to a
device, selecting it from a pool of available addresses. There is no lease and the address
is permanently assigned to a device.
3) Dynamic Allocation: DHCP automatically dynamically assigns, or leases, an IP address
from a pool of addresses for a limited period of time chosen by the server, or the address
will be withdrawn when the client tells the DHCP server that it no longer needs the
address.

10. Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
Reduce address wastage
Preserve address
Provide basic firewall features
Hides internal from outside
Disadvantages
 No direct end-to-end connectivity
 Port forwarding setup
 Some application will not work
 Complexity