What is DHCP? How it works?

What is DHCP?

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a protocol. It helps a server machine to automatically assign an IP address to a Device from a defined range of numbers configured for a given network.

Usually when we connect wifi network to our mobile/laptop then wifi router connect it and provide an IP Address automatically. Do you think which protocol is used for this? In this case basically, DHCP protocol is used. (Some Exceptional case wifi router also use static IP Address also).
 

How DHCP Work?

Here is how the DHCP process works when you go online:

1)    Your go on your computer to connect to the Internet.

2)    The network requests an IP address (this is actually referred to as a DHCP discover message).

3)    On behalf of your computer's request, the DHCP server allocates (leases) to your computer an IP address. This is referred to as the DHCP offer message.

4)    Your computer (if you're the DHCP client) takes the first IP address offer that comes along. Then it responds with a DHCP request message who verifies the IP address that's been offered and obtained.

5)    DHCP then updates the appropriate network servers with the IP address and other configuration information for your computer.

6)    Your computer (or whatever network device you're using) accepts the IP address for the lease term.