Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network management protocol used to dynamically assign an IP address to any new node entering the network.

DHCP is an automated method by which any newly added or transferred node in a network can be assigned or reassigned an IP address instantly.

DHCP does the following:

1. Manages the provision of all the nodes added
2. maintains the unique IP address of the host
3. Sends a request to the DHCP server whenever a client/node, which is configured to work with DHCP, connects to a network.

The DHCP server has many duties:

1. A DHCP server is configured to manage the provision of the IP addresses and is an essential requirement to run DHCP protocol.
2. for DHCP to operate, the clients need to be configured. When a DHCP-aware client connects to the network, the client broadcasts a request to the DHCP server for the network settings.
3. The server responds to the client’s request by providing the necessary IP configuration information
4. The DHCP server is ideally suited in scenarios where there are a regular inclusion and exclusion of network nodes like wireless hotspots.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is known as RFC 2131.

References :

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). retrieved from https://www.techopedia.com/definition/11337/dynamic-host-configuration-protocol-dhcp