Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) - RFC 2131

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) provides configuration parameters to Internet hosts. DHCP consists of two components: a protocol for delivering host-specific configuration parameters from a DHCP server to a host and a mechanism for allocation of network addresses to hosts. DHCP is built on a client-server model, where designated DHCP server hosts allocate network addresses and deliver configuration parameters to dynamically configured hosts. The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) provides a framework for passing configuration information to hosts on a TCPIP network. DHCP is based on the Bootstrap Protocol (BOOTP).
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) gives IP addresses to hosts. It allows easier administration and works well in small to even very large network environments. All types of hardware can be used as a DHCP server. Here is a list of the information a DHCP server can provide: IP address, Subnet mask, Domain name, Default gateway (routers), DNS, WINS information.
DHCP supports three mechanisms for IP address allocation. In "automatic allocation", DHCP assigns a permanent IP address to a client. In "dynamic allocation", DHCP assigns an IP address to a client for a limited period of time. In "manual allocation", a client's IP address is assigned by the network administrator, and DHCP is used simply to convey the assigned address to the client.

Reference:
Information science Institute. (1981). Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. Retrieved August 22, 2009, from http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc02131.txt?number=2131