DHCP Meaning: Here’s What It Means and How to Use It

You’ve likely seen the acronym DHCP before, but do you know what it stands for or what it means? Don’t worry, we’ll tell you. 

In this article, we’re exploring the acronym DHCP to uncover its definition and more. 

What Does DHCP Stand For?

Simply stated, the acronym DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. Unless you happen to hail from the tech industry, you might need a bit more information than just that alone.

DHCP is further defined as the automatic assigning of an IP address to client machines as they are logging into an IP network. 

Although it is a temporary address, that same address may remain with a machine indefinitely; the only time this does not happen is when a conflict arises with other devices on the network. 

In today’s technologically advanced society, the DHCP software now resides in most routers or servers. This upgrade essentially eliminates the need to assign permanent or static IP addresses to devices. 

How to Properly Use DHCP in a Sentence?

Below are many examples of the proper usage of DHCP in a sentence:

I learned a few things not included by default; for instance, the DHCP service does not provide a dynamic allocation of IP numbers.

John let us know that the TCP/IP stack supports not only the WINS protocols but also both BOOTP and DHCP.

Please let it be known that you will inevitably need to recompile the kernel for DHCP support due to the current situation.

How Does DHCP Work?

DHCP is essentially an undercover mechanism; what we mean is that it automates the assignment of IP addresses to fixed and mobile hosts.

Luckily the process itself is pretty seamless. To start, when a device wants access to a network using DHCP, it sends a request for an IP address that is then picked up by the DHCP server. 

The DHCP server then pulls an IP address from its pool of addresses that it manages before delivering the IP address to the device mentioned above. 

Afterward, the device and the use of the IP address are monitored by the DHCP server, who then takes back the IP address at a predetermined time or when the device shuts down.

From there, the IP address is returned to the pool of IP addresses to be reassigned to another device at a later date and time.

What Are the Various Components When Working With DHCP?

‘As you dive deeper into the meaning behind DHCP, it is crucial to understand all of its components. 

Below we have compiled a list of all the essential components and their meanings:

• DHCP client – receives configuration information from a DHCP server
• DHCP relay – host or router that listens in for client messages, afterward, forwarding them to a configured server.
• DHCP server – holds all IP addresses as well as related configuration information.
• IP address pool – typically handed out sequentially from lowest to highest, the IP address pool is the range of IP addresses available to the client.
• Lease – a term used to define the length of time a DHCP client may hold the IP address information. If a lease expires, the client will need to renew their lease.
• Subnet – a partitioned segment of an IP network

What Are the Benefits of DHCP?

Properly utilizing DHCP can provide a range of benefits to network administrators. Below we have listed the key benefits of DHCP to help further grasp its meaning and uses:

• Reliable IP address configuration
• Reduced network administration
• IP address optimization and mobility
• Utilizing a central location, the ability to define TCP/IP configurations as well as the ability to assign a wide variety of added TCP/IP configuration values.
• Efficient change management

Other Technology Terms to Know

Tech terms come up more and more as we move further into a more technologically advanced day and age. From DHCP to cloud computing and over to BYOD, these terms come up in meetings; you hear them in meetings and in conversations with others. 

That’s why it is imperative to get ahead of the game and not just rely on your IT team to save the day. 

Below we have compiled a list of some of the top tech terms to help you get a better grasp on all things tech talk:

• BYOD or Bring Your Own Device – acronym for allowing employees to bring personally owned smartphones, tablets, and even laptops (all personally owned devices) to the office. The employee can use their personal device to accomplish their daily tasks and access company information, data, and company applications.
• BI or Business Intelligence – literally an umbrella term for all items and practices that may help organizations optimize performance and decisions.
• GDPR or General Data Protection – encompasses a set of rules that harmonizes privacy protection laws for individuals in multiple countries.
• PCI DSS or Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard – essentially the standard for all policies related to credit card information.

Conclusion

Thankfully, DHCP or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol exists, or our network administrators would have to manually parcel out every individual IP address from the available pool. 

While inefficient and error-prone, this process would be brutally time-consuming as well. Fortunately for us, DHCP does exist.

At the time of this article, all Windows-based client operating systems now include (also enabled by default) the DHCP client. 

Sources:

1. What is DHCP? | Techopedia 
2. Here’s how technology has changed the world since 2000 | World Economic Forum
3. Glossary of Technology Terms | ASU