Question

What is DHCP?
1) Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
2) Domain Host Configuration Protocol
3) Digital Host Configuration Protocol
4) Distributed Host Configuration Protocol

Answer 1

Answer:

$\boxed{\text{Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol}}$

Explanation:

The term DHCP relating to the computer sector stands for:

• "DYNAMIC HOST CONFIGURATION PROTOCOL" is a computer networking protocol that allows devices to automatically obtain an IP address and other network configuration settings from a server.

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How does DHCP Work?

DHCP runs at the application layer of the TCP/IP stack. It dynamically assigns IP addresses to DHCP clients and allocates TCP/IP configuration information to DHCP clients. This includes subnet mask information, default gateway IP addresses, and domain name system (DNS) addresses.

DHCP is a client-server protocol in which servers manage a pool of unique IP addresses, as well as information about client configuration parameters. The servers then assign addresses out of those address pools. DHCP-enabled clients request the DHCP server whenever they connect to a network.

Clients configured with DHCP broadcast a request to the DHCP server and request network configuration information for the local network to which they're attached. A client typically broadcasts a query for this information immediately after booting up. The DHCP server responds to the client's request by providing IP configuration information previously specified by a network administrator. This includes a specific IP address, as well as a period -- also called a lease -- for which the allocation is valid.

When refreshing an address assignment, a DHCP client requests the same parameters, but the DHCP server may assign a new IP address based on policies set by administrators. DHCP clients can also be configured on an Ethernet interface.

A DHCP server manages a record of all the IP addresses it allocates to network nodes. If a node is relocated in the network, the server identifies it using its media access control (MAC) address, which prevents the accidental configuration of multiple devices with the same IP address. Configuring a DHCP server also requires the creation of a configuration file, which stores network information for clients.

DHCP is not a routable protocol, nor is it a secure one. DHCP is limited to a specific local area network, which means a single DHCP server per LAN is adequate -- or two servers for use in case of a failover. Larger networks might have a wide area network (WAN) that contains multiple individual locations.

If network administrators want a DHCP server to provide addressing to multiple subnets on a given network, they must configure DHCP relay services located on interconnecting routers that DHCP requests have to cross.

DHCP lacks any built-in mechanism that enables clients and servers to authenticate each other. Both are vulnerable to deception -- one computer pretending to be another -- and to attack, where rogue clients can exhaust a DHCP server's IP address pool.

When managing many DHCP servers or DHCP servers in a WAN, users can work with a command line. Users should also be aware that starting, stopping, and restarting affect the running of the daemon.

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Component of DHCP

The DHCP server -- typically either a server or router -- is a networked device that runs on the DHCP service. The DHCP server holds IP addresses, as well as related configuration information.

The DHCP client is a device -- such as a computer or phone -- that connects to a network and communicates with a DHCP server.

The DHCP relay manages requests between DHCP clients and servers. Typically, relays are used when an organization has to handle large or complex networks.

Other components include the IP address pool, subnet, lease, and DHCP communications protocol.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of DHCP

DHCP makes it easier for network administrators to add or move devices within a network, whether it be a LAN or WAN. But DHCP is not inherently secure, and if malicious actors access the DHCP server, they can wreak havoc. Also, if the DHCP server does not have a backup and the server fails, so do the devices served by it.

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Keyword Definitions

TCP/IP stack: is a collection of protocols used to enable communication between devices over the Internet. It includes the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and the Internet Protocol (IP), along with other protocols that handle tasks such as routing and addressing. The TCP/IP stack is what allows devices to connect and communicate with each other over the Internet.

WAN: It is known as 'Wide Area Network' which is a telecommunication network that extends over a large geographic area.

LAN: It refers to a 'Local Area Network' in which the distance is limited to buildings like a school, offices, and residential houses where networks are inter-connected.

Network nodes are the endpoints, communication, or redistribution points over a network that can receive, create, store, and send data along distributed routes.

Answer 2

Final answer:

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It is used to assign IP addresses and network configuration to devices on a computer network.

Explanation:

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.

This protocol is used on computer networks to automatically assign IP addresses and network configuration to devices connected to the network.

It ensures that each device on the network has a unique IP address and allows them to communicate with each other and access the internet.

DHCP uses a client-server model where a DHCP server manages a pool of available IP addresses and leases them to devices when they connect to the network.