Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is a network management protocol, the DHCP server dynamically assigns an IP address and other network configuration parameters to each device on the network.
DHCP Server enables you to centrally configure, manage, and provide temporary IP addresses and related information for client computers. Clients can use the assigned DHCP address for a certain period, known as a lease. The DHCP Database is a dynamic database that contains data that relates to scopes, address leases, and reservations. The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Database can backup manually or configure to backup automatically.
DHCP scope is a range of IP addresses that are available for lease and that are managed by the DHCP Server. DHCP Reservation is a specific IP address from within a DHCP Scope that is reserved permanently for lease to a specific DHCP client.
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Lease Generation Process
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol uses a four-step lease generation process to assign an IP address to clients.
Step 1: DHCPDISCOVER
The DHCP client broadcasts a DHCPDISCOVER message on the network subnet using the destination address 255.255.255.255 (limited broadcast) or the specific subnet broadcast address (directed broadcast).
Step2: DHCPOFFER
The DHCP server receives a DHCPDISCOVER message from a client, which is an IP address lease request, the DHCP server reserves an IP address for the client and makes a lease offer by sending a DHCPOFFER message to the client.
Step3: DHCPREQUEST
In response to the DHCP offer, the client replies with a DHCPREQUEST message, broadcast to the server, requesting the offered address.
Step4: DHCPACK
The DHCP server receives the DHCPREQUEST message from the client, the configuration process enters its final phase. The acknowledgement phase involves sending a DHCPACK packet to the client. This packet includes the lease duration and any other configuration information that the client might have requested.
