Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is network protocol for
automatically assigning TCP/IP information to client machines. Each DHCP
client connects to the centrally-located DHCP server which returns that
client's network configuration including IP address, gateway, and DNS
servers.
18.1. Why Use DHCP?
DHCP is useful for fast delivery of client network configuration. When
configuring the client system, the administrator can choose DHCP and not
have to enter an IP address, netmask, gateway, or DNS servers. The
client retrieves this information from the DHCP server. DHCP is also
useful if an administrator wants to change the IP addresses of a large
number of systems. Instead of reconfiguring all the systems, he can just
edit one DHCP configuration file on the server for the new set of IP
address. If the DNS servers for an organization changes, the changes are
made on the DHCP server, not on the DHCP clients. Once the network
is restarted on the clients (or the clients are rebooted), the changes
will take effect.
Furthermore, if a laptop or any type of mobile computer is configured
for DHCP, it can be moved from office to office without being
reconfigured as long as each office has a DHCP server that allows it
to connect to the network.
