Simplifying the running of a network of Internet-connected computers, DHCP, which stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, allows network administrators to centrally manage and automate assigning IP addresses in a company’s network. The IP address is the computer’s address on the Internet.
Without DHCP, the IP address must be entered manually at each computer at a company and a new IP address must be entered each time a computer moves to a new location on the network.
DHCP, which is found on millions of networks worldwide, was created by the Dynamic Host Configuration Working Group of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the volunteer group that defines protocols for use on the Internet. Windows and Linux both support DHCP software.
DHCP is an Internet-standard protocol by which a computer can be connected to a local network, ask for configuration information and receive from a server enough information to configure itself as a member of that network.
Client software vendors that support DHCP include FTP Software, Apple, IBM, NetManage, Novell, Silicon Graphics, Cisco Systems and others.
To set up DHCP, you would need a DHCP-supported client and router and a DHCP server. The client is a computer or other piece of equipment on a network that needs an IP address while the router works as a forwarding or routing agent of IP address requests from the DHCP server. The DHCP server, which is crucial to the complete process, is responsible for allocating and renewing IP addresses.
DHCP is also an extension of an earlier network IP management protocol, Bootstrap Protocol. BOOTP, which is the basis for the more advanced DHCP, is used to obtain an IP address from a configuration server.
One of the underlying problems associated with DHCP is typically a DHCP failure and other user problems with DHCP can be caused by either incorrect configuration of firewalls, swapping the PC connected to the cable modem or the loss of cable network connection.
When a problem occurs, all the hardware connections should be checked to determine that everything is properly attached from the network adapter to the router. The network adapter in the PC should also be checked to see that it is using the correct and updated driver.
The network connection configuration should be checked as well as the DHCP server itself. You can clarify this at the Administrative Tools folder of the server computer and in the same area you will be able to notice whether the DHCP server software is still functioning.
What’s more, pinging, which is done in command prompt mode, is a way to test if the computers in the network are able to be in contact with the DHCP server and each other.
In cases where the above suggestions do not resolve the problem, protocol traces will help identify where the DHCP client is generating the request correctly and whether a DHCP server is responding with valid information.
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