Networking Intermediate

What is DHCP?

A protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and network configuration to devices on a network.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) eliminates manual IP configuration. When a device joins a network, it sends a broadcast request. The DHCP server responds with an available IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers.

The DORA process (Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge) handles address assignment. Leases have expiration times, after which addresses must be renewed.

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Linux IPv4: The Complete Guide

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Related Terms

MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit)

The maximum size of a data packet that can be transmitted over a network without fragmentation.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)

A protocol for monitoring and managing network devices like routers, switches, servers, and printers remotely.

A modern, lightweight VPN protocol that uses state-of-the-art cryptography and minimal code for fast, secure tunneling.

DNS Record Types

Different types of DNS entries that map domain names to various information like IP addresses, mail servers, and verification strings.

The time delay between sending a request and receiving a response, measured in milliseconds.

A formatted unit of data carried over a network, containing headers with routing information and a payload with the actual data.

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