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

Two transport layer protocols: TCP provides reliable, ordered delivery while UDP provides fast, connectionless delivery without guarantees.

The seven-layer Open Systems Interconnection model that standardizes network communication functions from physical transmission to application protocols.

DNS (Domain Name System)

A hierarchical naming system that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)

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

A numbered endpoint (0-65535) that identifies specific processes or services on a networked computer for communication.

SDN (Software-Defined Networking)

An approach that separates the network control plane from the data plane, enabling centralized, programmable network management.

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