What does DHCP stand for?

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.

It is a client-server network protocol that automatically supplies devices with configuration details such as an IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information. Without DHCP, administrators would often need to enter these settings manually on every computer, phone, printer, or smart device.

When a device joins a network, its DHCP client typically broadcasts a DHCPDISCOVER message. A server responds with a DHCPOFFER, the client sends a DHCPREQUEST, and the server confirms the assignment with DHCPACK. The sequence is commonly remembered as DORA: Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge.

DHCP normally assigns addresses as leases, so an address can later be renewed or returned to a pool for reuse. Routers in homes and small offices commonly include DHCP servers, while larger networks may use relay agents to connect clients with a server on another subnet.

DHCP was first defined in 1993 as an extension of BOOTP. DHCPv6 provides related functionality for IPv6 networks, although IPv6 can also use stateless address autoconfiguration.