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Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a service used for assigning automatic IP addresses to devices on a network. With dynamic addressing, a device is automatically configured with IP address therefore it eliminates manual configuration of IP's to devices. DHCP provides safe, reliable, and simple TCP/IP network configuration, prevents address conflicts, and helps conserve the use of client IP addresses on the network. DHCP also supports a mix of static and dynamic IP addresses.
DHCP uses a client/server model where the DHCP server maintains centralized management of IP addresses that are used on the network. DHCP-supporting clients can then request and obtain lease of an IP address from a DHCP server as part of their network boot process.Dynamic addressing simplifies network administration because the service keeps track of IP addresses and reduces incorrect configurations. This means that a new computer can be added to a network without the trouble of manually assigning it a unique IP address. Many ISPs use dynamic IP addressing for dial-up users.
DHCP client support is built into Windows 95 and NT workstation. NT 4 server includes both client and server support.
