Understanding DHCP

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated October 11, 2021)

DHCP is an acronym standing for "Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol." It is a communications protocol that exists among network computers which allows them to automatically exchange networking parameters. DHCP is used quite extensively on the largest network of all, the Internet. Thanks to DHCP, there is little need for system administrators to update these parameters manually.

Depending on the network, there may be many DHCP servers. These servers maintain client configuration parameters, e.g., IP addresses, domain names, default gateways, etc. When a client device is connected to the network, it broadcasts a DHCP request in order to obtain such information for it to use.

DHCP client software is built into the Windows operating system, so whenever a Windows computer connects to a network it engages in a "conversation" with a DHCP server (perhaps through "relay agents"). The client computer then automatically uses the information obtained in this conversation in order to join the network.

 This tip (9985) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Creating a Disk Partition

Partitioning your disk offers a quick and efficient means to make good use of your disk resources. By creating disk ...

Discover More

Using the Hosts File to Block Content

Although there are better methods, you can use the Hosts file to block access to specific websites. This tip tells you how.

Discover More

CutePDF Writer

CutePDF Writer is an extremely versatile utility that allows you to create PDF files from virtually any application that ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Introduction to Microsoft Edge

Windows 10 comes with a nice replacement for Internet Explorer (which is still retained for those who need it). This new ...

Discover More

Using a Blank Page as your Browser's Home Page

The Google Chrome browser tries to be helpful by displaying thumbnails of frequently accessed web sites when it starts ...

Discover More

Enabling a Warning before Closing Multiple Edge Tabs

Tabbed browsing can be a great feature. If you use Edge with multiple tabs open, then enabling an alert anytime you close ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is seven more than 7?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.