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Understanding DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

·114 words·1 min
Author
Zain Chand
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DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network management protocol used on IP networks whereby a DHCP server dynamically assigns an IP address and other network configuration parameters to each device on a network so they can communicate with other IP networks.

The DORA Process
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DHCP DORA Process

When a client wants to join a network, it goes through a process known as DORA:

  1. Discover: The client broadcasts a DHCP Discover message looking for a DHCP server.
  2. Offer: A DHCP server responds with a DHCP Offer message, proposing an IP address.
  3. Request: The client broadcasts a DHCP Request message to accept the offered IP.
  4. Acknowledge: The server finalizes the lease with a DHCP Acknowledge (ACK) message.