Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a protocol that provides a means to dynamically allocate IP addresses to computers on a local area network, as well as the Internet.

Description
The system administrator determines a range of IP addresses to be dynamically assigned, and each client computer on the LAN has its TCP/IP software configured to request an IP address from the DHCP server. The request and grant process uses a lease concept with a controllable time period.

History
DHCP is defined in RFC 2131. Microsoft introduced DHCP in version 3.5 of their Windows NT server software in late 1994.