What does Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) primarily do?

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) primarily functions to assign IP addresses to devices on a network automatically. This process happens when a device joins a network; it sends out a request for an IP address. The DHCP server receives this request and assigns a suitable IP address from a predefined range, along with other network configuration details, such as the subnet mask and default gateway. This automation streamlines the management of IP addresses in a network, ensuring that devices can connect and communicate without requiring the manual configuration of IP settings.

By dynamically assigning IP addresses, DHCP helps to avoid address conflicts that can occur when multiple devices are assigned the same IP address manually. Additionally, it enables a more efficient use of the available IP addresses, particularly in environments where devices frequently connect and disconnect from the network.