Glossary Term: Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP)
The Dynamic Host Control Protocol is used to set up network devices with a useable IP address with little-to-no manual intervention. The protocol, usually used by routers or servers, uses a “pool” of usable IP addresses. When a new device connects to the network with DHCP enabled, it makes a request to the router or server for an IP address. The assigning device will supply an address to the device and will remove the address from its pool. This means that should another device connect there is no possibility of it receiving the same IP address and causing a conflict.