After reading this, you won’t hesitate to implement a DHCP server. It will make your daily job or your administrator’s easier!
What is a DHCP server?
DHCP means Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It is a helpful network protocol for assigning IP addresses (unique identifiers) and more network settings to devices (clients) on a network.
And a DHCP server is the network device (software, or hardware) that is in charge of this service, meaning assigning, in a dynamic way, IP addresses and more providing different data needed for the devices to join the network. The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server manages a pool of IP addresses (a table of IP addresses available). It always keeps available IP addresses to be able to assign them to the devices that request them. Every time a device does not need the IP address anymore, it gets back to the pool to use it again.
Complete comparison between DNS and DHCP
Thanks to this, devices can communicate among themselves and get access to network resources without using a static IP address.
How does the DHCP server work?
Picture a device trying to connect to a specific network. First, this device will broadcast (tell to every device) an IP address request. The DHCP server will get its message and offer the client an IP address from its pool of available IP addresses. Then, the device can accept the offer. If it accepts, it can use such an IP address to be a part of the network and communicate within the rest of the devices.
The DHCP server has a mechanism to ensure the efficient administration and use of the IP addresses. It keeps a lease for every assigned IP address. This lease establishes the time the IP address will be assigned to a specific device. When this time expires, if the device needs to continue being connected to the network, it will need another IP address. In this case, it will have to request this new IP address to the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server.
It sounds awesome that a DHCP server is in charge of assigning and reclaiming IP addresses rather than you manually doing it, doesn’t it?
More benefits of DHCP server
Still not convinced? Pay attention to the following benefits.
Centralized control. Through a DHCP server, you or your administrator can centrally administrate the configuration of the network. That means updates and regular maintenance will be easier.
Automation of the IP address assignment. Free yourself or your administrator from the manual assignment and overall administration of IP addresses. It is an endless task that takes a lot of time and effort.
Efficient IP address assignment. The DHCP server has the necessary features to guarantee available IP addresses for devices and efficient use of each of them.
Avoid configuration errors. Manually assigning the IP address is prone to human errors. Having a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server, you can avoid this. A machine will provide the IP address, default gateway, and DNS server, ensuring a correct configuration for the device not to have problems.
Suggested article: What is DDNS (Dynamic DNS) used for?
Conclusion
The DHCP server is a practical solution. Automating tasks simplifies the process of configuring devices on a network. Especially good for big networks.
Cheers!