DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
What is DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)?
The service that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices when they join your network — like a digital receptionist handing out room keys.
Why DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Matters
When DHCP fails or runs out of addresses, devices can't connect even though the Wi-Fi works. Most 'it was working yesterday' network issues trace back to DHCP conflicts or scope exhaustion.
Related Topics
Related Terms
IP Address
A device's unique number on a network, like 192.168.1.24. Computers use numbers; you use names.
NetworkingRouter
The device that directs traffic between your devices and the internet — your network's traffic controller.
NetworkingDNS (Domain Name System)
The internet's phonebook. It turns names like google.com into the numeric addresses computers actually use.
NetworkingVLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)
A way to split one physical network into separate logical networks — like having multiple invisible walls inside a single office.
Networking