Understanding DHCP Server : Functions and How It Works

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DHCP Server – In the world of the internet, there are many things that can facilitate network management. One of them, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). This protocol is usually in a DHCP server device and works automatically to recognize devices connected to a network.

DHCP-Server

So, what is DHCP Server and how does it work?

We will cover DHCP in depth in this article. Starting from understanding, function, to how it works. Let’s look at the full explanation below!

What is DHCP?

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a protocol used to facilitate the automatic deployment of IP (internet protocol) addresses to other devices.

Without it, configuration must be done manually on each computer in order to get a different IP address. This of course will be troublesome and time consuming, right? Especially if the configuration is done on a large network.

IP Address or IP address itself is a series of numbers on a device that allows your device to connect to the Internet. So you can access web pages, e-mail, and more.

Now, by using DHCP, IP addresses can be automatically assigned to many devices at one time. That is why this device is widely applied in both small and large scale networks.

The difference between DHCP Server and DHCP Client

The difference between DHCP Server and DHCP Client. In computer networks, there are terms server and client. A server is a device that stores all data, manages, and manages all activities on the network. While the client is a device that requests service from the server.

In DHCP, the terms DHCP server and DHCP client are also known. Then what is the difference between the two?

DHCP server is a device whose task is to automatically manage and assign IP addresses to existing client computers. Meanwhile, a computer / other device such as a cellphone that receives an IP address from a server DHCP is called a DHCP client.

server DHCP usually assigns a unique dynamic IP address to each client computer. So, the IP address sent by the DHCP can expire at the set time.

However, usually the DHCP will renew the IP address period automatically. This is where the advantage of using this device is that even the client computer or sysadmin doesn’t have to do anything.

DHCP function

Here are some DHCP functions that you need to know:

1. Manage and Distribute IP Addresses

In general, the function of this device is to manage and facilitate the distribution of IP addresses to client computers. This distribution process can be done to many devices at once automatically. This means that you do not need to configure each computer.

2. Prevent IP Conflict

IP conflict occurs when two devices have the same IP address. If this happens, the device certainly cannot connect to the network.

By using this tool, errors in sharing IP addresses can be minimized. In addition, it can also manage the distribution of IP addresses well so that the possibility of errors is very minimal.

3. Automatically Renew IP Addresses

The IP address assigned by the server usually has a lifespan or an expiration date. If the IP address is still in use but has expired, you will need to renew or request a new IP address.

With the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, IP addresses can be automatically renewed again without needing to reconfigure them.

4. Supports IP Address Reuse

IP addresses that have been used can be reused by client computers. However, to reuse it, you need to make sure the IP address is not being used by another computer.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server will help you to check if the IP address is off and free. So that the IP address can be reused.

How the DHCP Server Works

When the user turns on the computer and connects it to a server with this service, the computer will automatically ask for an IP address to the server. Then the server answers the request until the computer finally gets an IP address and connects to the network.

For more details about how this works, see the processes that occur in this service.

1. IP Least Discovery

The first stage is called the discovery stage. When the client is connected to the network, the client will look for a DHCP server that works on the network. The client will send a DHCPDISCOVER message to the network subnet using the destination address 255.255.255.255. Once found, the client will ask for an available IP address on the DHCP server.

2. IP Least Offer

When the DHCP server receives a DHCPDISCOVER message from a client, the server will make an offer by sending a DHCPOFFER message to the client. The message contains the client id, the IP address offered, the subnet mask, the duration of use, and the DHCP server IP address.

3. IP Lease Request

After receiving the offer from the DHCP server, the client then agrees to the offer given by giving a DHCPREQUEST message to the server. The content of the message is asking the server to lend one of the IP addresses available in the DHCP IP address pool.

4. IP Lease Acknowledge

In this last stage, after the server receives a request message from the client. The server will send a message in the form of a DHCPACK packet to the client. This package contains the IP address, lease duration, and other configuration information the client may need.

At the stage the IP address is given, it means that the IP configuration process has been completed. After the IP address is given to the client, the server will cross out and mark the IP address in the database they have.

After this process is complete and successful, the client computer can use the network and exchange data with other client computers on the local network.

Conclusion

DHCP is a service that distributes IP addresses to client computers automatically. With this device, a server admin does not need to set an IP address on each client computer that wants to connect to the network.

In addition, with a DHCP server, the possibility of IP Conflict can be prevented because it has marked the IP address that has been used in the DHCP pool. IP addresses that have been used and are in the off state can also be reused (reusable). That’s why many people are implementing this service on their network.

Thus a review hostingflow.com of DHCP for networks. May be useful

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