How does DHCP assign IP addresses?

DHCP, or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, assigns IP addresses to devices on a network through a four-step process: discovery, offer, request, and acknowledgment.

1. Discovery: The client device sends out a DHCPDISCOVER message to the local network to find a DHCP server.
2. Offer: Upon receiving the request, the DHCP server responds with a DHCPOFFER message, proposing an IP address along with other network configuration parameters like subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server addresses.
3. Request: The client then selects one of the offers it receives and sends a DHCPREQUEST message back to the chosen DHCP server to accept the offered configuration.
4. Acknowledgment: Finally, the DHCP server sends a DHCPACK message to confirm the assignment of the IP address and other configuration details to the client.

Example: Imagine a new laptop is connected to a coffee shop's Wi-Fi. The laptop sends out a DHCPDISCOVER message. The DHCP server on the coffee shop's network responds with a DHCPOFFER, proposing an IP address of 192.168.1.100. The laptop accepts this offer with a DHCPREQUEST, and the DHCP server acknowledges with a DHCPACK, officially assigning the IP address to the laptop.

For businesses looking to manage their IP address assignments more efficiently, cloud-based solutions like Tencent Cloud offer DHCP services that can be integrated into their network infrastructure, providing scalability and centralized management.