DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) provides a way for computers to get the Internet connection settings they need automatically through a network, even when they are moved to different locations.
DHCP is based on a client-server relationship, in which the DHCP client, e.g. a desktop computer, contacts a DHCP server for its TCP/IP parameters (specifically IP address, subnet mask and DNS server). The DHCP server is typically centrally located and operated by the network administrator.
Since the server is run by a network administrator, DHCP clients can be reliably and dynamically configured with parameters appropriate to the current network architecture. A computer must use a specific IP address that is appropriate to the network to which it is attached and that is not assigned to any other computer on that network. If a computer moves to a new network, it must be assigned a new IP address for that new network. DHCP manages these assignments automatically.
When to use DHCP
- If you want to be able to connect your notebook computer to the Internet via any of the jacks on a network such as PubNet. Presently, there are only a limited number of public jacks on campus that support this type of dynamic addressing.
- If you want to add, remove or change the location of computers on a network that assigns the IP address dynamically.
- If you want to share a single broadband Internet connection among multiple computers on a home network.
How to configure your PC
- Configuring DHCP in Windows NT
- Configuring DHCP in Windows 95/98
- Configuring DHCP in Windows 2000
- Configuring DHCP in Windows XP
Note: If you are using an on-campus Ethernet jack that has been given a permanent IP address by Telecom, you should not use DHCP.