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Redirected from: IP address assignment

Definition: DHCP


(Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) The automatic assigning of IP addresses to client machines logging into an IP network. The same address, although technically temporary, may remain with a machine indefinitely unless a conflict arises with other devices on the network.

The DHCP software, which resides in the router or a server, eliminates the need to manually assign permanent "static" IP addresses to devices. In a home network, the DHCP function is built into the wireless router. See DHCPv6, IP network, private IP address, static IP address, IP address, DDNS, APIPA and link-local address.