(
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.