DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, which is a network protocol used to automate the process of configuring devices on IP networks. DHCP allows hosts to obtain required TCP/IP configuration information from a DHCP server, such as the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. DHCP is a client-server protocol in which servers manage a pool of unique IP addresses, as well as information about client configuration parameters. When a DHCP-enabled client connects to a network, it sends a request to the DHCP server, which assigns an IP address out of the address pool. DHCP provides a range of benefits to network administrators, such as reliable IP address configuration, efficient IP address changes, and simplified IP address scheme changes. DHCP also assigns related networking parameters, including subnet mask, default gateway address, and domain name server (DNS) . DHCP is used to minimize configuration errors caused by manual IP address configuration and address conflicts caused by the assignment of an IP address to multiple devices. DHCP is an IEEE standard based on the older BOOTP protocol.