DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, which is a client-server protocol used to automate the assignment of IP addresses to network devices. DHCP servers manage a pool of unique IP addresses and related information about client configuration parameters, such as subnet mask, default gateway address, and domain name server (DNS) . When a device connects to a network, it sends a request for an IP address to the DHCP server, which responds by delivering an IP address to the device. The DHCP server then monitors the use of the address and takes it back after a specified time or when the device shuts down, returning it to the pool of addresses managed by the DHCP server to be reassigned to another device as it seeks access to the network. DHCP minimizes configuration errors caused by manual IP address configuration, such as typographical errors, or address conflicts caused by the assignment of an IP address to multiple devices. DHCP is made up of numerous components, such as the DHCP server, client, and relay. The DHCP server holds IP addresses, as well as related information pertaining to configuration, while the DHCP client is a device that connects to a network and communicates with a DHCP server. The DHCP relay forwards UDP DHCP messages from clients on a LAN to and from a DHCP server. DHCP is used to distribute IP addresses within a network and to simplify the assignment of IP addresses on a network.