Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, is a client-server technology for dynamically assigning IP addresses to devices on a network. This gets rid of the need to statically give an IP to a device by an administrator. Thus, a device can have a different IP address every time it connects to the network automatically.

It frees the network administrator from the hassle of having to know all the IP addresses on his network and giving valid IP address to each new device that connects to it. Many commercial ISPs use this technology.

It is also used on more complex networks where the connected devices continually change their IP address while still connected.