What is the purpose of Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)?

What is the purpose of Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)?

• A. Assigning unique domain names
• B. Managing network security
• C. Assigning unique IP addresses
• D. Monitoring network traffic

Answer: (C)

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is fundamentally designed to automate the process of assigning unique IP addresses to devices on a network. This is crucial for proper network functioning, as each device must have a unique IP address to communicate effectively within that network. When a device connects to a network, DHCP assigns it an available IP address from a predefined pool, eliminating the need for manual configuration. This process not only streamlines network management but also helps prevent IP address conflicts, which can occur when multiple devices are inadvertently assigned the same address. The other options, while relevant to networking, do not accurately describe the primary function of DHCP. Assigning unique domain names pertains to the Domain Name System (DNS), managing network security involves various protocols and practices unrelated to static IP assignment, and monitoring network traffic is typically handled by network monitoring tools rather than DHCP.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is fundamentally designed to automate the process of assigning unique IP addresses to devices on a network. This is crucial for proper network functioning, as each device must have a unique IP address to communicate effectively within that network. When a device connects to a network, DHCP assigns it an available IP address from a predefined pool, eliminating the need for manual configuration. This process not only streamlines network management but also helps prevent IP address conflicts, which can occur when multiple devices are inadvertently assigned the same address.

The other options, while relevant to networking, do not accurately describe the primary function of DHCP. Assigning unique domain names pertains to the Domain Name System (DNS), managing network security involves various protocols and practices unrelated to static IP assignment, and monitoring network traffic is typically handled by network monitoring tools rather than DHCP.