Networking · 08 · 3 min read

DHCP

The service that gives your device an IP address automatically the moment you join a network.

DORA — four messages

  1. 1Discover — the client shouts: “Is there a DHCP server?”
  2. 2Offer — the server: “You can have 192.168.1.23.”
  3. 3Request — the client: “Yes, I’ll take it.”
  4. 4Acknowledge — the server: “Done. It’s yours for 24 hours.”

What you receive

  • An IP address and subnet mask.
  • The default gateway (your router).
  • DNS servers.
  • A lease time — after that the address is renewed or given to someone else.