Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) protocol is used for assigning dynamic IP addresses to systems on a network. Dynamic addressing allows a system to have an IP address each time it connects to the network. DHCP makes network administration easier by removing the need to manually assign a unique IP address every time a new system is added to the network. It is especially useful to manage mobile users. Once a system is configured to use DHCP, it can be automatically configured on any network that has a DHCP server.

DHCP uses a client-server model, in which the DHCP server centrally manages the IP addresses used in the network. DHCP clients obtain an IP address on lease from the DHCP server.

Before configuring the DHCP in client, make sure that DHCP server is ready and also dhcpd is running on the server machine.