As end users, we do most of the standard connections automatically via default settings because there are many basic protocols that will provide the necessary information. One of them is the protocol called DHCP server, which automatically provides the necessary information such as IP address and gateway in case more than one device is connected to the same network.
Many of us do not know what DHCP is because this system already works automatically and connects the devices we use on the same network. However, when things get a little bigger and the number of devices that need to be connected to the same network increases, DHCP server settings may need to be reconfigured. Let’s take a closer look at what DHCP is, what it does, how it works, how to set it up.
What is DHCP?
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, or DHCP for short, is a server protocol that automatically provides the basic information required for connection of multiple devices that want to connect to the same network. DHCP settings can be adjusted via both devices and network settings.
In general, in most cases, the DHCP server protocol works automatically, making it possible for several small devices to communicate with each other and connect to the Internet over the same network. However, in large corporate networks with hundreds of different devices, this server protocol may need to be specially configured.
What does DHCP do?
- IP Address
- Gateway
- Subnet Mask
- DNS Server Address
- WINS Server Address
Even though we are not aware of it, devices that communicate with each other and connect to the internet over the same network actually have some basic needs. Some of them are as above. Unless all these basic information is provided, the device cannot connect to the network correctly, cannot communicate with other networked devices, and cannot connect to the internet. At this point, the DHCP server protocol comes into play and provides this necessary information to all devices connected to the network, ensuring connection security and efficiency.
How does DHCP work?
As soon as the DHCP server protocol starts up, it detects the devices included in the network and first assigns each a unique IP address. Now, the device whose IP address is known can communicate with other devices connected to the network and can connect to the internet, which is the public network, through this IP address. Additional information is also provided by DHCP when necessary.
The working principle is extremely simple; The device sends a request to connect to the network. The DHCP server receives this message and an IP address is selected from the pool. The selected IP address is sent to the client, that is, to the device that wants to connect to the network. The IP address provided by the DHCP server protocol is valid as long as the device is connected to the network. A new device requires a new IP address.
How to make Windows DHCP settings?
- Step #1: Open the settings page.
- Step #2: Open the Network and Internet page.
- Step #3: Select the network whose settings you want to change and click Manage.
- Step #4: Select the Ethernet network.
- Step #5: Click the Edit button.
- Step #6: Click on Edit IP settings.
- Step #7: You can choose to edit manually or automatically.
- Step #8: Specify IPv4 and IPv6 settings if entering manually.
- Step #9: Save the edits.
- Step #10: You’re done.
To edit DHCP settings on your computer with Windows operating system, simply follow the steps above. In most cases the auto-edit option will fix most problems. In cases where you need to edit manually, you should carefully edit the IPv4 and IPv6 settings.
Advantages of using DHCP:
If you are not an IT specialist or are not interested in this kind of work, in most cases, automatic network settings over the DHCP server protocol will greatly facilitate your work. Since the number of devices to be connected to the home network is already more or less certain, it is always much easier to make automatic adjustments.
As the number of devices connected to the network increases and the load on the network increases, it may be necessary to make special arrangements, but as we said, this is the job of experts. If necessary, you can solve these problems by contacting your internet service provider or the manufacturers of your devices. In some cases, such problems can be solved with remote access.
We answered the curious questions such as what is DHCP, what is DHCP, how does it work, how to set it, which automatically provides the necessary information for more than one device connecting to the same network, and we talked about the details you need to know about this server protocol. Always contact your internet service provider when you encounter any problems.
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