What is the function of DHCP in a network?

The function of DHCP, or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, in a network is to automatically assign IP addresses to devices. This is crucial for simplifying network configuration and management. When a device connects to a network, DHCP allows it to request an IP address from a pool of available addresses maintained by the DHCP server. This automation eliminates the need for network administrators to manually assign static IP addresses to each device, significantly reducing configuration errors and ensuring that devices can quickly and reliably join the network. Additionally, DHCP can also provide other important configuration information, such as the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server addresses, further facilitating seamless network connectivity.