DHCP

🧠 DHCP Explained: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

Ever wondered how your device magically connects to Wi-Fi and gets an IP address? DHCP is the unsung hero! Dive in to master the DORA process, see real-world analogies, and try a hands-on Cisco Packet Tracer lab.

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📌 What is DHCP?

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and other network settings (subnet mask, gateway, DNS) to devices, making networking plug-and-play!

🚀 Why is DHCP Important?

• No more manual IP setup for every device.
  • Prevents IP conflicts and network errors.
• Scales easily for big networks (100+ devices!).
  • Keeps your network running smoothly.

🛠️ How DHCP Works: The DORA Process

1. Discover: Client broadcasts to find DHCP servers.
2. Offer: Server replies with available IP and settings.
3. Request: Client requests to use the offered IP.
4. Acknowledge: Server confirms, client starts using the IP.

DORA = Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge

🍕 Real-Life Analogy: Pizza Delivery

• Discover: You call around asking, “Any pizza shop nearby?”
• Offer: A pizza place replies, “Yes! We have a deal just for you.”
• Request: You say, “I’d like to place that order.”
• Acknowledge: Pizza shop confirms and starts preparing your order.

Just like this, your device and DHCP server talk and agree on an IP address.

## 💻 Try It Yourself: Cisco Packet Tracer Lab 1. Drag a PC, Switch, and Router in Packet Tracer. 2. Configure DHCP on the router:

Router> enable
Router# configure terminal
Router(config)# ip dhcp pool LAB
Router(dhcp-config)# network 192.168.1.0 255.255.255.0
Router(dhcp-config)# default-router 192.168.1.1
Router(dhcp-config)# dns-server 8.8.8.8
Router(config)# exit
Router(config)# interface fastEthernet0/0
Router(config-if)# ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
Router(config-if)# no shutdown
Router(config)# ip dhcp excluded-address 192.168.1.1 192.168.1.10

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