What is DHCP?

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It is a system which is used to
automatically assign IP addresses to devices as they connect to the network. When a
device such as a router or computer is connected to the modem and turned on, it will send
out a request to all computers that can hear it, asking if a DHCP server exists. If there is
one, the DHCP server will send back a response saying it is there and ready to assign an
address. This negotiation continues until the server provides an IP address to the
computer, at which point it is able to get an internet connection.