Which protocol automates IP address assignment to clients to reduce manual configuration?

Which protocol automates IP address assignment to clients to reduce manual configuration?

• A. DNS
• B. DHCP
• C. ARP
• D. SSH

Answer: (B)

Automatic IP address assignment is handled by DHCP. It provides not only an IP address but also network details like the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information to clients, removing the need for manual configuration and preventing address conflicts. When a device connects, it broadcasts a discovery message, a DHCP server offers an IP and settings, the device requests that IP, and the server acknowledges with a lease. The server assigns addresses from a defined pool and can renew or release them as needed. In contrast, DNS is for translating hostnames to IPs, ARP maps IPs to MAC addresses on a local network, and SSH is used for secure remote login, none of which automate IP provisioning.

Automatic IP address assignment is handled by DHCP. It provides not only an IP address but also network details like the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information to clients, removing the need for manual configuration and preventing address conflicts. When a device connects, it broadcasts a discovery message, a DHCP server offers an IP and settings, the device requests that IP, and the server acknowledges with a lease. The server assigns addresses from a defined pool and can renew or release them as needed. In contrast, DNS is for translating hostnames to IPs, ARP maps IPs to MAC addresses on a local network, and SSH is used for secure remote login, none of which automate IP provisioning.