What is the purpose of DHCP?

• A. Dynamically assigns IP configuration (IP address, subnet mask, gateway, DNS) to clients.
• B. Provides static IP addresses to devices.
• C. Translates host names to IP addresses.
• D. Filters traffic between VLANs.

Answer: (A)

DHCP dynamically assigns IP configuration to clients, including the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information. This lets devices get the necessary network settings automatically, without manual configuration, and helps prevent IP conflicts by leasing addresses for a set period. The usual flow is a client requests configuration, the server offers an address and settings, the client accepts, and the server confirms with a lease. When the lease expires, it can renew or assign a new address. The other options describe manually assigning addresses, translating hostnames to IPs (DNS), and inter-VLAN traffic control (routing), respectively, which are not DHCP’s role.