What is the primary purpose of the DHCP server in a network?

The primary purpose of the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server in a network is to assign IP addresses dynamically to devices on the network. DHCP automates the process of IP address assignment, enabling devices such as computers, printers, and smartphones to receive an IP address automatically when they connect to the network. This eliminates the need for network administrators to manually configure IP addresses for each device, significantly reducing the risk of IP address conflicts and simplifying network management.

When a device connects to the network, it sends a request to the DHCP server, which then responds with an available IP address from a predefined range. The DHCP server also provides other configuration information, such as the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server addresses, allowing devices to communicate effectively on the network. The dynamic nature of DHCP helps ensure that IP addresses are used efficiently, allowing for easier integration of new devices into the network and better scalability.