How DHCP Works
Applies To: Windows Server 2008
DHCP provides an automated way to distribute and update IP addresses and other configuration information on a network. A DHCP server provides this information to a DHCP client through the exchange of a series of messages, known as the DHCP conversation or the DHCP transaction. If the DHCP server and DHCP clients are located on different subnets, a DHCP relay agent is used to facilitate the conversation.
Note
You must have an understanding of basic TCP/IP concepts, including a working knowledge of subnets, before you can have a full understanding of DHCP. For more information, see the TCP/IP Technical Reference (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=129555).
This section contains the following topics: