What is the primary purpose of DHCP in a network?

The primary purpose of DHCP, or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, is to dynamically assign IP addresses to devices within a network. This automated process simplifies network management by eliminating the need for manually configuring IP addresses for each device. When a device connects to the network, it sends a request to the DHCP server, which then assigns an available IP address from a predefined range (also known as a scope), along with other necessary configuration details like subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers.

This dynamic assignment is crucial for networks with a large number of devices, as it enables administrators to efficiently manage IP resources and reduces the chances of conflicts caused by multiple devices being assigned the same static IP address. By automating the IP address assignment process, DHCP ensures that devices can connect to the network quickly and effectively without significant administrative effort.