Overview of DHCP Services

Enables dynamic allocation of IP addresses and hostnames.

Automatically supplies most of the networking defaults that are requested during a system installation or first-time boot.

Provides for ongoing IP address maintenance using a concept of an "IP address lease." Having a lease on an IP address means that if the system "goes away" for a specified period of time without renewing the lease, then that IP address can be given to a different system that requests a new IP address lease.

Assists in reestablishing valid network parameters when a system has been moved from one DHCP-managed network to another.

When a range of currently unused IP addresses can be allocated for use during new system installation.

When the IP address-to-hostname mapping can be made ahead of time (before the system to use it is installed), and this mapping can be configured in the name services database before installing a system.

When the IP address and hostname that get assigned to a system are not important. A system will keep the same IP address and hostname for as long as it renews the lease. However, the original assignment is arbitrary.

When you do not want to choose a hostname for the system and will accept the hostname already registered for the IP address supplied by DHCP. This ensures that the system will be recognized immediately by its hostname.

When existing systems that did not use DHCP before are willing to accept an arbitrary hostname and IP address.