What is the difference between DHCP and static IP address assignment?

What is the difference between DHCP and static IP address assignment?

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and static IP address assignment are two methods used to assign IP addresses to devices on a network. The main difference between the two is how the IP address is assigned.

DHCP:

DHCP is a network protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network. When a device connects to the network, it sends a DHCP request to a DHCP server, which then assigns a temporary IP address to the device from a pool of available addresses. This temporary IP address is leased to the device for a specific amount of time, after which it may be reassigned to another device.

Static IP address assignment:

Static IP address assignment involves manually configuring a specific IP address for a device on a network. This means that the IP address does not change and is permanently assigned to the device. Static IP addresses are typically used for devices that require a consistent and reliable connection, such as servers or printers.

In summary, the main difference between DHCP and static IP address assignment is that DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network, while static IP address assignment involves manually configuring specific IP addresses for devices.

For more information about DHCP and static IP address assignment, please refer to our related articles on networking and network protocols.