Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

When I first connect a device to a network, I have no IP address. As a DHCP client, I can broadcast a request and the server I am connecting to will give me an IP address automatically according to some pre-determined scheme. Because the IP is assigned according to a scheme, the system administrator does not have to be involved.

• It seems that most modern home routers can act as a DHCP server. The systemd service dhcpcd runs a DHCP client.