Which network protocol is used for automatic IP address assignment?

• A. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
• B. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
• C. Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)
• D. File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Answer: (B)

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is specifically designed to enable automatic IP address assignment within a network. When a device connects to a network, it sends a request to the DHCP server, which then allocates an available IP address from a predefined pool. This process simplifies network management by allowing devices to join the network without requiring manual configuration of IP addresses, thereby reducing the potential for conflicts and errors in address assignment.

DHCP also provides additional configuration settings, such as default gateway addresses and DNS server information, automatically, making it essential for efficient network operation. The flexibility and automation offered by DHCP are crucial, especially in environments with a large number of devices that frequently connect and disconnect from the network. This promotes ease of scalability and management, which is vital for modern network infrastructures.