The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a standardized network protocol used on IPv4 networks that dynamically distributes network configuration parameters, such as IPv4 addresses, to connecting nodes. When a node attempts to connect to a network that uses DHCP, it automatically sends a request for, and is subsequently assigned, an IPv4 address from the DHCP server.
DHCP reduces the need for a network administrator to manually assign IP addresses or configure parameters. Hosts on a link in a network that uses DHCP automatically configure themselves with IPv4 addresses. The ClearPath MCP implementation of DHCP provides the following:
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An interface property that can be specified with the ADD Identity command indicating if the interface should use DHCP.
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A global property that indicates the default value for DHCP for each interface, if not otherwise specified.
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Duplicate address detection on each address obtained before applying an address.
An interface is regulated by both the interface and global properties to determine if DHCP will be attempted. The value of the interface property overrides the value of the global property for that interface, which enables the network administrator to choose which interfaces will obtain a DHCP address. For example, if an interface has a global DHCP property set to FALSE and its DHCP interface property is modified to enabled, the interface will use DHCP to obtain an IPv4 address.
