Automated configuration of TCP/IP with DHCP

The TCP/IP suite has various protocols that must be carefully configured so that networked devices operate efficiently. Setting values by hand is time-consuming and error-prone; moreover, several trends are adding to the need for automated parameter configuration and administration. The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, accepted as a proposed standard by the Internet Engineering Task Force, offers a way to automatically configure network devices that use TCP/IP. These devices use DHCP to locate and contact servers, which return the appropriate configuration information as data. The DHCP servers act as agents for network administrators and automate the process of network address allocation and parameter configuration. Addresses can be assigned and individual addresses can be reassigned to new DHCP clients without explicit intervention by a network administrator. The IETF's Dynamic Host Configuration (DHC) working group is now at work adding new features to DHCP. The author describes the group's work on DHCP in detail, outlines the management of a DHCP service, and discusses new DHCP features, including the version being developed for IPv6