In a TCP/IP network, what is the primary purpose of a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server?

Introduction / Context:
Modern networks often contain many end devices, and manually configuring every host with an IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS information is time-consuming and error prone. DHCP was designed to automate this process and centralize IP address management, making network administration more efficient and reducing configuration mistakes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are working in an IPv4 environment using TCP/IP.
• Hosts require IP addresses and related settings to communicate on the network.
• A server running the DHCP service is available on the network.
• The question asks specifically about the main purpose of this server.

Concept / Approach:
DHCP is responsible for dynamically allocating IP configuration to clients. When a client boots and requests an address, the DHCP server selects an available address from its configured scope and sends it to the client, along with the subnet mask, default gateway, DNS server addresses, and possibly other options. This eliminates the need for static configuration on each device and allows addresses to be reused efficiently through leases. The correct answer must focus on automatic IP configuration, not on unrelated services like email or name resolution.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Identify the core need: hosts must obtain IP configuration before they can communicate.2. Recognize that DHCP is specifically designed to assign IP addresses and related parameters dynamically.3. Note that tasks such as translating URLs to IPs belong to DNS, not DHCP.4. Translating IP to MAC on the local segment is performed by ARP, not by DHCP.5. Therefore, the best description of DHCP's purpose is automatic provision of IP configuration information to hosts.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this behavior on a client by observing the DHCP negotiation process using packet capture tools. The client sends a DHCPDISCOVER, the server replies with an offer, and then the client requests and receives an IP configuration. This exchange clearly shows that the DHCP server distributes IP configuration parameters, not email, DNS name resolution, or MAC translations.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A describes an email or messaging server, which is unrelated to DHCP. Option B describes a Domain Name System server, whose job is to map domain names to IP addresses. Option C describes the Address Resolution Protocol, which resolves local IP addresses to hardware addresses. None of these accurately state the primary purpose of DHCP.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse DHCP with DNS because both are involved in network configuration. Others confuse it with ARP because they think of address resolution in general terms. Remember that DHCP handles the initial configuration of IP parameters, while DNS and ARP solve different but complementary problems on the network.

Final Answer:
To automatically provide IP configuration information, such as IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway, to hosts.