What is DHCP and what is one advantage of using it on a large network?

• A. DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, gateway, and DNS settings; advantage: reduces manual configuration and avoids IP conflicts.
• B. DHCP only assigns the DNS server address.
• C. DHCP is used to configure static routes.
• D. DHCP disables automatic IP addressing.

Answer: (A)

DHCP automatically assigns IP configuration to devices joining the network, handing out an IP address along with the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS settings. This lets devices connect without manual setup and ensures consistent configuration across the network. On a large network, the biggest advantage is centralized management: a single DHCP server can supply and manage addresses for many clients, reducing manual work, preventing IP conflicts, and making network changes easier to implement. The other options don’t reflect DHCP’s function: it doesn’t limit itself to DNS alone, it doesn’t configure static routes, and it doesn’t disable automatic IP addressing.