Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a client/server protocol that automatically provides an Internet Protocol (IP) host with its IP address and other related configuration information, such as the subnet mask and default gateway. It is an alternative to statically defined network configuration data such as IP addresses. DHCP has been highly adopted due to it mitigating the shortcomings of other protocols that were in place before it. In this article, you will learn how to configure a router to use DHCP as a protocol.
Benefits of using DHCP
There are several benefits to using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) on a network:
- Automatic IP address assignment: DHCP allows the router to automatically assign IP addresses to devices on the network, eliminating the need for manual configuration of each device.
- Simplified network management: By using DHCP, you can manage and maintain a network more easily because you don’t have to worry about assigning and tracking IP addresses for each device.
- Reduced configuration errors: DHCP helps reduce configuration errors because it automatically assigns the correct IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway to each device on the network.
- Improved security: Using DHCP can improve security by limiting the ability of devices to communicate with one another on the network. This can help prevent unauthorized access and protect against certain types of cyberattacks.
- Enhanced flexibility: DHCP allows you to easily add or remove devices from the network without having to manually configure IP addresses for each device. This makes it easier to scale the network and allows for more flexibility in terms of device management.
Obtaining IP Address of Device
You are required to know the IP address of the router that your device is connected to. For knowing the IP address, follow these instructions:
Step 1: Open the start menu by pressing the [Win] key or clicking the bottom left section
Step 2: Type cmd. Select the first option.
Step 3: A new window similar to this would have appeared
Step 4: Enter the following command
ipconfig
Step 5: The number beside the default gateway is the IP address of the router.
In this case, the address is 192.168.0.1. The IP address is 192.168. 0.1 is the most common address to access and configure wireless routers from a web browser. Another one is 127.0.0.1 which is the local loopback address. Similarly, get the IP address of your Routers as well.
Configuring a Router to Use DHCP
Step 1: After obtaining the IP address of the router, enter that IP address on the browser and press Enter.
Step 2: You may be asked to Enter the credentials such as ID and Password after this step. In that case, enter the ID and password provided by the manufacturer of the device (or the one you have set). After which you would be redirected to the Router Page. This page would appear different for most users as it depends on the Manufacturer of the Router, in my case the router is manufactured by Tenda. Therefore, the Tenda network configuration page got loaded up. Yours may be different (ex. Cisco, TP-Link).
Step 3: Navigate to the Administrator tab on the Left side of the Options Menu.
Step 4: Scroll down to the LAN Parameters option.
Step 5: Now Check the DHCP Server check box, and make sure it is ticked.
Step 6: Click on the OK button in the bottom right, to finalize the changes.
Reboot the router, in the end, to ensure the new settings have been properly loaded up. Now the router will exercise DHCP protocol the next time it is booted.
Note: The process after the third Step may vary for different routers and manufacturers. Therefore, not all manufacturers follow/place the settings as later mentioned in this article. But most of them are easy to locate. Therefore, focused on the process after locating that page.