Which device typically assigns IP addresses automatically in a local network?

Which device typically assigns IP addresses automatically in a local network?

• A. DHCP server
• B. DNS server
• C. SMTP server
• D. NTP server

Answer: (A)

Automatic IP address assignment on a local network is handled by the DHCP service. A DHCP server provides IP addresses and other network settings (subnet mask, default gateway, DNS servers) to clients as they join, using a lease-based mechanism. This lets devices obtain configuration without manual setup, avoids IP conflicts, and supports easy mobility and scaling. The typical handshake—DHCPDISCOVER, DHCPOFFER, DHCPREQUEST, DHCPACK—lets the server dynamically allocate an address from a defined pool. Other servers have different roles: a DNS server translates domain names to IP addresses; an SMTP server handles email; an NTP server provides time synchronization.

Automatic IP address assignment on a local network is handled by the DHCP service. A DHCP server provides IP addresses and other network settings (subnet mask, default gateway, DNS servers) to clients as they join, using a lease-based mechanism. This lets devices obtain configuration without manual setup, avoids IP conflicts, and supports easy mobility and scaling. The typical handshake—DHCPDISCOVER, DHCPOFFER, DHCPREQUEST, DHCPACK—lets the server dynamically allocate an address from a defined pool. Other servers have different roles: a DNS server translates domain names to IP addresses; an SMTP server handles email; an NTP server provides time synchronization.