DHCP
n.n. Stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A system that automatically gives an IP address to your computer or phone when you connect to a network.
n. Abbreviation for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A network management protocol used on Internet Protocol networks whereby a server dynamically assigns an IP address and other network configuration parameters to each device on a network.
The router uses DHCP to assign addresses to every phone in the house.
When the office Wi-Fi stopped working, the IT department discovered that the DHCP server had run out of available IP addresses.
By implementing DHCP, network administrators can centralize IP address management and eliminate the manual configuration errors that frequently occur when devices are moved between different subnets.
An initialism for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. The term was coined in 1993 to describe a successor to the earlier BOOTP protocol.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Usually functions as an uncountable noun or as a modifier in a noun phrase (e.g., 'DHCP server').
Last updated July 22, 2026