Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP):
Simplifying TCP/IP Network Administration

Executive Summary

Today's companies face ever-growing TCP/IP network management challenges: limited availability of IP addresses, centralized configuration management, and mobile users. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is one way of simplifying such management tasks.

This paper describes the concept of DHCP and then details the following advantages realized by using DHCP as a network administration tool:

• IP Address Leasing - enables the sharing of scarce IP addresses
• Centralized Configuration Management - simplifies allocation & tracking of IP addresses and configuration information
• Mobile Computing Support - allows mobile users to automatically obtain address and configuration information regardless of location

Much of the explosive growth in the market share of the TCP/IP protocol worldwide results from the addition of large numbers of personal computers that use TCP/IP. Whether the network consists of all or only some PCs, a network manager quickly appreciates the flexibility and ease-of-use offered in DHCP implementations available from FTP Software. Inc.

• What is DHCP?
• DHCP Advantages
• DHCP Implementations Available from FTP Software
• Conclusion