# Q1B · DHCP purpose and messages

Subject: Computer Networks

Exam: M2

Reader: https://deep-learning-study-room.vercel.app/cn/#m2/mocks/mock-c/q1b

Canonical: https://deep-learning-study-room.vercel.app/read/cn/m2/mocks/mock-c--q1b/

Q1(a)+Q1(b) compulsory; choose any two of Q2/Q3/Q4 · 10 marks attempted

### Question. State the purpose of DHCP and list its four initial allocation messages in order. [2 practice marks]

#### Answer

1. DHCPDISCOVER: client searches for a server.
2. DHCPOFFER: server proposes an address/configuration.
3. DHCPREQUEST: client requests the chosen allocation.
4. DHCPACK: server confirms the lease.

DHCP reduces manual configuration and supports controlled address reuse through leases.

#### Practical example

When a laptop joins a campus network, DHCP can supply its address, mask, gateway and DNS-server option. It does not itself resolve website names; it can tell the laptop which DNS server to use.