DHCP

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is an IP standard designed to reduce the complexity of administering address configurations by using a server computer to centrally manage IP addresses and other related configuration details used on your network. The Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003 family provides the DHCP service, which enables the server computer to perform as a DHCP server and configure DHCP-enabled client computers on your network as described in the current DHCP draft standard, RFC 2131.

DHCP includes Multicast Address Dynamic Client Assignment Protocol (MADCAP) which is used to perform multicast address allocation. When registered clients are dynamically assigned IP addresses through MADCAP, they can participate efficiently in the data stream process, such as for real-time video or audio network transmissions.

• Before installing a DHCP or MADCAP server, see Checklists.
• To find features that have been moved in the Windows Server 2003 family, see New ways to do familiar tasks.
• For tips about using DHCP, see Best practices.
• For help with specific tasks, see How to.
• For general background information, see Concepts.
• For problem-solving instructions, see Troubleshooting.