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DHCP

intermediate
networking
Enhanced Content

Definition

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol - automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network. Like having an automated reception desk that gives each visitor a temporary ID badge.

Real-World Example

When you connect to WiFi, DHCP automatically gives your device an IP address so it can communicate on the network.

Cloud Provider Equivalencies

DHCP is a network protocol rather than a standalone cloud service. In AWS you can customize DHCP behavior for a VPC using a DHCP options set (e.g., DNS servers, domain name). In Azure, Google Cloud, and OCI, DHCP is provided as part of the VPC/VNet networking fabric and is not exposed as a separate named service; you typically configure IP assignment and DNS via VNet/VPC subnet settings and DNS services rather than managing a DHCP server directly.

AWS
Amazon VPC DHCP options set

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