Which protocol assigns IP addresses and other information to computers to enable communication on a network?

Which protocol assigns IP addresses and other information to computers to enable communication on a network?

• A. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
• B. Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)
• C. Yersinia
• D. ARP

Answer: (A)

Assigning IP addresses and other network settings to devices so they can communicate on a network is done automatically by DHCP. This protocol uses a client-server exchange to provide each device with an IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, DNS servers, and other options, configured for a lease period. When a device connects, it sends a DHCP discover, the server replies with an offer containing an IP and config, the device requests that offer, and the server acknowledges and finalizes the assignment. This process prevents address conflicts, supports automatic renewal, and scales well as devices join and leave the network. In contrast, the Address Resolution Protocol simply translates a known IP address to a hardware MAC address to deliver frames on the local network; it does not assign addresses. Yersinia is a security tool for protocol testing, not for normal IP configuration.

Assigning IP addresses and other network settings to devices so they can communicate on a network is done automatically by DHCP. This protocol uses a client-server exchange to provide each device with an IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, DNS servers, and other options, configured for a lease period. When a device connects, it sends a DHCP discover, the server replies with an offer containing an IP and config, the device requests that offer, and the server acknowledges and finalizes the assignment. This process prevents address conflicts, supports automatic renewal, and scales well as devices join and leave the network. In contrast, the Address Resolution Protocol simply translates a known IP address to a hardware MAC address to deliver frames on the local network; it does not assign addresses. Yersinia is a security tool for protocol testing, not for normal IP configuration.