An address on loan
DHCP can supply a device with an IP configuration for a limited lease period.
In 30 seconds
- The lease can include an address and other network options.
- An address, subnet mask, gateway and DNS server serve different roles.
- Conflicting or missing configuration can break only part of connectivity.
Make it concrete
In a paper exercise, label four boxes: “who am I?”, “my network”, “way out”, and “name lookup”. Match them to IP, mask, gateway and DNS.
- 01Discover
- 02Offer
- 03Request → Acknowledge
Check your understanding
Are the default gateway and DNS server necessarily the same device?
- The lease can include an address and other network options.
- An address, subnet mask, gateway and DNS server serve different roles.
- Conflicting or missing configuration can break only part of connectivity.
Go to the source
Sources reviewed: 13.09.2026