What is the purpose of DHCP?

The purpose of DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is to automatically assign IP addresses to devices on a network. This protocol simplifies the process of configuring network settings for devices as they connect to a network by dynamically allocating IP addresses from a defined range or pool. When a device joins the network, it sends a request to the DHCP server, which then assigns an available IP address along with other necessary configuration details such as the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information.

This automatic assignment process reduces the risk of IP address conflicts that can occur with manual assignment, where two devices might inadvertently be assigned the same IP address. It also minimizes the administrative burden of network management, allowing for easier scaling as more devices connect to the network.

The other options, while related to network management, do not accurately represent the primary function of DHCP; the protocol is focused on the automated distribution of addresses rather than manual assignments, security policies, or traffic monitoring.