---
tags: [internet, networks]
---

# DHCP

Stands for **Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol** and operates on consumer
routers. This is a server protocol.

Automatically assigns IP addresses and network configuration settings to devices
when they connect to a network.

Saves you from manually configuring each device on the network. Dynamically
distributes:

- [IP addresses](./IP_addresses.md)
- [Subnet masks](./IP_addresses.md)
- Default gateway addresses
- DNS server addresses

> Why was this pertinent to the configuration of my Pihole? DHCP on my router
> will chose the default DNS server. I wanted to change the default DNS server
> to use the address of the Pihole on the network. This change has to be made in
> the DHCP settings.