DHCPassigned

DHCPassigned is a term used to denote an IP address that has been issued to a host by a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. It indicates that the address was allocated dynamically through the DHCP process rather than being configured statically on the device.

DHCP operates by a four-step exchange commonly referred to as DORA: discovery, offer, request, and acknowledgment. A client broadcasts a DHCPDISCOVER, a server responds with a DHCPOFFER, the client requests the offered address with a DHCPREQUEST, and the server confirms with a DHCPACK. The server maintains a pool or scope of available addresses and assigns them for a defined lease period. The client may renew the lease as it nears expiration or release and obtain a new one when changing networks.

DHCP supports both IPv4 and IPv6, though the mechanisms differ. IPv4 relies on a straightforward DHCP server to provide address configuration and options. In IPv6, devices may use Stateful DHCPv6 to obtain addresses and options, or rely on Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC) with optional DHCPv6 services. In practice, many networks use a combination of methods to ensure address assignment and network settings.

Advantages of DHCPassignment include centralized management of IP addresses, reduced manual configuration, easier IP address reuse and tracking, and simplified network changes. Limitations include dependence on a functioning DHCP server, potential lease expiration issues, and risks from unauthorized or rogue DHCP servers. Networks mitigate these concerns with measures such as DHCP snooping, authentication mechanisms, and proper network segmentation.

In practice, the label DHCPassigned is often seen in logs or device inventories to indicate that the device’s IP address was obtained from a DHCP server rather than statically configured.