What is the primary function of the DHCP protocol?

• A. Encrypts data
• B. Assigns IP addresses
• C. Directs traffic between networks
• D. File transfer

Answer: (B)

DHCP’s job is to automatically configure devices on a network by assigning them IP addresses and other essential network settings. When a device connects, it can obtain an IP address from a DHCP server along with the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information, all for a limited lease. This lets devices communicate on the local network and reach the internet without manual configuration and avoids address conflicts. It does not encrypt data (encryption is handled by other protocols), it does not route or direct traffic between networks (that’s the job of routers), and it does not perform file transfers (that’s done by file transfer protocols).