Title:  When and why should I use DHCP?

Question:
When and why should I use DHCP?

Answer:
DHCP, which stands for "Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol", is a method
for automatically obtaining network configurations, such as an
Internet protocol address for your workstation, from a DHCP server.

When possible, users and network administrators should use dynamically
assigned IP addresses for user workstations.  DHCP allows individual
computers to obtain their TCP/IP network configurations from the DHCP
server(s).  The purpose of this is to reduce the work necessary to
administer a large IP network and to optimize efficient use of IP addresses.

There are a number of advantages to using DHCP:

        o DHCP will automatically configure your workstation for use
          on the campus IP network.

        o A machine that changes locations will not need to have the
          IP address changed manually.  DHCP will automatically
          re-assign a new IP address as necessary.

        o reduces the the problem of IPs being assigned to computers that 
          are no longer using them.

        o Campus wireless networks require a machine to use DHCP.

Most modern and up-to-date operating systems, such as MacOS X or Windows
XP,support DHCP and use it by default.

Any questions regarding configuring a workstation to use DHCP should be
directed to C&C Client Services at help@cac.washington.edu.

For further information on DHCP, please see the FAQ located at the
following URL

        http://www.dhcp-handbook.com/dhcp_faq.html