Assigning IP addresses is a fundamental aspect of network configuration, and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) streamlines this process. When a device joins a network, it needs a unique IP address to communicate with other devices. Manually assigning addresses to each device can be impractical, and that's where DHCP comes in. DHCP automates the assignment of IP addresses dynamically. A DHCP server in the network manages a pool of available IP addresses and assigns them to devices when they connect. This dynamic allocation ensures efficient use of IP addresses and simplifies network administration, as devices can join and leave the network without manual intervention. DHCP also provides additional configuration information, such as subnet masks, gateways, and DNS server addresses, making it a key service in modern network environments.