4. Specification of the DHCP client-server protocol

In this section, we assume that a DHCP server has a block of network addresses from which it can satisfy requests for new addresses. Each server also maintains a database of allocated addresses and leases in local permanent storage.

• 4.1 Constructing and sending DHCP messages
• 4.2 DHCP server administrative controls
• 4.3 DHCP server behavior
  • 4.3.1 DHCPDISCOVER message
  • 4.3.2 DHCPREQUEST message
  • 4.3.3 DHCPDECLINE message
  • 4.3.4 DHCPRELEASE message
  • 4.3.5 DHCPINFORM message
  • 4.3.6 Client messages
• 4.4 DHCP client behavior
  • 4.4.1 Initialization and allocation of network address
  • 4.4.2 Initialization with known network address
  • 4.4.3 Initialization with an externally assigned network address
  • 4.4.4 Use of broadcast and unicast
  • 4.4.5 Reacquisition and expiration
  • 4.4.6 DHCPRELEASE