DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS servers to devices on a network. Without DHCP, every device would need manual configuration.
From a security perspective, DHCP is an attack target: rogue DHCP servers can redirect devices to manipulated DNS servers or gateways. DHCP snooping on switches prevents such attacks by allowing only authorized DHCP servers to send responses. In segmented networks, DHCP helps assign devices to VLANs and thereby supports network security policies.