Which term denotes a network protocol that automatically configures devices on networks?

• A. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
• B. Dynamic IP
• C. Encryption
• D. Error checking

Answer: (A)

Automatic device configuration on networks is handled by a protocol known as Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). It lets a device that connects to a network obtain its IP address and other essential settings (subnet mask, default gateway, DNS servers) automatically from a DHCP server. The typical process involves the device broadcasting a request, the server offering an address, the device requesting that offer, and the server acknowledging the lease. This removes the need for manual IP assignments and helps avoid address conflicts by leasing addresses for a defined period. The other options describe outcomes or concepts that aren’t the protocol used to configure devices automatically: a dynamic IP is the result of using DHCP, encryption concerns confidentiality, and error checking relates to data integrity.