Source: https://efficientip.com/glossary/what-is-dhcp-and-why-is-it-important/

====== DHCP ======

DHCP is a network protocol used to automate the process of assigning [[ip-address|IP addresses]] and other communication parameters (like available servers, for example, [[dns|dns servers]], file servers, etc.).

DORA process:
  - Discover (client looks for dhcp servers using broadcast)
  - Offer (dhcp server responds with an available IP address)
  - Request (client accepts the offer)
  - Acknowledge (the server confirms the assignment)

Server can check with [[ping|ping]] if the ip address it's trying to reuse is already taken. Clients check with [[arp|ARP]] if the given ip address isn't already taken by another host in the [[network|network]].