DNS, DHCP, and IP are foundational elements of modern networking. Understanding how they work together helps diagnose connectivity issues and configure networks effectively.
1. IP Address (Internet Protocol Address)
An IP address uniquely identifies a device on a network. IPv4 addresses look like 192.168.0.1, while IPv6 is more complex (2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334).
Types of IPs:
- Public vs. Private (used inside local networks).
- Static (manually assigned) vs. Dynamic (assigned by DHCP).
2. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses and other network settings (like gateway and DNS) to devices when they connect.
How it works:
- Device sends a DHCP request.
- Server responds with an IP address lease.
- Device accepts and joins the network.
Benefits:
- Simplifies network setup.
- Prevents IP conflicts.
- Centralizes IP management.
3. DNS (Domain Name System)
DNS translates human-readable domain names (e.g., google.com) into IP addresses.
How it works:
- You type a domain in the browser.
- Your device queries a DNS server.
- The server returns the matching IP.
- Your browser connects to that IP.
DNS servers can be from your ISP, Google (8.8.8.8), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), or others.
Together, DNS, DHCP, and IP make internet connectivity smooth and transparent for users. A good grasp of these systems is essential for network administration and IT support.