Dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) means a network administrator can supervise and distribute IP addresses from a central point, and automatically send a new IP address when a device is plugged into a different location on the network. The network administrator can use DHCP to assign dial-up users an IP address automatically when they connect to the network. Some DHCP servers can support fixed addresses for devices that need a static IP address.
The SBH obtains its IP address and other network information using DHCP. Each device that connects to the Ethernet network needs a unique IP address. Without DHCP, enter the IP address manually for each device. Also enter a new IP address if the devices are moved to another subnet on the network. The SBH supports both dynamic and static IP address assignments.