While it is true, today, Windows 10 is the operating system version of Microsoft most used. However, despite this, the truth is that many users still prefer to use Windows 8 on their PC thanks to the fact that it provides remarkable benefits. Among them, his high level of personalization, your discharge compatibility, his efficiency on any hardware, etc.
Therefore, at this time, many people are still looking for solutions from which they can acquire a better user experience, based on your requirements. Thus, one of these solutions consists of being able to use an optimal Internet connection from your computer, from certain settings in the operating system.
That is why, in this post, we want to teach you how to configure DHCP protocol from scratch. Considering that, it is an option through which it is possible improve the accuracy of IP addressing. To learn more about what this protocol is about and what it is for, as well as its advantages and disadvantages and even the process to follow to execute this configuration; We invite you to read this post.
What is DHCP and what is it used for in computer networks?
Basically the “Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol” (DHCP) which, in Spanish, means “Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol”, is defined as a client / server type network protocol that focuses on assign IP addresses to each of the connected devices, dynamically. Which means that by default a server DHCP stipulates an IP address, automatically, and other information to every host on the network. In that way each host on the network will be able to communicate with other endpoints, with total efficiency.
Valuing that, thanks to the server DHCP, intelligent management is carried out because this contains a list of dynamic IP addresses that you can establish clients as they become free. Additionally, DHCP also assigns the subnet mask, the domain name server (DNS) address, the default gateway address, and a proxy setting by WPAD, in order to achieve a relevant adjustment. With which, basically, it serves to facilitate the management of IP addresses in networks.
For its part, it should be noted that DHCP consists of a protocol that arises from BOOTP or “Boot Protocol” which was developed in 1985 with the aim of connecting different devices without a hard disk with a Boot Server. However, it was not able to retrieve the IP address of each client and, therefore, DHCP was introduced to complement BOOTP by improving performance and stability with your ability to instinctively set reusable network addresses.
Learn step by step how to configure DHCP to make your Internet fly in Windows 8
Among other characteristics, we highlight that the DHCP protocol has the power to grant IP addresses in three different ways.
Which are:
- Automatic assignment: In this case, network administrators have little to do. Since, automatic assignment takes care of set the IP to a client computer the first time it makes its DHCP request and keeps them, by itself, until it is released.
- Dynamic allocation: This mode accepts the reuse of an IP address. Therefore, the administrator will only have to set the address range to use and with this, each device connected to the network will remain configured to request its IP address. In this way, it simplifies the installation and adjustment of new client computers on the network.
- Manual or static assignment: In the case of Static DHCP, it has to be done a retribution of IP addresses manually. As a consequence, it corresponds to a technique that is used to control the assignment of IP addresses to each client in order to prevent them from being able to connect others that are not identified or authorized.
In that sense, users of Windows 8 can configure the DHCP to make sure the internet will run faster. Taking into account that, this allows its activation and deactivation via the computer’s network settings.
Given its usefulness, below, we show you what you have to do, step by step, to adjust DHCP on your PC:
- to get started, select the button Start on your computer and enter the following “View network connections” in the search bar. For thus, choose the option “View network connections” in the listing.
- Thereafter, look for the connection you want to configure which, in this case, refers to “Change adapter options” and on it, click with the right button to choose the option “Properties”. It is possible that you require a password to provide confirmation, so you must enter it.
- Later, choose the tab “Networks” and proceed to select the Internet protocol, through the section that says “This connection uses the following elements”.
- If you selected “Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP / IPv4)”, you can specify the settings in two ways: (one) picking out “Automatically obtain an IP address” to acquire the IP configuration automatically with DHCP by clicking OK. (two) Clicking on “Use the following IP address” to specify a specific IP. In the other boxes (IP address, Subnet mask and Default gateway), you will have to type the configuration of the IP address.
- In case of selecting “Internet Protocol version 6 (TCP / IPv6)”, you can also configure the IP address configuration from two available operations: (one) Press on “Obtain an IPv6 address automatically” to configure IP with DHCP automatically and select OK. (two) picking out “Use the following IPv6 address” to set a custom IP address. Later, you will have to enter the IP address settings in IPv6 Address, Subnet Prefix Length, and Default Gateway.
This will make it much easier to manage your settings. TCP / IP. Since, technically, the DHCP operates as an automated dynamic configuration protocol with which, you will not have to modify the configuration of your Pc if you place it somewhere else. Well, the DHCP is in charge of defining the best direction IP for what the internet offers higher speed, without the need for the user to manually define a setting for it.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Enabling DHCP on a Router Is it worth doing?
Default, DHCP protocol is enabled in all routers that are distributed by telecommunications operators, as well as in those devices that are acquired independently. This, basically, for its ability to set IP addresses dynamically in order to provide device management much faster, smoother and more comfortable connected in WiFi networks.
In view of these characteristics of the DHCP, of course, it is considered a utility that provides notable benefits to its users, which is why it is valuable to enable DHCP on a router. However, such activation it also reveals some cons or drawbacks that it is appropriate to know.
Therefore, below, we detail the main advantages and disadvantages of enabling DHCP on any router:
Advantage
Regarding its benefits, DHCP is notably distinguished.
Which correspond to:
- Save setup time. Well, since the connection and disconnection of the equipment is done automatically, users will not have to configure IP addresses manually. Which reveals time and effort consumption that translates into maximized productivity.
- Simplify network setup. Considering that, basically, users they will only have to connect the network cable or connect the WiFi network for the protocol to do its job by assigning IP addresses intelligently. For this, it is not necessary to have advanced knowledge.
- Avoid repeated address conflicts: Due to its capacity, the DHCP server also focuses on avoiding the existence of duplications. Thanks to this, the network administrator is not required to maintain a table of assigned addresses in order to control them.
- Maintains centralized management of IP addresses: Another point in favor is that it offers the possibility for the network administrator to know the configuration and situation of the same, in every instant.
Disadvantages
But since not everything can be perfect, DHCP also has some weak points which are considered disadvantages for activation in a router.
These limitations are based on:
- The biggest drawback of DHCP, lies in the level of security provided in networks Wifi. Since, easily can be manipulated by any intruder, manually. Thus, the illegitimate individual will only have to make a request as if it were another client to be able to enter the network.
- Another disadvantage based on safety It offers, is that malicious people can also sneak into a router using fake DNS and gateway data. With that, you will be able to divert data traffic and steal the information you want.
- For nature, the activation of the DHCP on a router makes it difficult to identify devices on the network, like the configuration of services that need addresses Static IPs. Which reduces its effectiveness.
- At the functionality level, the server DHCP it also exhibits a problem. Because, for example, if you need to know the IP address of a computer for any reason, said protocol will not allow to do it in all cases. Well, if it is restarted, the fixed addresses will be completely modified and it will be necessary to search the equipment again.