Without a doubt, the most annoying errors for any Windows user are those that interfere with the internet connection since a computer without access to the WWW is simply a typewriter and little else. This may sound exaggerated, but even the most basic programs require a network connection to be exploited to the fullest, so being unable to connect is a real problem.
Among the most hilarious errors is that of DHCP for Ethernet or WiFi connections . This usually occurs when the dynamic host configuration protocol is not activated . This is a function that allows the complexity of the IP configuration manager and other aspects of the network connection to be reduced, thus allowing the computer to connect seamlessly to the internet.
In this guide we will show you step by step how to activate DHCP to avoid this annoying problem related to your web configuration, so that you can connect freely to the Internet from any WiFi or Ethernet network. In the same way, you will know the main advantages and disadvantages of carrying out this activation, so that you personally consider whether it is really worth doing.
Index:
What is DHCP and why is it necessary to enable it?
DHCP is nothing more than a server / client type protocol that allows you to automatically assign an IP address and configure other aspects of the connection so that it can communicate with other IP’s It works with a list of dynamic IP addresses that it grants as they become free after they are used by another client, keeping a continuous record of who used them and to whom they were subsequently assigned.
In the early 90s , the internet was still a little known territory. At that time the way in which the information of each client was completed was by means of the so-called Boot Protocol (BOOTP) which needed to be configured manually. In addition, this did not have support to recover the IP addresses of each one, which caused constant failures in the connections of the time.
Due to this, it is decided to create an extension of the BOOTP, which would be the first of the DHCP , which considerably improved and automated the configuration of each client, thus generating a much more stable internet.
The role that this plays in a Ethernet or WiFi network is essential since these are currently used by multiple devices at the same time, to which it is necessary to assign different IP addresses so that it can be Maintain a stable connection throughout the network. Therefore, when using this type of network, it is best to have DHCP enabled.
Steps to enable or disable DHCP for Ethernet or WiFi and solve the error
Activating or deactivating DHCP for Ethernet or WiFi is quite easy , you just have to follow the steps that we will explain below depending on the version of Windows you have.
In Windows 10
In Windows 10 it won’t take you more than a few minutes to get to the point where you can enable and disable the DHCP protocol. To do this you must do the following:
- Enter the Network and Sharing Center which you can access through the control panel or by clicking on the symbol of your internet connection in the operating system’s taskbar.
- Once there, go to the “ Change adapter settings ” section. This will open a window where you can see all the connections. Choose the one you are currently connected to, be it Ethernet or WiFi.
- A small window will open with details about the connection you selected. At this point you must click on “ Properties ” for which you need administrator permissions, so be sure to log in with the main user.
- You will see a series of properties of the selected network. You must locate the option “ Internet Protocol version 4 ” and click on its properties.
- Another window will open where you will see the options “ Obtain IP address automatically ”and“ Obtain DNS server address automatically ”that must be checked in order for the DHCP protocol to be activated.
- If you want to disable DHCP, what you need to do is select the options “ Use this IP address ” and “ Use this DNS address ” , with which you must assign the respective addresses manually by consulting the network administrator to know which ones are indicated.
In Windows 7
The steps to follow in Windows 7 are exactly the same as in Windows 10 . You simply have to enter the Network and Sharing Center and perform the actions we taught you in the previous step. This is because the operation of both operating systems is very similar. In fact, version 10 is inspired by version 7 , with notable changes in some aspects of its interface but they are basically almost the same software.
Advantages and disadvantages of activating DHCP on a router
Despite how revolutionary this protocol is, is not perfect and as everything in life has its advantages and disadvantages that we will discuss below.
Advantages
The main advantage is the time savings it represents, especially in WiFi networks in which several devices are connected at the same time. When this happens, is the router that assigns the IP addresses to each connected client , so you won’t have to worry about doing it manually. This way greatly facilitates the process of installing and assigning IPs in networks with multiple users . In addition, this makes the coexistence of all teams better and a more stable connection maintained.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage has to do with the security of the WiFi network . If for some reason an intruder enters your connection they are authorized, the router will automatically assign an IP so you can connect to the internet without any problem. This is not the case when DHCP is inactive since this will require that each user must obtain an address manually from the network administrator to which only the administrator has access.
On the other hand, if one day you need the IPv4 address of your device it will be a problem, since DHCP constantly changes them, causing every time you turn on the device and connect to the WiFi, IPv4 changes .