How DHCP Assigns IP Addresses?

When you add a computer to a network, that computer uses a four-step process to get an IP address from DHCP:

• Discover -- The computer sends out a broadcast message on the network, hoping to discover a DHCP service provider.
• Offer -- Each DHCP provider hears the message, recognizes the unique hardware address of the computer, and sends a message back offering its services to that computer.
• Request -- The computer selects a DHCP provider from its offerings and then sends a request to that provider asking for an IP address assignment.
• Acknowledge -- The targeted DHCP provider acknowledges the request and issues an IP address to the computer that doesn't match any other IP addresses currently active on the network.