Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is an industry-standard protocol for automatic assignment of IP configuration to workstations. DHCP uses a client/server model for address allocation. The network administrator establishes one or more DHCP servers that maintain the network's TCP/IP configuration, including client configuration. Intranet workstations request leases on TCP/IP configuration from the DHCP server, thus eliminating the need for administrators to manually configure each workstation. For more information about configuring DHCP servers, see the Windows NT Server Networking Supplement and Windows NT Server Resource Kit Networking Guide.
A RAS server can act as a DHCP client, thereby obtaining TCP/IP configuration information on behalf of remote workstations. The RAS server leases a pool of IP configuration information from the DHCP server or servers. When remote workstations dial in to the network, the RAS server allocates IP configuration information to each workstation out of this pool.