What is the main function of a DHCP server?

The main function of a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server is to assign IP addresses to devices on a network. This process is crucial for efficient network management, as it automates the assignment of IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and other crucial network parameters to devices that join the network. When a device connects to the network, it broadcasts a request for an IP address, and the DHCP server responds by allocating an available IP address from its pool.

This functionality eliminates the need for manual configuration of each device, reducing the likelihood of errors and IP address conflicts. By ensuring that devices receive a unique IP address, the DHCP server plays a fundamental role in maintaining network integrity and connectivity.

Other choices reflect different network functionalities. While filtering network traffic pertains to security measures, providing wireless access relates to Wi-Fi infrastructure, and monitoring network performance deals with assessing the reliability and capacity of the network. These functions are important in their own contexts but do not encapsulate the core purpose of a DHCP server.