Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is an IP standard designed to reduce the complexity of administering address configurations by using a server computer to centrally manage IP addresses and other related configuration details used on your network. The DHCP service enables the server computer to perform as a DHCP server and configure DHCP-enabled client computers on your network.
DHCP includes Multicast Address Dynamic Client Allocation Protocol (MADCAP) which is used to perform multicast address assignment. When registered clients are dynamically assigned IP addresses through MADCAP, they can participate efficiently in the data stream process, such as for real-time video or audio network transmissions.
In this help file:
the DHCP Server Role
DHCP Server Role Settings
tasks for the DHCP server role
For More Information
For updated detailed IT pro information about DHCP, see the Windows Server® 2008 documentation on the Microsoft TechNet Web site.