What function does DHCP perform in a network?

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is crucial in a network as it automates the process of assigning IP addresses to devices. When a device connects to the network, it requests an IP address from the DHCP server. The server then dynamically assigns an available IP from a predefined range, along with other network configuration details like subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information. This automation simplifies network management, ensuring that devices are correctly configured without requiring manual intervention.

The function of resolving domain names pertains to the Domain Name System (DNS), which translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses but does not involve the assignment of IP addresses to hosts. Encrypting communications involves protocols such as SSL or TLS, which focus on securing data in transit rather than configuring network settings. Monitoring network traffic typically relates to network management tools or protocols that analyze data flow but not to the IP address assignment process. Hence, the primary role of DHCP is to streamline and automate host configuration, particularly regarding IP address distribution.