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How A DHCP Request Works Across Networks

I was asked a technical question by a friend something that should be basic but is much more involved: How does a DHCP request work? How does a device obtain an IP address? How does this work across multiple networks, throughout multiple routers? For example, the client requesting an IP address is in California, and the DHCP server is in New York - what is the process involved?

Thank you in advance.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Brian Pringle

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iammorrison

A client (PC, printer etc) broadcasts a DHCP request across the subnet (192.168.1.x for example), looking for a device or server that hosts a DHCP server role for that network. The device hosting the DHCP server role acknowledges the request and completes it, earmarking an available address from a designated pool and assigning it to the client. Is the client sure that the DHCP server is across the country? It is most likely that the two locations are on two different private networks, and there is commonly a device on the local network (like a gateway/router) that can act as a DHCP server. It is possible to use DHCP across a VPN between the offices, but it is usually much more simple and reliable (given the distance) to have a local device handle DHCP

SOLUTION

Senthil Kumar

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hanu_it

The below link will give clear understanding of DHCP process.

http://knowurtech.netfirms.com/networking/how_dhcp_works.html

fireguy1125

ASKER

Thank you all for your help. I felt btpringle and senthil1 links provided in detail what I was looking for.