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Protocol Explorer · DHCP

Explore internet protocols with animated messages, real arrival order and packet inspection.

Read the learning guides ↓
PROTOCOL EXPLORERLearn how the internet works
Now learningDHCP · Network configurationOverview · 4 steps
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0 / 14 complete · 0 in progress
Client192.168.1.10Router / DHCP Server192.168.1.1

Protocol overview

DHCP

Active

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

Join an IPv4 network using Discover, Offer, Request and Acknowledge. A lease can include an address, subnet mask, router and DNS settings.

Layer
Application (Layer 7)
Default port
67 server / 68 client
Transport
UDP
Data format
BOOTP fields + DHCP options
Defined in
RFC 2131, RFC 2132
Read the complete guide ↗

Packet flow

DNSTCPRequestResponse
No.TimeSourceDestinationProtocolInfoSize
10.000s0.0.0.0255.255.255.255DHCPDHCPDISCOVER · broadcast292 B
20.024s192.168.1.1255.255.255.255DHCPDHCPOFFER · lease 3600s316 B
30.048s0.0.0.0255.255.255.255DHCPDHCPREQUEST · chosen server298 B
40.072s192.168.1.1255.255.255.255DHCPDHCPACK · address and network options316 B

NAVSPROUT · PROTOCOL FIELD GUIDES

DHCP, packet by packet.

Join an IPv4 network using Discover, Offer, Request and Acknowledge. A lease can include an address, subnet mask, router and DNS settings.

PROTOCOL FIELD GUIDE

How DHCP works

Join an IPv4 network using Discover, Offer, Request and Acknowledge. A lease can include an address, subnet mask, router and DNS settings.

Default port
67 server / 68 client
Transport / carrier
UDP
Category
application

1. Discover available servers

A client without an address broadcasts from 0.0.0.0:68 to 255.255.255.255:67. A transaction ID connects the following messages.

2. Receive an offer

A DHCP server offers an address and lease options. Receiving an offer does not yet finish address configuration.

3. Request the selected lease

The client identifies the selected server and requested address. Other offering servers can see which offer was accepted.

4. Acknowledge and renew

ACK authorizes the lease. The client later renews at T1 and may rebind at T2; an expired lease cannot be used indefinitely.

Protocol relationships

Protocols cooperate across layers. Compare the neighboring lessons to distinguish addressing, delivery, application semantics and encryption.

Standards and editorial method

Written and implemented independently by NavSprout. Lessons summarize public protocol standards using synthetic documentation addresses and fictional credentials. Consult the standards for complete wire formats and normative behavior.

RFC 2131 ↗ RFC 2132 ↗

Check your understanding

Which message finalizes this DHCP lease?

Why it’s hereNAVSPROUT ORIGINAL

Reading definitions is easier when you can connect them to a packet. This first-party learning tool pairs static explanations with a visual lab, byte inspection and a short knowledge check. All course data and application resources ship with NavSprout.

  1. Choose DNS and follow the lookup from client to authoritative server.
  2. Switch to the sequence view, then inspect a packet and select a field to highlight its bytes.
  3. Compare TCP with UDP, answer the quiz and export your progress.

Frequently asked questions

What happens when I open a website?

A typical first HTTPS visit can involve DNS resolution, a transport connection, a TLS handshake and an HTTP exchange. Caches, connection reuse and HTTP/3 can change this sequence.

How are TCP and UDP different?

TCP presents a reliable ordered byte stream. UDP preserves individual datagram boundaries without built-in delivery guarantees. Applications choose the behavior they need.

Are these real captured packets?

No. Frames are generated locally for teaching. Header lengths and checksums are calculated, while TLS ciphertext and some negotiation payloads are illustrative. Downloaded PCAP files contain synthetic examples, not live traffic.

Can I learn without JavaScript or an account?

All 14 protocol guides and their lesson explanations are available as ordinary HTML without signing in. JavaScript powers animations, byte inspection, local progress and quizzes.

Where is my progress saved?

Only in this browser’s local storage. Export a progress JSON file to move it to another device. Clearing browser data can remove progress.

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