What does DHCP stand for in networking?

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It is a network management protocol used on Internet Protocol (IP) networks to automatically assign IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices (hosts), allowing them to communicate on the network without the need for manual configuration.

By using DHCP, devices within a local area network (LAN) can request and be assigned addresses from a central server, which maintains a pool of available IP addresses. This helps streamline the process of network configuration, minimizes the potential for errors that can occur from manual IP address assignments, and ensures efficient use of the address space.

The other options do not accurately reflect what DHCP does or its function within networking. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is the accepted industry term, capturing the essence of automatic configuration for dynamic IP address management.