Design LAN using DHCP and Design LAN using Wireless Nodes What is DHCP? Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a client/server protocol that automatically provides an Internet Protocol (IP) host with its IP address and other related configuration information such as the subnet mask and default gateway. Wireless Network A wireless local-area network (LAN) uses radio waves to connect devices such as laptops to the Internet and to your business network and its applications.