What is a DHCP server and should I enable it or disable it on my router?

Question

I just bought a Linksys router, and by default a DHCP server is enabled. Should I enable it or disable it? There are IP settings if it's enabled and if it's disabled I can't changed the settings at all. Should I disable it, since I just want my router to handle IP stuff or should I just leave it at the default enabled? Thanks.

Answer 1

DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocal) assigns ipaddresses to your client computers, unless there is another DHCP server on your network you should leave it ENABLED, otherwise the clients won't be able to talk to the router. Otherwise you will have to make the addresses static (not the easy option)

Answer 2

DHCP is Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.

Basically, you get one IP Address from your internet service provider.  You have a router to share that one "public" ip address between all your private computers.  A DHCP server hands out private IP Addresses to the computers on your internal network.  If this is just a small home network, then most likely you want to allow your Linksys router to handle the addresses to your pc's automatically.

If you disable the Linksys's DHCP server, you will have to manually enter 'static' addresses into each pc.  IP Address, Subnet Mask, Gateway, and DNS Servers.  Without addresses, you will be unable to access your home network, your linksys router, and your internet.