Which UDP port is assigned to a DHCP client?

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) utilizes a client-server model to dynamically assign IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network. In this model, the roles of DHCP servers and clients are defined by specific port numbers used for UDP communications.

A DHCP client communicates with the DHCP server using UDP port 68. When a client device initiates a request to obtain an IP address, it sends messages to the server's UDP port 67, which is designated for receiving requests from clients. The server then responds to the client's requests, and these responses are sent back to port 68 on the client.

Understanding the port assignments is critical for network configurations and troubleshooting DHCP issues. If a client is attempting to communicate via the wrong port, it would not be able to establish the necessary connection to receive configuration data. This clarity on port assignments helps ensure that DHCP processes work effectively within a network environment.