Undoubtedly the most annoying errors for any Windows user are those that interfere with the internet connection since a computer without access to the WWW is simply a typewriter and little else. This may sound exaggerated, but even the most basic programs require a network connection to be fully exploited, so not being able to connect is a real problem.
Between the The most hilarious errors is that of DHCP for Ethernet or WiFi connections. This usually occurs when dynamic host configuration protocol is not enabled. This is a function that allows the complexity of the IP configuration manager and other aspects of the network connection, thus allowing the computer to connect without problems to the Internet.
in this guide We will show you step by step how to activate DHCP to avoid this annoying problem related to your web configuration, so that you can freely connect to the Internet from any WiFi or Ethernet network. In the same way, you will know the main advantages and disadvantages to carry out this activation, so that you personally consider if it is really worth doing.
What is DHCP and why do you need to enable it?
DHCP is nothing more than a server/client type protocol that allows you to automatically assign an IP address and configure other aspects of the connection so that this can communicate with other IP’s. It works with a dynamic IP address list that it grants as these are released after they are used by another client, keeping a continuous record of who used them and to whom they were subsequently assigned.
In the early 90’s, the internet was still unfamiliar territory. At that time, the way in which the information of each client was completed was through the so-called Boot Protocol (BOOTP) which needed to be manually configured. In addition, it did not have support to recover the IP addresses of each one, which caused constant failures to occur in the connections of the time.
Because of this, it is decided to create a BOOTP extension, which would be the first of DHCPwhich considerably improved and automated the configuration of each client, thus generating a much more stable internet.
The role it plays in a Ethernet or Wi-Fi network It is essential since these are currently used by multiple devices at the same time, to which it is necessary to assign different IP addresses so that a stable connection can be maintained throughout the network. Therefore, when using this type of network, it is best to have DHCP activated.
Steps to enable or disable DHCP for Ethernet or WiFi and fix the error
Turning DHCP on or off for Ethernet or WiFi is pretty easy.you simply have to follow the steps that we will explain below depending on the version of Windows you have.
In Windows 10
In Windows 10 it shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes to get to the point where you can turn DHCP on and off. To do this you must do the following:
- Enter to Center network and sharing which you can access through the control panel or by clicking on the symbol of your internet connection in the taskbar of the operating system.
- Once there, enter the section “Change adapter settings”. This will open a window where you can see all the connections. Choose the one you are currently connected to, be it Ethernet or WiFi.
- A small window will open with details about the connection you selected. At this point you must click on “Properties” for which you need administrator permissions, so make sure you log in with the main user.
- You will see a series of properties of the selected network. You must locate the option “internet protocol version 4” and click on its properties.
- Another window will open where you will see the options “Obtain IP address automatically” Y “Get DNS server address automatically” that must be checked so that the DHCP protocol can be activated.
- In case you want to disable DHCP, what you should do is select the options “Use this IP address” Y “Use this DNS address”, with which you must assign the respective addresses manually, consulting the network administrator to find out which ones are indicated.
In Windows 7
The steps to follow in Windows 7 are exactly the same as in Windows 10. You simply have to enter the Network and Sharing Center and perform the actions that we taught you in the previous step. This is because the operation of both operating systems is very similar. In fact, version 10 is inspired by version 7with notable changes in some aspects of its interface but basically they are almost the same software.
Advantages and disadvantages of enabling DHCP on a router
As revolutionary as this protocol is, It’s not perfect and like everything in life It has its advantages and disadvantages that we will explain below.
Advantage
The main advantage is the time savings it represents, especially in WiFi networks in which several devices are connected at the same time. When this happens, it is the router that is in charge of assigning the IP addresses to each connected client, so you won’t have to worry about doing it manually. Thus the process of installing and assigning IP’s in networks with multiple users is greatly facilitated. In addition, this makes the coexistence of all the equipment better and a more stable connection is maintained.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage has to do with the security of the WiFi network. If for some reason an intruder enters your connection without authorization, the router will automatically assign an IP so that you can connect to the Internet without any problem. Which does not happen when DHCP is inactive since this will require each user to manually obtain an address from the network administrator to which only the administrator has access.
On the other hand, if one day you need the IPv4 address of your device, it will be a problem, since DHCP changes them constantly, making every time you turn on the device and it connects to WiFi, the IPv4 change.
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