SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aplus-dhcp-discover

What is the first message a DHCP client sends when it needs an address?

DHCPDISCOVER, broadcast to find available servers.

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  1. DHCPOFFER
  2. DHCPDISCOVER ✔
  3. DHCPACK

Why: The client broadcasts DHCPDISCOVER to locate servers. A server answers with DHCPOFFER, the client asks with DHCPREQUEST, and the server confirms with DHCPACK.

Huh, didn't know that: The same DHCPREQUEST message is also used to extend a lease on an address.

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References

Answer: DHCPDISCOVER. The client broadcasts DHCPDISCOVER to locate servers. A server answers with DHCPOFFER, the client asks with DHCPREQUEST, and the server confirms with DHCPACK.

  1. RFC 2131 www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2131
    Client broadcast to locate available servers.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. RFC 2131 www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2131
    Server to client in response to DHCPDISCOVER with offer of configuration parameters.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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