Each device that is connected to a TCP/IP network must be assigned a unique IP address. These devices include the controllers in your storage array.

Without DHCP, a network administrator enters these IP addresses manually. With DHCP, when a client needs to start TCP/IP operations, the client broadcasts a request for address information. The DHCP server receives the request, assigns a new address for a specified amount of time called a lease period, and sends the address to the client. With DHCP, a device can have a different IP address each time it connects to the network. In some systems, the IP address for the device can change even while the device is still connected.