DHCP DORA
When a device connects to a local network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), it needs an IP address before it can communicate. The DHCP DORA process is the 4-step “handshake” that automatically assigns this address.
Step-by-Step DORA Breakdown
D – Discover (Client -> Network): The client device has no IP address yet ($0.0.0.0$). It sends a broadcast packet across the local network asking, “Is there a DHCP server available?”
O – Offer (Server -> Client): The DHCP server receives the request, selects an available IP from its pool, and sends back an offer containing a proposed IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers.
R – Request (Client -> Network): The client accepts the offer and broadcasts a response: “I’d like to claim this offered IP address.” Broadcasting this lets all other DHCP servers know their offers were declined.
A – Acknowledge (Server -> Client): The server logs the lease, locks in the IP address, and sends a final confirmation. Once received, the client configures its network settings and goes online.
Quick Comparison
| Stage | Sender | Message Type | Purpose |
| Discover | Client | Broadcast (255.255.255.255) | Locates available DHCP servers |
| Offer | Server | Unicast/Broadcast | Proposes IP & network parameters |
| Request | Client | Broadcast (255.255.255.255) | Formally requests the offered IP |
| Acknowledge | Server | Unicast/Broadcast | Confirms the lease allocation |