What does the DHCP server do after the client has requested an IP address?

The DHCP server follows a specific sequence of messages to assign an IP address to a client. After the client has sent a DHCPREQUEST message requesting an IP address, the server then responds with a DHCPACK message. This acknowledgment signifies that the server has successfully reserved the requested IP address for the client and includes vital configuration details such as the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information.

This process ensures that the client can now effectively use the assigned IP address on the network. The acknowledgment step is critical in the DHCP process, as it formally confirms the completion of the IP address assignment, allowing the client to start communication on the network with all the necessary parameters provided.

In contrast, the other stages of the DHCP process involve different actions. For instance, the DISCOVER phase is when the client sends a broadcast message to find available DHCP servers. During the OFFER stage, the server responds to the DISCOVER message with an offer for an IP address. In the REQUEST phase, the client sends a message to indicate acceptance of a particular offer. Thus, after the client requests an IP address, the server's action of sending an acknowledgment is the completion of the communication process necessary for network connectivity.