Which protocol automates the assignment of IP addresses and other network configurations to devices?

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is the protocol that automates the assignment of IP addresses and other network configurations to devices on a network. This protocol simplifies the process of connecting devices to a network by eliminating the need for manual configuration. When a device connects to a network, it sends a request to the DHCP server, which then allocates an available IP address from a specified range (also known as a scope) and provides other necessary network settings, such as subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server addresses.

This automation streamlines network management, especially in environments with many devices, by ensuring that IP addresses are effectively managed and do not conflict. DHCP dynamically leases IP addresses for a specified duration, allowing them to be reused when devices disconnect from the network, contributing to efficient IP address management.

The other options do not serve the same purposes: Static Addressing Protocol (SAP) is not a widely recognized protocol and would imply a manual assignment, which DHCP seeks to avoid. Network Time Protocol (NTP) is focused on synchronizing time across devices rather than managing IP address allocations. Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) is primarily used for error messaging and operational queries in the network, such as echo requests, rather than for assigning IP