DNS vs. DHCP

Main Difference

The main difference between DNS and DHCP is that DNS is the server that maps domain names with IP addresses, whereas DHCP is the server that assigns IP addresses automatically every time it connects with the network hosts. The DHCP protocol is also used when the DNS server connects to the network host.

Difference Between DNS and DHCP

Comparison Chart

DNS vs. DHCP

The DNS is the server that maps domain names with the IP addresses, while DHCP is the server that assigns IP addresses and configures the system automatically every time it connects with the network hosts. DNS is a protocol that provides a directory for lookup service. The DHCP server assigns IP addresses and configures the system automatically every time it connects with the network hosts. With the DNS server, the domain name interpreted into IP addresses and vice versa. DHCP does not interpret the domain name into IP addresses, as the DNS protocol does.

DNS also maps the logical address and the host’s name on the network. The DHCP protocol is also used when the DNS server connects to the network host. In DNS, it is not always possible for a user to access the service using an IP address. DNS gives a solution in which the DNS server maps to its corresponding IP when a user enters the name of the domain in the browser. The main responsibility of DHCP is to distribute the IP addresses quickly in the network. DHCP is also used to find out the proper subnet masks, DNS information, and the default gateways.

The working port number of DNS is 53, whereas the working port number of DHCP is 67 and 68. UDP and TCP are the protocols that are supported by DNS. UDP is the only protocol supported by DHCP. The system of the DNS is decentralized. The system of the DHCP is centralized.

What is DNS?

The DNS stands for “Domain name system.” The DNS is the server that maps domain names with the IP addresses. It is a protocol that provides a directory for lookup service. It also maps the logical address and the host’s name on the network. Mapping is done through the host file, which contains all the information on the website. These host files regularly updated through a master host file. When a user needs a mapping from the host, the host requests the host file to look for its mapping.

Each device has an IP address, but it is not always possible for a user to access the service using an IP address. For this problem, the domain name system (DNS) gives us a solution in which the DNS server maps the server to its corresponding IP when a user enters the name of the domain in the browser. For example, the user enters the name, address, or URL of the website in the browser; the server (DNS) then searches for the IP address in the database. When the roaming is completed, it shows the home page of the requested website.

The working port number of DNS is 53. UDP and TCP are the protocols that are supported by DNS. The system of the DNS is decentralized. The users do not need to remember the IP address because DNS gave us the solution to this problem. With the DNS server, the domain name is interpreted into IP addresses and vice versa.

What is DHCP?

It stands for “Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.” DHCP is the server that assigns IP addresses and configures the system automatically every time it connects with the network hosts. DHCP does not interpret the domain name into IP addresses, or vice versa, as the DNS protocol does. The DHCP protocol is also used when the DNS server connects to the network host. The main responsibility of DHCP is to distribute the IP addresses quickly in the network. DHCP is also used to find out the proper subnet masks, DNS information, and the default gateways.

DHCP automatically provides the dynamic IP address to the device. It is also known as a dynamic IP address because it is not fixed. It facilitates the network due to the easy IP addressing process. It also decides the validity of the IP address. If the lease got expired even when the client is active, the lease time is automatically renewed by the DHCP. This change is usually unnoticeable by the clients.

Protocol and mechanism are the two elements of DHCP. The protocol transmits the host-specific configuration parameters to the host from DHCP server, whereas the mechanism distributes the network address to the host. The DHCP configures the host on the network quickly; as soon as a host is activated, it connects the DHCP and requests for the IP address information. The working port number of DHCP is 67 and 68. The UDP is the only protocol supported by DHCP. The system of the DHCP is centralized.

Conclusion

The DNS server reduces the complex process of remembering the IP addresses. The DHCP server assigns the IP addresses and configures the system automatically. Both of these servers facilitate the users and the administrators by using the network via the internet. DNS and DHCP servers manage all the IP addresses on a network.