What does the "lease" expire in DHCP?

In DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), the "lease" refers to the duration of time that an IP address is assigned to a device (client). The lease is established when the DHCP server assigns an IP address to the client, and it is valid for a specified time period as set by the server's configuration. This period is crucial because it allows the DHCP server to manage and recycle IP addresses efficiently in a network with multiple devices, ensuring that these addresses can be reassigned after the lease time expires.

When the lease period comes to an end, the client must either renew the lease or release the IP address, allowing it to be reclaimed by the server for other devices. This renewal process generally happens before the lease expires to maintain network connectivity. The concept of lease time helps to prevent IP address exhaustion, especially in networks where devices frequently connect and disconnect.

While other considerations such as a device disconnecting, server rebooting, or network configuration changes can affect the status of an IP address, the core principle of the lease time centers on its expiration after a specified period, making that answer the most fitting in the context of DHCP functionality.