What is created by a DHCP server to allow a device to use an IP address temporarily?

A DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server facilitates the allocation of IP addresses to devices on a network. When a device connects to the network and requests an IP address, the DHCP server assigns an IP address for a specified period. This temporary assignment is known as a lease.

The lease is a defined time frame during which the device is allowed to use the assigned IP address. Once the lease expires, the device must either renew the lease or acquire a different IP address from the DHCP server. This process allows for efficient management of IP addresses within a network, ensuring that addresses are not permanently assigned but can be reused when devices disconnect.

In contrast, other terms like service lease and address reservation refer to different concepts. A service lease is not a standard term used in DHCP configurations, whereas address reservation involves permanently assigning a specific IP address to a specific device, ensuring that the device always receives the same IP address whenever it connects to the network. IP allocation refers more generally to the distribution of IP addresses rather than the temporary nature of the assignment that is specifically described by a lease.