What is the role of a DHCP server in a network?

The role of a DHCP server in a network is to lease IP addresses to network clients. DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. When devices like computers, printers, or smartphones connect to a network, the DHCP server automatically assigns them an IP address from a defined range. This process simplifies network management by eliminating the need for manual IP address assignment, thereby reducing the potential for IP conflicts and ensuring efficient use of IP address space.

By dynamically allocating IP addresses, the DHCP server ensures that devices can join the network seamlessly, receive the appropriate network configurations, and communicate effectively without requiring intervention from an administrator each time a device connects or disconnects from the network. This service is crucial in environments where devices frequently join or leave, such as in a corporate office or a public Wi-Fi network.

The other options pertain to different roles entirely: converting website names to IP addresses is handled by DNS (Domain Name System), managing the storage of email messages relates to mail servers, and providing centralized file storage involves file server functions. None of these are the responsibilities of a DHCP server.