What is the Difference Between DNS and DHCP Server

The main difference between DNS and DHCP Server is that the DNS server maps the domain names to IP addresses while the DHCP server automatically assigns IP addresses to the hosts in the network each time they connect to the network.

A computer network is a collection of devices such as desktops, servers, laptops, routers and switches, etc. to share data and resources. Wired or wireless medium helps to connect these devices together. A server is a computer program or a device that provides services or functionalities for other programs and devices. Two such servers are DNS server and DHCP server. 

Key Areas Covered

1. What is DNS Server
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is DHCP Server
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What is the Difference Between DNS and DHCP Server
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

DNS Server, DHCP Server

What is DNS Server

Each device and service in the WWW has an IP address. It is not possible for the user to always use the IP address to access them. DNS server provides a solution to this issue. When the user enters a domain name in the web browser, the DNS (Domain Name System) server maps the domain name to the corresponding IP address.

For example, when a user type, pediaa.com in the URL of the web browser, the DNS server searches its database to find the machine IP address. Then, it displays the home page of peddia.com website. Then, the user can obtain the required web pages from that website.

What is DHCP Server

Each device in the computer network has an IP address to communicate with each other. There are two ways to assign an IP address. The first method is to assign the IP address manually. This is called static IP addressing. However, it is a difficult method if there are many devices in the network.

The second method is to use a DHCP server. It assigns a dynamic IP address automatically. Each time the device connects to the network, the DHCP assigns a dynamic IP address. Therefore, it is not a fixed IP address. This is also called dynamic IP addressing. This is helpful for a large network since the DHCP server makes the IP addressing process easier.

Difference Between DNS and DHCP Server

Definition

DNS server is a device that locates the internet domain names and translates them into internet protocol (IP) addresses. In contrast, DHCP server is a device that dynamically assigns IP address and other network configuration parameters to each device on a network so that they can communicate with each other.

Full Form

While DNS server stands for Domain Name System Server, DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.

Main Functionality

Moreover, DNS server maps the domain names to the corresponding IP addresses. DHCP server assigns IP addresses automatically to the devices when they connect to the network. In other words, DHCP server allows dynamic IP addressing. This is the main difference between DNS and DHCP server.

Port Numbers

Port number is another difference between DNS and DHCP server. DNS uses port number 53 whereas DHCP works on port number 67 and 68.

Working Methodology

Furthermore, DNS works in a decentralized manner while DHCP works in a centralized manner. This is a major difference between DNS and DHCP Server.

Advantage

DNS server helps to map the domain names to IP addresses. Therefore, the user does not need to memorize the IP addresses. On the other hand, DHCP server helps to assign IP addresses to the devices automatically, makes it easier to manage a large network.

Conclusion

In brief, DNS and DHCP are common servers in networking. The basic difference between DNS and DHCP server is that the DNS server maps the domain names to IP addresses while the DHCP server automatically assigns IP addresses to the hosts in the network each time they connect to the network.

Reference:

1. How a DNS Server (Domain Name System) Works., PowerCert Animated Videos, 26 May 2016, Available here.
2. DHCP Explained – Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, PowerCert Animated Videos, 1 May 2017, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Dns-server-upload” By Б.Өлзий – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “DHCP server” By Xyliganxyl – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia