Which protocol is primarily used to dynamically distribute IP addresses to devices on a network?

The protocol that is primarily used to dynamically distribute IP addresses to devices on a network is DHCP, which stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. DHCP automates the process of assigning IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and other network parameters to devices on a network. This removes the need for manual IP address configuration, thereby simplifying the management of network resources.

When a device connects to a network, it sends out a DHCP request asking for an IP address. The DHCP server receives this request and assigns an available IP address from a predefined pool. The server also communicates important network settings, ensuring that the device is correctly configured to interact with the network.

In contrast, DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names into IP addresses but does not assign them dynamically. TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) is used for simple file transfers, and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a more complex protocol for transferring files over a network. Neither TFTP nor FTP has a role in IP address assignment, reinforcing the unique function of DHCP in network management.