What is the primary function of the MikroTik RouterOS DHCP server?

The primary function of the MikroTik RouterOS DHCP server is to automatically assign IP addresses to clients. This dynamic address assignment is a key feature of the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) that simplifies network management by eliminating the need for manual configuration of IP addresses on each device on a network. When a device connects to the network, it sends a request to the DHCP server, which then assigns an appropriate IP address from a predefined range and optionally provides other important configuration settings, such as subnet mask, gateway, and DNS server addresses. This process ensures that devices can easily join and communicate on the network without administrative overhead.

In contrast, static IP address assignment, while possible, is not the primary role of a DHCP server, as static addresses are typically set manually and do not utilize the server's automatic features. Providing a connection to the internet is also not the main function of the DHCP server; it is concerned with local IP address management, while the connection to the internet relies on routing and other configurations. Lastly, managing network bandwidth is outside the scope of the DHCP server’s responsibilities, as bandwidth management involves controlling and monitoring traffic flow rather than assigning IP configurations to devices.