Motorola BR700 - Manual (Page 10)

OVERVIEW SECTION 1
SECTION 1, OVERVIEW 1-5
DHCP Server
A Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Server assigns IP
addresses to clients connected to the router. Client is the general
term used to describe any device that connects with your unit. The
client (PC, gaming device, etc.) is automatically assigned an IP
address every time a device is added to your network, freeing you
from manually assigning IP addresses.
Simple Home Network Diagram
Your router serves as the centerpiece of your network, allowing you
to share files, printers, and the Internet connection. A sample Local
Area Network (LAN) is shown below:
The Internet communicates with the modem which in turn
communicates with the router. The router acts as the gateway to your
network, sending information to whichever device asks for
information, be it from requests for Internet access to file sharing to
multiplayer games. The router controls the information for your
network, intelligently routing the information to its required destination
while at the same time protecting your network from the public
domain.