How does DHCP pass configuration information to TCP/IP hosts?

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) communicates configuration information to TCP/IP hosts by utilizing option codes. When a DHCP server receives a request from a client for configuration information, it generates a response containing a range of options defined by the DHCP protocol. These options include essential settings like the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, DNS servers, and other specific configurations needed for the host to function properly in the network.

Each type of configuration information is associated with its own option code, which enables the DHCP server to efficiently convey various settings to the client. The client parses these option codes upon receiving the DHCP offer or acknowledgment, allowing it to configure its network stack accordingly.

The other responses, while related to networking basics, do not accurately describe how DHCP communicates specific configuration details to hosts. Subnet masks, gateway addresses, and ARP requests play roles in overall network functionality but do not capture the method used by DHCP to deliver configuration information. Subnet masks and gateway addresses can be included in the DHCP response but are conveyed through option codes. ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) is used for resolving IP addresses to MAC addresses and is not involved in the configuration exchange process between DHCP servers and clients.