DHCP allows a computer to join an IP-based network without having a pre-configured IP address. DHCP is a protocol that assigns unique IP addresses to devices, then releases and renews these addresses as devices leave and re-join the network. Most home and business routers have a built in DHCP server that can be configured to do this.
An INS (Internet Name Server) supplies names and numbers to computers on the internet. Large ISP's (Internet Service Providers) like Charter, Comcast, Road Runner & SBC own the INS's. The names and numbers are controlled by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names & Numbers).
DHCP server
Assigns addresses and configures clients for network access.
DHCP server
By masking the IP addresses of internal computers from the internet
By masking the IP addresses of internal computers from the internet
In North America, the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) is the organization that allocates IP Addresses for Internet Service Providers (ISP).
By masking the IP addresses of internal computers from the internet
By masking the IP addresses of internal computers from the Internet
A Dynamic Server serves up IP addresses to computers on a network. The purpose of the dynamic server is to protect the user's identity online. This is why it sends different IP addresses every time the user logs on.
The DHCP service.
To create a functional network with a switch you will need a DHCP server either from a router plugged into the switch or from an actual server that has DHCP installed on it. The function a switch brings to a network is to provide more ports for additional computers, when multiple machines are plugged into a network they need addresses in order to communicate. A DHCP server (from a router or traditional server) will provide an IP address to multiple machines thus assigning addresses that the computers can use to communicate on said network. A home router such as some made by Linksys or D-link should be sufficient to provide 12 computers with ip addresses. Just plug the router into the switch with the 12 computers and set the DHCP range for atleast 12 IP addresses.
This process is done by NAT - Network Address Translation. It is a service that may be run on any server.
Read the section of the manual concerning enabling the router to be a DHCP server. DHCP is the magic that assigns IP numbers.