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The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is the service specifically designed for providing IP address assignment and management in a Windows Server environment. DHCP automates the process of assigning IP addresses to devices on a network, allowing for dynamic allocation of addresses to clients. This means that when a device connects to the network, DHCP can automatically provide it with an appropriate IP address from a predefined range of addresses known as a scope.

In addition to assigning IP addresses, DHCP also manages other network configuration options, such as subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server information, thereby simplifying network management and rollout processes. By centralizing the assignment and management of IP addresses, DHCP reduces the risk of address conflicts that can occur when IP addresses are assigned manually.

In contrast, Domain Name System (DNS) resolves domain names to IP addresses but does not manage IP address assignments. Dynamically Assigned Addressing is a broader term that can refer to any method of IP address assignment that occurs on an as-needed basis, but it is not a specific protocol or service in Windows Server environments. Network Address Translation (NAT) is used to map private IP addresses to a public IP address for internet access, but it does not manage or assign addresses to devices within a network.