Which protocol is commonly used for automatic IP address configuration?

The protocol that is commonly used for automatic IP address configuration is Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). DHCP operates on a client-server model where the DHCP server dynamically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to each device on a network. This process allows devices to automatically receive their IP settings, making network administration easier and more efficient.

In a typical DHCP process, when a device connects to a network, it broadcasts a request for an IP address. The DHCP server then assigns an available IP address from a predefined pool, along with other necessary configuration details such as subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers. This eliminates the need for manual configuration for each device, streamlining the setup process, especially in larger networks where many devices are connected.

The other protocols mentioned serve different purposes: HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is used for transmitting hypertext via the web, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is designed for transferring files between a client and a server, and SSH (Secure Shell) is a protocol for securely accessing and managing devices over a network. None of these are designed for automatic IP address configuration like DHCP is.