interest with DCHP server

[si-skyline]

Hi everyone,

I was asked a question today and not too sure how to anwser it. i was messing around with wireshark and allowing a friend see the exchange of packets between a client and DHCP server in my home and I was asked

why on earth would the DHCP server send a ping request to a client on the ip it just gave the client?

My best guess was that it was to make sure that the client is corrently set upto the ip stack so it can join the network.. some how I guess im not right.

Any ideas?
I also not sure if this should belong under networking as it is a general disscussion about tech..

[x88x]

Yeah, that sounds right. I think part of the last step in the DHCP process involves pinging the newly assigned IP address to confirm that it is functioning properly.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DHCP#Technical_details

[Drum Thumper]

DORA is the answer.

[si-skyline]

Dora the Explorer ??

always good to know that a logical guess cant be always off xD thank you both :)
+REP

[Drum Thumper]

DORA=acronym for DHCP authentication steps


Discovery, Offer, Request, Acknowledge (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_steps_in_the_DORA_DHCP_process)

The ping is taking place during the Acknowledge stage.