What is the main purpose of DHCP?

The primary function of DHCP, which stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, is to automatically assign IP addresses to devices on a network. This process eliminates the need for network administrators to manually configure IP settings for each device, simplifying network management and ensuring that all devices can communicate effectively on the network.

When a device connects to a network, it sends a request for an IP address to a DHCP server. The server then provides an available IP address along with other network configuration details, such as the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server addresses. This automation not only saves time but also reduces the possibility of human errors that can occur with manual IP address assignments, such as IP address conflicts.

The other options provided do not represent the core function of DHCP. For example, assigning static IP addresses is a manual process and is not handled by DHCP. Detecting network intrusions falls under the domain of security protocols and tools rather than DHCP's role in addressing. Enhancing network signal strength pertains to hardware solutions rather than IP address management. Thus, the answer correctly highlights DHCP’s role in automating IP address assignments effectively.