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What is an IP Lease?

An IP lease (usually referred to as a DHCP lease) is the way your device “borrows” an IP address on a network for a limited time. When the lease expires, your device must either renew it or let the IP be given to another device.

IP leases are managed by the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which is in charge of assigning IP addresses to devices on a network. That’s why it’s also referred to as a DHCP lease.

DHCP doesn’t assign IPs permanently because IP addresses are limited resources and devices constantly join and leave networks. DHCP is also automatic, making it much more efficient than manually assigning IPs.

Here’s an example of what the IP leasing process might look like:

  1. DHCPDISCOVER: A laptop connects to the Wi-Fi and broadcasts a request for an IP address.
  2. DHCPOFFER: The router (DHCP Server) offers IP with a 24-hour lease.
  3. DHCPREQUEST: The laptop accepts the offer and requests to use it.
  4. DHCPACK: The server confirms the 24-hour lease.
  5. Renewal: After 12 hours (50% time), the laptop sends a request to extend the lease. If the server is on, the 24-hour timer resets.

The typical lease times by network type are:

  • Home networks: 3-7 days (stable devices)
  • Corporate offices 1-3 days
  • Guest or public Wi-Fi: 1-8 hours (high device turnover)