What is a DHCP Relay?
A DHCP Relay (or Relay Agent) is a network function that forwards DHCP messages between clients and servers across different IP subnets or VLANs. Operating as an intermediary agent, the relay converts broadcast DHCP requests into unicast packets directed toward a centralized DHCP server, then returns responses to originating clients. This mechanism overcomes DHCP’s single broadcast domain limitation, enabling centralized IP address management and eliminating the need for dedicated DHCP servers per subnet.