Which aspect of networking is DHCP primarily responsible for?

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is primarily responsible for assigning IP addresses dynamically to devices on a network. This process is crucial because it automates the configuration of network settings, which allows devices to join the network without the need for manual input or fixed IP addresses. When a device connects to a network, DHCP provides it with an IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and other relevant information necessary for network communication. This capability not only simplifies network management but also helps prevent IP address conflicts that can occur with manual configurations.

In contrast, managing user sessions pertains to the establishment and maintenance of connections between clients and servers, which is not the focus of DHCP. Monitoring network traffic involves analyzing and tracking data transmitted over the network, which requires different tools and protocols. Encrypting data traffic is concerned with securing data to prevent unauthorized access, a function performed by technologies such as TLS/SSL, rather than DHCP itself.