A non-technical explanation of DHCP

Here's a non-technical explanation of DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol):

When you set up your Slingbox, DHCP must be enabled so that your Slingbox can be recognized on your home network. But what exactly does this mean?

The same way that homes in your community must have a unique telephone number to place or receive calls, any device connected to your home network (such as your computer and your Slingbox) must have its own unique number, too. That way, your router knows where network signals are coming from, and where they should be sent to.

"DHCP" is simply the method that your router uses to issue a unique number for identification. This ID number is called an IP address. An IP address is assigned to each of the devices that are a part of your home network. Unless you are a "power user" and do this manually, any time a new device is added to your network-- and your router notices its addition--it assigns it an IP address automatically.