When a device such as a laptop is connected to a network and automatically assigned an IP address, it is typically done through DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). DHCP servers are responsible for dynamically assigning IP addresses to devices on a network, ensuring that each device has a unique IP address and can communicate on the network without IP conflicts.
References:
* CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Objectives, especially sections dealing with networking fundamentals and configurations, which would include the role and function of DHCP in managing IP address allocation on networks.
* Understanding of basic networking protocols and services, highlighting DHCP's role in dynamically allocating IP addresses to devices on a network to facilitate communication.