What is the role of DHCP in Sophos XG Firewall?

The role of DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) in the context of the Sophos XG Firewall is to assign IP addresses automatically to devices on the network. This functionality simplifies the management of IP addresses by allowing devices to obtain their network configuration automatically, which includes not only their IP address but also subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information.

By employing DHCP, network administrators save time and reduce the potential for IP address conflicts that can occur when assigning addresses manually. When devices connect to the network, they send out a request for an IP address, and the DHCP service responds with an available address from a configured range, ensuring that new devices can join the network seamlessly without requiring manual intervention.

The other options do not accurately describe the role of DHCP in the Sophos XG Firewall. For instance, monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity is typically handled by intrusion detection or prevention systems, not DHCP. Similarly, managing firewall rules dynamically based on traffic is a function associated with advanced firewall features but not DHCP. Creating VPN tunnels is handled by VPN services, which are distinct from DHCP functions.