Which protocol primarily provides network configuration parameters to devices on a local area network?

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to automatically assign IP addresses and provide other necessary network configuration parameters, such as the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information, to devices connected to a local area network (LAN). This automation facilitates the management of IP addresses and reduces the potential for configuration errors that can occur with manual setup.

In a typical DHCP transaction, a client device broadcasts a request for an IP address when it connects to the network. The DHCP server then responds by providing a valid IP address from its available pool, along with the other specified configuration settings. This process allows devices to join the network seamlessly, ensuring they can communicate and access resources without needing manual intervention.

Other protocols listed do not serve this specific function. For instance, HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is used for transferring web pages and content over the internet, while TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol) are used for transmitting data across networks but do not specifically handle network configuration. Therefore, DHCP stands out as the appropriate protocol for providing network configuration parameters within a LAN environment.