Abstract: A Smart DHCP Relay server is formed for receiving all IP address requests, to determine the ISP to which the request should be forwarded, and then to forward the request to the ISP. Accordingly, when the ISP responds, the Smart DHCP Relay generates an IP address for delivery to the user terminal that initiated the request. The user terminal, upon receiving the one response, automatically loads the IP address for use whenever access to the Internet by way of the ISP equipment is desired. The system includes a gateway device that forwards all address requests (DHCPDISCOVER). The Smart DHCP Relay includes a database that maps MAC addresses with corresponding selected IP addresses from a number of ISPs offering a service to the subscribers. The duration that the MAC address is assigned to the IP address provided by the selected ISP is variable. It may be made to last only for a specified session or period. Alternatively, it can be made to last indefinitely.