DHCP Server

Installation and Configuration of a DHCP Server

A. Overview

A Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server automatically issues IP addresses to computers connecting to the network.

In addition to an IP address, the DHCP server provides network configuration information such as the default gateway and subnet mask.

The DHCP server centralizes the management and distribution of IP addresses. At least one DHCP server must be installed on a network.

This infrastructure role is required but can be replaced by a DHCP server from a different hardware or operating system.

While the DHCP service allows for quick setup of the chosen network, it also allows for rapid and comprehensive modification of a series of parameters.

The DHCP server can configure several parameters, not just the IP address. It can also specify the netmask, the default gateway, and various options such as the DNS server address or the domain name. B. How the DHCP Protocol Works

DHCP operates on a client-server basis. When a machine needs to obtain an IP address, it will first send a broadcast message to find out if there is a DHCP server on the network and its address (DHCP Discover). If a DHCP server is present, it will receive the message from the machine.

At this point, it will check its address database to see if it has an address it can offer to the machine. If so, it will send a response directly to the machine with the IP address it offers. (Dynamic Hosting Configuration Protocol). The machine receives the message and responds to the DHCP server, indicating whether it accepts the IP address offered by the DHCP server. If so, it sends a request to the server indicating that it wants to use this address (DHCP Request). The DHCP server receives the machine's request and then sends a message back, indicating that everything is OK and that the address has been assigned (DHCP Ack).

The DHCP server must be authorized in the Active Directory if it is joined to a domain

so that it can be authorized to assign addresses to client machines A Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server automatically issues IP addresses to computers connecting to the network.

In addition to an IP address, the DHCP server provides network configuration information such as the default gateway and subnet mask.

The DHCP server centralizes the management and distribution of IP addresses. At least one DHCP server must be installed on a network.

This infrastructure role is required but can be replaced by a DHCP server from a different hardware or operating system.

While the DHCP service allows for quick setup of the chosen network, it also allows for rapid and comprehensive modification of a series of parameters.

The DHCP server can configure several parameters, not just the IP address. It can also specify the netmask, the default gateway, and various options such as the DNS server address or the domain name.

DHCP Server Terminology

Scope: A scope or address range is the complete consecutive range of probable IP addresses on a network. Scopes generally refer to a single physical subnet of the network to which DHCP services are offered. Scopes

are also the primary means for the server to manage the distribution and assignment of IP addresses and any other configuration parameters associated with network clients.

Global Scope: A global scope is an administrative grouping of scopes

can be used to support multiple logical IP subnets on the same physical subnet.

Global scopes only contain a list of member scopes or child scopes that can be enabled together.

Global scopes are not used to configure other details regarding scope usage. To configure most of the properties used in a global scope, the properties of the member scopes must be configured individually.

Option classes can be of two types: vendor classes and user classes.