DHCP Explained

For those in a hurry…

• Static IP Address
• Dynmic IP Address
• DHCP IP Address Range/Scope
• DHCP Lease IP
• DHCP Static IP Example
• Leased IP Address Example
• DHCP IP Reservation
• DHCP is a Service on a Server
• DHCP Making IP Address Management Easy and Automated
• The Advantages of DHCP Servers

Simple DHCP Definition

What is DHCP, and what does it do? This blog explains DHCP – the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It also details the distinction between a static IP and a dynamic IP.

Now that every computer or device on a network needs an IP address for communication, it’s essential. For example, an IP address is a name assigned to a computer or device on a network. There are two methods for giving a computer an IP address.

It could be done by using a static IP or a dynamic IP.

Complex DHCP Definition

DHCP is a network protocol that enables IP networks to assign an IP address and other configuration data to each device on the network automatically to communicate effectively with other endpoints.

The IP address, subnet mask, default gateway address, domain name server (DNS) address, and other important configuration settings are all given by DHCP. The BOOTP protocol is the basis for DHCP, which is an IETF-defined standard based on the RFC 2131 and 2132 standards.

Static IP Address

A static IP address is when a user manually gives a computer or device with an IP address. This was the original approach to networking, which was done in its early days. Previously, you needed to open up each computer’s network configuration page and manually input an IP address for each device on the network. However, you had to input a subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server in addition to an IP address. And whenever you want to add another computer or device to the network, you must repeat the procedure.

So, as you might have guessed, this may be much work, especially if you’re dealing with an extensive network that includes many computers. And you also had to make sure all the IP addresses are unique because assigning the same IP address twice would result in an IP conflict that would prevent those computers from connecting to the network. However, a more efficient approach is to assign a computer and IP address called a dynamic IP.

Dynamic IP

A dynamic IP is an IP address that a computer obtains automatically from a DHCP server. For example, a DHCP server may instantly assign a computer with an IP address and a subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server.

For example, we have the Network Connection Properties window for a Microsoft Windows computer open. This PC is automatically configured to obtain an IP address, as you can see here.

When you select this option, the computer will send out a request for an IP address on the network. The DHCP server will then give your computer an IP address from its pool and deliver it to you. After that, you may double-check all of the settings given to your laptop by the DHCP server.

And you can do this by opening up a command prompt on a Windows computer and then type in Ipconfig /all and then press Enter.

So, as you can see, this computer’s DHCP service is on. This means it’s receiving its IP address from a DHCP server. Then there was the IP address (192.168.0.10), along with the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers, which can all be seen here. The DHCP server assigned all of these parameters. As a result, dynamic IP addressing is the preferred option because it’s automatic and makes managing a network considerably easier.

IP Address Scope Range

A DHCP server dispenses IP addresses to computers on a network from its scope, which is a range of IP addresses that the server may give out. As an illustration, we have a scope of IP addresses on this machine.

So as you can see, the range starts with this IP address and ends with this IP address. So computers on this network will get an IP address from this range of IP addresses. So this scope can give out 100 IP addresses.

The range of values is also adjustable, and they may be changed to either extend or narrow the range. It all comes down to what the network administrator wants to achieve. So it’s adaptable.

DHCP Lease IP

When computers obtain an IP address from my DHCP server, they assign it as a lease. So each computer does not own the IP address as it’s leased to the computer.

A lease is a contract that lasts for a certain length of time. And the term of a lease is the amount of time an IP address is assigned to a computer. So, for example, the lease could be for one day. The purpose of the lease is to guarantee that the DHCP server does not run out of available IP addresses in its range/scope.

Let’s assume this DHCP scope has a limited range of three IP addresses, so it can only supply three IP addresses.

This isn’t really realistic because no network administrator would ever create a scope this tiny. But, for the sake of argument, let’s use this as an example.

Let’s add three computers to this network. The DHCP server will give them a unique IP address when new computers are connected. So in this case, let’s assume that the IP addresses are assigned to the machines and not leased.

All of the IP addresses that the DHCP assigned have been used up. However, what happens if one of these computers is deleted from the network? So, for example, if a computer is disconnected, it takes its assigned IP address with it. So let’s assume another PC is added to the network.

The problem is that the computer will be unable to access the network since the DHCP server has run out of IP addresses. So even though this machine has been removed, it still utilises an IP address that another computer might use.

These are the reasons why IP addresses are leased rather than given. Because if IP addresses are leased, this will notify the DHCP server which ones are still in use and which ones aren’t.

So in this example, the IP addresses are leased.

When the computers send a signal to the DHCP server after a set period of time during the lease, the DHCP server will renew its IP address lease. So, in other words, it’s informing the DHCP server that it is still on the network and using its IP address. For example, a computer that is disconnected from the network cannot request a renewal from the DHCP server. The lease will expire if it does not ask for renewal, and then the IP address will be returned to the pool of available addresses.

Now the IP address may be used on another computer, so IP addresses are leased.

IP Reservation on DHCP Server

Now, if you want a computer or gadget on your network to have the same IP address all the time, that is, you don’t want its IP address to change. So you may make a reservation on the DHCP server.

You can make a reservation on the DHCP server. For example, when a computer or device with a specific Mac address requests an IP address from the DHCP server, it is assigned one if its MAC address is registered in advance as part of a reservation.

So, for example, if I make a reservation for my computer on this DHCP server, the DHCP server will recognise my Mac address and always provide me with this specific IP address.

Now, reservations are generally not given to typical computers. Instead, they’re typically limited to special equipment like network printers, servers, routers, and other such devices that require the same IP address all the time.

DHCP Is a Service That Runs On A Server

It’s important to remember that DHCP is a service that runs on a server. This might be a Microsoft server or a Linux server, but it can also be found on many routers. These routers will also have a DHCP service integrated into them, whether it’s business routers or small office home office routers.

DHCP Making IP Address Management Easy and Automated

DHCP is necessary to relieve network administrators of the burden of keeping track of IP addresses. There can be no two hosts with the same IP address because this would lead to problems in terms of configuration. Even on small networks, manually assigning IP addresses can be confusing, particularly with mobile devices that require IP addresses on a non-permanent basis. Finally, most users aren’t technologically sophisticated enough to figure out the IP address information on a computer and assign it. Automating this procedure makes things simpler for both users and network administrators.

The Advantages of DHCP Servers

In addition to reduced administration, a DHCP server offers further advantages. The following are some of the advantages:

• The IP address settings must be precise, and it’s all too easy to make a mistake when working with inputs like “195.168.101.6.” Typographical errors are tough to troubleshoot, and using a DHCP server lowers that danger.
• Conflicts caused by duplicate IP addresses: An IP address is required for every connected device. Each address may only be used once, and a duplicate address will result in a conflict in which one or both of the devices may not be able to connect.
•  When an IP address is manually assigned, it’s possible that a duplicate assignment may occur when there are numerous endpoints that only connect occasionally, such as mobile devices. Each address is allocated only once using DHCP.
• Automation of IP address administration: Network administrators would have to assign and remove addresses without DHCP manually. It’s nearly impossible to keep track of which device has what address, particularly when it comes to network access and when devices depart the network. System administrators may use DHCP to automatically and centrally manage all locations from a single location, allowing network experts to operate all sites.
• The flexibility of the DHCP service eliminates many complications associated with moving an IP network. The use of DHCP makes it very simple to modify addresses, scopes, or endpoints. For example, imagine a company that wishes to alter its IP address scheme from one range to another. The new configuration is then distributed to the new endpoints by the DHCP server, which was updated with the new data. No networking configuration changes are necessary if a network device is upgraded and replaced.

If you’re still having trouble understanding DHCP and how it works, don’t worry! We have an expert team of technicians who can help walk you through the process. In addition, we also offer IP reservation services so that your computer always has the same IP address. For more information about our DHCP services or to make a reservation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.