Setting up a DHCP server
in Windows 2003
"Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is
an IP standard designed to reduce the complexity of administering IP address
configurations." - Microsoft's definition. A DHCP server would be set up with
the appropriate settings for a given network. Such settings would include a set
of fundamental parameters such as the gateway, DNS, subnet masks, and a range of
IP addresses. Using DHCP on a network means administrators don't need to
configure these settings individually for each client on the network. The DHCP
would automatically distribute them to the clients itself.
The DHCP server assigns a client an IP address
taken from a predefined scope for a given amount of time. If an IP address
is required for longer than the lease has been set for, the client must
request an extension before the lease expires. If the client has not
requested an extension on the lease time, the IP address will be considered
free and can be assigned to another client. If the user wishes to change IP
address then they can do so by typing "ipconfig /release", followed by "ipconfig
/renew" in the command prompt. This will remove the current IP address and
request a new one. Reservations can be defined on the DHCP server to allow
certain clients to have their own IP address (this will be discussed a
little later on). Addresses can be reserved for a MAC address or a host name
so these clients will have a fixed IP address that is configured
automatically. Most Internet Service Providers use DHCP to assign new IP
addresses to client computers when a customer connects to the internet -
this simplifies things at user level.
Setting up a DHCP Server
This will serve as a step-by-step guide on how
to setup a DHCP server. Installing the
DHCP server is made quite easy in Windows 2003. By using the "Manage your
server" wizard, you are able to enter the details you require and have the
wizard set the basics for you. Open to "Manage your server" wizard, select
the DHCP server option for the list of server roles and press Next.
Configuring a DHCP server
In my opinion, the DHCP server in
Windows 2003 is excellent! It has been improved from the Windows 2000
version and is classified as essential for large networks. Imagine having to
configure each and every client manually - it would take up a lot of time
and require far more troubleshooting if a problem was to arise. Before
touching any settings related to DHCP, it is best to make a plan of your
network and think about the range of IPs to use for the computers.
