DHCP is a network protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and other network settings to devices (clients) on a network.
dhcpd on Linuxsudo nano /etc/dhcp/dhcpd.conf
subnet 192.168.1.0 netmask 255.255.255.0 {
range 192.168.1.100 192.168.1.200;
option routers 192.168.1.1;
option domain-name-servers 8.8.8.8;
default-lease-time 600;
max-lease-time 7200;
}
Steps:
Office LANipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /all
Confirm it received IP from your configured scope
To assign a fixed IP to a device (e.g., printer):
Expand IPv4 > Scope > Reservations
Right-click > New Reservation
Enter:
Name
IP Address
MAC Address (from device or ipconfig /all)
Click OK
✅ Always assign static IP to the DHCP server itself
🛡️ Use Access Control or MAC filtering for security
🔄 Restart DHCP service if settings don't apply:
Restart-Service dhcpserver
# Open DHCP Console
dhcpmgmt.msc
# Restart DHCP Service
Restart-Service dhcpserver
# View Leases (PowerShell)
Get-DhcpServerv4Lease -ScopeId 192.168.1.0
| Feature | Static IP | DHCP Assigned |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Setup | Required | Not required |
| IP Conflicts | Possible | Rare |
| Flexibility | Low | High |
| Use Case | Servers, printers | PCs, phones, guests |
❌ IP 169.254.x.x? → DHCP failed
🔄 Restart DHCP client:
sudo dhclient
✅ Ensure server is reachable and service is running
DHCP Lease – Temporary IP assignment
DHCP Reservation – Assigns fixed IP to MAC address
BOOTP – Predecessor to DHCP
PXE Boot – Uses DHCP for network booting