How to Set Up a Basic DHCP Server: A Step-by-Step Guide

Managing networks effectively is crucial for ensuring devices can connect seamlessly to the internet. One key element of network management is the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), which automates the process of assigning IP addresses to devices. In this guide, we’ll explore how to set up a basic DHCP server on both Linux and Windows systems.

What is DHCP?

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It’s a system that automatically provides devices on a network with IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS settings. By automating this process, DHCP eliminates the need for manual configuration, making network management easier and more efficient.

Setting Up a DHCP Server on Linux

• If you’re using Ubuntu, setting up a DHCP server is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:
• First, update your system and install the necessary software. Open a terminal and run:
• sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
• This ensures your system is up to date. Then, install the DHCP server package by running:
• sudo apt install isc-dhcp-server -y
• Once the installation is complete, you’ll need to configure the DHCP server. To do this, edit the configuration file located at /etc/dhcp/dhcpd.conf. Open it with a text editor, such as nano:
• sudo nano /etc/dhcp/dhcpd.conf
• In the file, define the settings for your network. Add a section like this:

• This example sets up a subnet with the range of IP addresses from 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.200. It also specifies the default gateway and DNS servers.
• After saving the configuration file, restart the DHCP server to apply the changes:
• sudo systemctl restart isc-dhcp-server
• Finally, enable the DHCP service to start automatically at boot:
• sudo systemctl enable isc-dhcp-server
• To verify the setup, check the status of the DHCP server by running:
• sudo systemctl status isc-dhcp-server

Setting Up a DHCP Server on Windows

For Windows Server, setting up DHCP involves installing the DHCP role and configuring a scope.

Start by opening Server Manager and clicking Add Roles and Features. Follow the wizard to install the DHCP Server role.

Once installed, open the DHCP management console by searching for "DHCP" in the Start menu. In the console, right-click on your server name and select New Scope. The wizard will guide you through setting up:

• The IP address range for your network
• The subnet mask
• The default gateway and DNS servers

After configuring the scope, you must authorize the DHCP server. Right-click on your server name again and select Authorize. Refresh the console to confirm the server is authorized and ready to assign IP addresses.

Testing Your DHCP Server

After completing the setup, connect a client device to the network to verify that it receives an IP address automatically.

On Linux, use ip addr or ifconfig in the terminal to check the assigned IP address.

On Windows, open the Command Prompt and type ipconfig /all to view the network configuration.

By following these steps, you can easily set up a DHCP server to manage IP address distribution on your network. Whether you’re using Linux or Windows, this setup ensures smooth and automated network operations.