Configuring a DHCP Server

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) enables TCP/IP-based client workstations to receive local and network configuration information automatically when the TCP/IP transport is loaded.

When a DHCP client workstation boots, it broadcasts a DHCP request for its IP address and network configuration. When the DHCP server receives the message, it checks its database to determine which configuration information to return. The DHCP server replies by sending a DHCP reply message that includes all TCP/IP configuration information required by the specific client that sent the request.

This chapter provides procedures for setting up the NetWare DHCP service. To configure the NetWare DHCP service, you must complete the following tasks:

  1. Install the NetWare DHCP service, as described in Installing the NetWare DHCP Service
  2. Define subnetwork profiles for each subnetwork using DHCP services. Or, if your network does not use subnetting, define a single subnetwork profile. See Defining Subnetwork Profiles for more information.
  3. List IP addresses that are to be assigned statically, as described in Setting Up IP Address Assignments
  4. Define a list of nodes that you do not want the DHCP server to reply to, as described in Defining Excluded Nodes
  5. Load the DHCP Server NetWare Loadable ModuleTM (NLMTM ), as described in Loading DHCPSRVR

The NetWare DHCP service is configured and managed by the DCHP Configuration utility (DHCPCFG). You use DHCPCFG to complete each of the tasks necessary to provide the NetWare DHCP service on a network.