An IP address assignment is an entry in the DHCP server database that associates an IP address with a specific network node. When you use automatic IP address assignment, the DHCP server creates an IP address assignment entry for each workstation to which it automatically assigns an IP address. When you use static IP address assignment, you must manually enter an IP address assignment for each workstation to which you want the DHCP server to assign a specific address.

There are two situations in which you should set up an IP address assignment:

• Set up an IP address assignment for any DHCP or BOOTP client that has an established IP address. This can be a NetWare DHCP client, a BOOTP client, or a NetWare/IP client.
• Set up an IP address assignment for any node, such as a NetWare server or a UNIX host, that has an IP address within the range of IP addresses that you designated for automatic assignment.

Gathering Necessary Information

You use the IP Address Assignment option from DHCPCFG's Configuration Menu to set up an IP address assignment. To set up an IP address assignment, you need the following information about the workstation:

• The workstation name

  This can be an arbitrary label of up to 48 uppercase or lowercase letters. However, for simplicity, it is best to use the username of the workstation user.

• The IP address that you want the DHCP server to assign to the workstation or the established IP address of the NetWare server or UNIX host

  When you fill in the IP address, the DHCPCFG utility automatically displays the name of the subnetwork to which the node belongs.

• The physical, or MAC, address of the workstation

  The physical address for Ethernet and token ring network boards is six hexadecimal bytes separated by colons---for example, 00:00:lc:36:06:cf. For ARCnet* network boards, the address is one hexadecimal byte---for example, 4a.

  If you do not know the client's MAC address, you can get it by executing one of the following commands at the DOS prompt:

  • nlist user /a (NetWare 4)
  • userlist /a (NetWare 3.12)

  If you are adding an IP address entry for a NetWare server or UNIX host, you do not need to enter a physical address.

  NOTE: NetWare DHCP does not allow duplicate MAC addresses in IP address assignments. If you add an IP address assignment entry with a MAC address that is used in another entry, DHCPCFG will delete the first entry. For example, if you create a new IP address assignment for a workstation that has been moved to a new subnetwork, DHCPCFG will automatically delete the previous IP address assignment entry.

Creating a New IP Address Assignment

1. Start the DHCPCFG utility by typing the following command at the server console prompt:

   load dhcpcfg <Enter>

2. From DHCPCFG's Configuration Menu, choose the following:

   IP Address Assignment

3. From the list of IP Address Assignments, press <Insert> .

4. When prompted, enter the workstation name, usually the username of the workstation user.

5. In the Internet Address field of the Workstation IP Address Assignment form, enter the workstation's IP address.

   The utility automatically displays the name of the subnetwork profile that will be used for the workstation.

6. Enter the workstation's physical address.

   For Ethernet and token ring networks, enter the physical address as six hexadecimal bytes separated by colons. For ARCnet networks, enter the physical address as one hexadecimal byte.

7. To exit the Workstation IP Address form, press <Esc> .

8. When prompted, choose Yes to save the new assignment.

9. To return to DHCPCFG's Configuration Menu, press <Esc> .

   NOTE: For static entries, the Lease Time field will show 0 days, 0 hours and cannot be edited.