Windows Server 2019: Install DHCP Server

Introduction

In this section, we will explore the what, who, where, when, why, and how of DHCP Server functionality on the Windows Server 2019 platform, so let's get started

Overview

What

A DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Server is a network server that automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network, allowing them to communicate efficiently.

Who

DHCP Servers are used by network administrators and IT professionals to manage and simplify the process of IP address assignment in various organizational networks, including businesses, schools, and data centers.

Where

DHCP Servers are deployed in local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and within data centers. They serve both wired and wireless networks to ensure all devices can connect and communicate efficiently.

When

DHCP Servers are constantly in use, operating 24/7 to manage IP address assignments and other network configurations. They are particularly critical during device startup and when devices move between networks.

Why

Using a DHCP Server offers several advantages and some costs. Here’s a detailed comparison:

Pros	Costs
Automates the IP address assignment process, reducing manual configuration efforts.	Initial setup and configuration can be complex.
Ensures accurate and conflict-free IP address management.	Requires ongoing maintenance and monitoring.
Enhances network security by centralizing control over network configuration.	Potential single point of failure if the DHCP Server goes down.

How

The DHCP Server works through the following process:

Discover	A device sends a broadcast message to find available DHCP Servers.
Offer	DHCP Servers respond with an offer message containing IP address information.
Request	The device requests an IP address from the chosen DHCP Server.
Acknowledge	The DHCP Server sends an acknowledgment message, confirming the IP address assignment.

Consequences

Positive	Simplifies network management and improves efficiency. Reduces the risk of IP address conflicts. Enhances network security by controlling IP address assignments.
Negative	Misconfiguration can lead to network issues. Dependency on the DHCP Server, making it a potential single point of failure. Requires regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure reliability.

Conclusion

A DHCP Server is a vital component in modern networks, automating the process of IP address assignment and network configuration. It simplifies network management, enhances security, and reduces manual efforts. However, it requires proper setup, monitoring, and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness and reliability.

Install DHCP Server

Install DHCP ( Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol ) Server.

Using Command Line Interface (CLI)

Run PowerShell with Admin Privilege and Configure like follows.

Step [1]Install DHCP Server.

          
Windows PowerShell
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

# install DHCP with admin tools
PS C:\Users\Administrator> Install-WindowsFeature DHCP -IncludeManagementTools 

Success Restart Needed Exit Code      Feature Result
------- -------------- ---------      --------------
True    Yes            SuccessRest... {DHCP Server, ...
WARNING: You must restart this server to finish the installation process.

# restart computer to apply changes
PS C:\Users\Administrator> Restart-Computer -Force

Using Graphical User Interface (GUI)

On GUI configuration, set like follows.

Step [2]Run Server Manager and Click [Add roles and features].

Step [3]Click [Next] button.

Step [4]Select [Role-based or feature-based installation].

Step [5]Select a Host which you'd like to add services.

Step [6]Check a box [DHCP Server].

Step [7]Addtional features are required to add DHCP Server. Click [Add Features] button and next, Click [Next] button.

Step [8]Click [Next] button.

Step [9]Click [Next] button.

Step [10]Click [Install] button.

Step [11]After finishing Installation, click [Close] button.

Configure DHCP Server

Configure installed DHCP Server. On this example, it shows only the case for IPv4 configuration. By the way, if your Server to install DHCP is stand-alone Server, it's OK to logon to configure with local Administrator account, but if your Server is in Active Directory Domain, Authorization from AD is required to configure DHCP Server as valid Server, so logon to configure with a user that is AD Domain user in Domain Admin group.

Using Command Line Interface (CLI)

Run PowerShell with Admin Privilege and Configure like follows.

Step [1]Configuring DHCP Server.

          
Windows PowerShell
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

# add security group for DHCP
PS C:\Users\Bizantum> Add-DhcpServerSecurityGroup -ComputerName "RX-7.bizantum.local" 

# if computer is in AD domain, run the command below to get authorization from AD
PS C:\Users\Bizantum> Add-DhcpServerInDC -DnsName "RX-7.bizantum.local" -IPAddress 10.0.0.101 -PassThru 

IPAddress            DnsName
---------            -------
10.0.0.101           rx-7.bizantum.local

# add a Scope for IPv4
# [-Name] ⇒ any name you like
# [-StartRange] ⇒ start IP address for lease
# [-EndRange] ⇒ end IP address for lease
# [-LeaseDuration] ⇒ lease period [day.hrs:mins:secs] (if not specified, default is 8 days)
PS C:\Users\Bizantum> Add-DhcpServerv4Scope -Name "Internal Network" `
-StartRange 10.0.0.200 `
-EndRange 10.0.0.254 `
-SubnetMask 255.255.255.0 `
-LeaseDuration 8.00:00:00 `
-State Active `
-PassThru 

ScopeId         SubnetMask      Name           State    StartRange      EndRange        LeaseDuration
-------         ----------      ----           -----    ----------      --------        -------------
10.0.0.0        255.255.255.0   Internal Ne... Active   10.0.0.200      10.0.0.254      8.00:00:00

# set Domain Name, DNS Server, Gateway(Router) to the Scope
PS C:\Users\Bizantum> Set-DhcpServerv4OptionValue -DnsDomain "bizantum.local" `
-DnsServer "10.0.0.100" `
-Router "10.0.0.1" `
-ScopeId "10.0.0.0" `
-PassThru 

OptionId   Name                Type       Value                VendorClass     UserClass       PolicyName
--------   ----                ----       -----                -----------     ---------       ----------
15         DNS Domain Name     String     {bizantum.local}
3          Router              IPv4Add... {10.0.0.1}
6          DNS Server          IPv4Add... {10.0.0.100}

PS C:\Users\Bizantum> Restart-Service DHCPServer 
WARNING: Waiting for service 'DHCP Server (DHCPServer)' to start...

Using Graphical User Interface (GUI)

On GUI configuration, set like follows.

Step [2]Run Server Manager and Click [DHCP] on the left menu and next, Click [More...] link which is upper-right.

Step [3]Click [Complete DHCP configuration] link which is upper-right.

Step [4]Click [Next] button.

Step [5]If your Server is Stand-Alone Server, select [Skip AD authorization] and Click [Commit] button. If your Server is in AD Domain, though current user is set automatically for AD authorization but if you'd like to change it, set a user for AD authorization and Click [Commit] button.