DHCP Server Setup

Intermediate Networking
isc-dhcp-serverdhcpdjournalctl

Objective

Hands-on practice with dhcp server setup in a network lab environment.

Tools & Technologies

  • isc-dhcp-server
  • dhcpd
  • journalctl

Key Commands

apt install isc-dhcp-server
systemctl start isc-dhcp-server
dhcp-lease-list
journalctl -u isc-dhcp-server

Lab Steps

01
Install DHCP Server

Install and configure isc-dhcp-server on Ubuntu.

02
Configure Scope

Define subnet, range, gateway, and DNS in /etc/dhcp/dhcpd.conf.

03
Static Leases

Configure static IP assignments based on MAC address.

04
Verify Leases

Check active leases in /var/lib/dhcpd/dhcpd.leases.

Challenges Encountered

  • DHCP server must not conflict with existing DHCP servers on the network
  • Wrong interface binding prevents server from starting

Key Takeaways

  • Static leases are useful for servers and printers
  • Always reserve a range outside the DHCP pool for static devices