DHCP Server on Windows Server 2019

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network management protocol used to automate the process of configuring devices on IP networks. Setting up a DHCP server on Windows Server 2019 streamlines the assignment of IP addresses and network configurations to client devices. This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to installing and configuring the DHCP server role.

Prerequisites

• Ensure that Windows Server 2019 is installed and updated.
• Assign a static IP address to the server to prevent IP conflicts.
• Verify that the server is part of an Active Directory domain, if applicable.

Step 1: Install the DHCP Server Role

1. Open Server Manager.
2. Click on Manage in the top-right corner and select Add Roles and Features.
3. In the Add Roles and Features Wizard, click Next.
4. Select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.
5. Choose the appropriate server from the server pool and click Next.
6. In the Select server roles section, check the box for DHCP Server.

7. A dialog box will appear; click Add Features to include required features.
8. Click Next through the subsequent screens, then click Install.
9. Wait for the installation to complete, then click Complete DHCP Configuration.

Step 2: Authorize the DHCP Server

Authorization allows the DHCP server to operate within an Active Directory environment:

1. In the DHCP Post-Install Configuration Wizard, click Next.
2. Select the appropriate credentials for authorization and click Commit.
3. Once the process completes, click Close.

Step 3: Configure DHCP Scopes

A DHCP scope defines a range of IP addresses that the server can assign to clients:

1. Open the DHCP Management Console by navigating to Tools > DHCP in Server Manager.
2. Expand the server node and right-click on IPv4, then select New Scope....
3. In the New Scope Wizard, click Next.
4. Enter a name and description for the scope, then click Next.
5. Specify the IP address range for the scope, including the Start IP address and End IP address. Define the Subnet Mask as well.
6. Click Next and, if necessary, add any IP addresses to exclude from distribution.
7. Set the Lease Duration, which determines how long a client can use an IP address before requesting a renewal.
8. Configure additional DHCP options, such as the default gateway (router), DNS servers, and domain name. These settings ensure clients receive the correct network configuration.
9. Review the settings and click Finish to create the scope.

Step 4: Activate the DHCP Scope

After creating the scope, it must be activated to start assigning IP addresses:

1. In the DHCP Management Console, locate the newly created scope under the IPv4 node.
2. Right-click the scope and select Activate.

Step 5: Configure DHCP Options (Optional)

DHCP options provide clients with additional network information:

1. Within the DHCP Management Console, expand the scope and right-click on Scope Options.
2. Select Configure Options....
3. Check the boxes for the options you wish to configure, such as 003 Router for the default gateway or 006 DNS Servers.
4. Enter the appropriate values for each selected option and click OK.

Step 6: Verify DHCP Functionality

To ensure the DHCP server is functioning correctly:

1. Connect a client device to the network.
2. Configure the client to obtain an IP address automatically.
3. Verify that the client receives an IP address within the defined scope and can access network resources.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Ensure that no other DHCP servers are active on the same network segment to prevent conflicts.
• Check firewall settings to ensure DHCP traffic is allowed.
• Review event logs for any errors related to the DHCP service.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you have successfully set up a DHCP server on Windows Server 2019. This configuration will streamline IP address management and enhance network efficiency. Regularly monitor the DHCP server to ensure optimal performance and address any issues promptly.