In this chapter, you will

• Learn DHCP key concepts

• Review the runtime operation of a DHCP server

• Learn how to configure a Solaris DHCP client

• Learn how to configure a Windows DHCP client

In this chapter, we examine the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which is an easy way to dynamically manage IP addresses in Class A, Class B, and Class C networks, using time-based leases for client addresses. Since at any one time only a few IP addresses on a network may be in use, it makes sense to organize their allocation dynamically, rather than statically assigning them to individual hosts. This is particularly important for popular Class C networks, where less than 300 addresses are available. In this chapter, readers will learn the background to DHCP and similar protocols (like RARP and BOOTP). In addition, we walk through how to install a Solaris DHCP server, and how to configure DHCP clients.