Windows Forum

Ask something
Discussion Locked

2 DHCP Servers on one Network

0 helpful
11 replies

by flan 2 views

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
I want to have two DHCP Servers on one network. Cuz DHCP clients just broadcasts a request, until answered and it seems to me which ever DHCP server respondes first, wins. How do I get the client computers to look for a certain DHCP machine?

11 replies

by yorkster

you can not have 2 DHCP servers on the same network using the same scope, but you can split the scope between two servers ( i.e. have one server use x.x.x.1 to x.x.x.128 and have the other server use x.x.x.129 to x.x.x.254)

by bill cassada

Are you using different scopes? If not, I can't imagine a legitimate need for 2 DHCP servers on the same network. You're asking for mucho problemos.

by flan

i have two different ranges of ip address and i want to use two dhcp servers. if this is NOT POSSIBLE let me know. i am aware of the problems, i just need a solution

by yorkster

the reason you can't have 2 server using the same scope is that both server could hand out the same ip to 2 computers, major problem. the reason that this could happen is the 2 DHCP server do not talk to each other

by bill cassada

okay, you DO have two scopes. You can still use one server. We need more of the network info. Are you using a workgroup setup or domain? How many users? Are you using more than one domain? I strongly suggest only one DHCP server. It's not as simple as "first response wins". There's a LOT more to consider.

by flan

it's all workgroup, approx 150 systems. i'll have to look at my dhcp book more, but i think i'll gonna come up with an answer on my own soon.

by lo

I don't have an answer but a question. I am not network person so ... What does it matter how many DHCP servers you have or which/what responds to what? I thought the DHCP server was an 'easy' means of NOT having to assign IP address to N users and track all that. We use DHCP for 'user' systems at work. Equipment and such, get assigned IP addresses. Once a 'user' gets an address, it is highly likely thate will have that address until they DON'T signin for N days. Why would anyone care who/what does the assignment? lo

by flan

If you have two different ranges of address, each range of address has a different function. so you can't have any computer use any ip address. From a client perspective you're right, who gives a damn as long as it works, but from the server side it's different cuz if you mess up one configuration everybody gets screwed.

This discussion is closed to new replies.