Configure DHCP and DHCP Relay

DHCP

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network management protocol used to automate the process of configuring devices on IP networks. DHCP relays help forward DHCP requests from clients to a DHCP server when the server is not on the same local network.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to configure a DHCP server and DHCP relay on your network, based on the EnGenius Cloud interface and configuration parameters.

Configuring DHCP Server

1. Navigate to the DHCP Settings:

   • Click DHCP.

   • Go to Gateway and select LAN Interfaces.

   • Choose the desired Interface (e.g., VLAN10).

2. Configure DHCP Server Settings:

   • Select Run DHCP server under Client Addressing.

   • Click Save to apply the settings.

3. If needed, click Advanced Settings to configure additional parameters such as:

   • Lease Time

   • Reserved IP Range: Add the IP range you want to reserve for DHCP clients.

   • DNS Servers: Choose to use the Proxy to upstream DNS, specify nameservers, or use Google Public DNS.

4. Enter the necessary details.

DHCP Server Configuration

Understanding DHCP Relay

DHCP relay is a crucial networking feature that facilitates communication between DHCP clients and DHCP servers across different network segments. In modern networks, where multiple subnets exist, DHCP relay ensures efficient IP address allocation and management.

Here's how DHCP relay works:

1. DHCP clients broadcast DHCP discovery messages to request IP configuration parameters.

2. When a DHCP relay agent receives broadcast messages on one subnet, it encapsulates them into unicast messages and forwards them to specified DHCP servers located on another subnet.

3. The DHCP server receives the relayed DHCP requests, processes them, and responds with DHCP offer messages.

4. The DHCP relay agent then forwards the DHCP offer messages back to the requesting DHCP clients.

5. Finally, the DHCP clients accept the offered IP configuration parameters and complete the DHCP lease process.

This process allows DHCP clients and servers to communicate seamlessly across different network segments, enabling efficient IP address assignment and ensuring connectivity in complex network environments.

Configuring DHCP Relay

Step 1: Navigate to the DHCP Settings

1. Go to Gateway and select LAN Interfaces and choose the desired Interface (e.g., VLAN10).

2. Click on DHCP

Step 2: Configure DHCP Relay Settings

1. Select Relay DHCP to other subnet DHCP servers under Client Addressing.

2. Enter the DHCP Server IP Address.

3. Click Save to apply the settings

DHCP Relay Configuration

LAN Interface

The EnGenius Cloud Gateway (ESG) supports multiple LAN interfaces, allowing for the segmentation of network traffic and the creation of distinct network segments. Each LAN interface can be configured to bind to multiple Ethernet ports. VLAN and VPN are supported for each interface.