DHCP

and how it works

DHCP

by steffen diehl

Overview
Introduction Basics Case - We play DHCP Server
Problems Tasks Solutions Apply what you've learned

Conclusion
2 DHCP
Overview

Basics
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Standard protocol Defined by RFC 1541 (superseded by RFC 2131) Created by the Host Configuration Working Group of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
3 DHCP
in general

Basics
Runs over UDP Utilizing ports:
67 connections to server 68 connections to client

Extension of BOOTP (protocol used for simple interaction) Uses clientserver model
4 DHCP
techiques

Case
Got a network Want to add new clients DHCP-Server doesnt work How do clients get their:
IP Address -or network configuration parameters (Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, DNS and WINS)

Need replacement!!
5 DHCP
problem

Case - Theory
1st implementation goal of a DHCP Server support of dynamic allocation of Network Addresses
chooses and allocates an IP address gives network configuration parameters to the client

DHCP

server tasks I

Case - Theory
Need 2 databases
Address Pool is the database which holds IP addresses and other network configuration parameters Binding database keeps mapping between an Ethernet address and Address Pool entries

DHCP

parts of a DHCP Server

Case - Theory
All interactions are initiated by a client Server only replies obtain an IP address automatically in NW options configuring the host to the network is done by a simple handshake

DHCP

client conditions

Case in practice
Client broadcasts DHCPDISCOVER One or more servers return DHCPOFFER with available Address and NW Information Clients chooses one offer that it likes best broadcasts DHCPREQUEST to identify chosen Server/lease DHCPREQUEST also to renew lease
9 DHCP
steps in becoming part of the network I

Case - in practice
Server sends
DHCPACK
Lease is finalized Client starts using IP

DHCPNAK
Client resumes from DHCPDISCOVER point

If client doesnt want IP - DHCPDECLINE is sent DHCPRELEASE gives IP back into pool
10 DHCP
steps in becoming part of the network II

Case - Theory
Static/Manual allocation
Server allocates IP chosen by the Admin Server configuration includes
IP-Address -and MAC-Address for every client

DHCP only used to convey assigned address to client

11

DHCP

types of assigning addresses I

Case - Theory
Automatic allocation
IP address is permanently associated with a MAC address till administrator intervenes the infinite lease

Dynamic allocation
Like Automatic allocation Except:
server tracks leases give IP addresses whose lease has expired to other DHCP clients
12 DHCP
types of assigning addresses II

end

Case - Theory
Client is responsible to renew/release IP Lease timestamps:
Total lease duration T1 (0.5 * duration_of_lease)
client enters the RENEWING state contacts the server that originally issued network address

T2 (0.875 * duration_of_lease)
client enters the REBINDING state attempts to contact any server
13 DHCP
lease duration

Case - Theory
Lease duration
Client holds IP when not connected Clients retire Servers/Databases should have constant IPs

Analyze the NW
Often changing clients? Servers/databases? Enough IP Addresses available?
14 DHCP
problems

Case - Theory
By using the fitting Methods implementation goals 2-4 of a DHCP Server
server should be able to recycle the IP address when the lease period is expired A network administrator should not configure each client/user interaction of each client should not be required. support of static allocation and an infinite lease

can also be realized!!!!

15 DHCP
server tasks II

Case - in practice
Servers:
WEB-Server Access Point 192.168.1.1 192.168.1.2

Lecturers via Ethernet:

Range from .100 to .102

Students via WLAN:

Range from .200 to .230

16

DHCP

find a solution!!!

back

Conclusion
Insecurity of UDP Broadcast of messages Risk of wrong configuration causing
High traffic Waste of IP Addresses A lot more work than expected

Detailed and precise analysis before implementation needed

17 DHCP
negative aspects

Conclusion
works well if you have to manage a lot of mobile users:
people with laptops working in and out of the office hosts coming and going with a great amount of frequency

perfect when Network parameters have changed

only one point you have to work at

sharing a limited pool of IP addresses Mixture of allocation types can be used

18 DHCP
positive aspects

Conclusion
Thank you for your attention

any questions??

19

DHCP

the end

Refrences
RFC 2131, Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol RFC 2322, Management of IP numbers by peg-dhcp www.ietf.org, Internet Engineering Task Force www.microsoft.com, Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 169289
20 DHCP