DHCP Server Address Allocation

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) allocates IP addresses in two modes:

In Dynamic mode, the security device, acting as a DHCP server, assigns (or “leases”) an IP address from an address pool to a host, acting as a DHCP client. The IP address is leased for a determined period of time or until the client relinquishes the address.

In Reserved mode, the security device assigns a designated IP address from an address pool exclusively to a specific client every time that client goes online.

Note: The security device saves every IP address assigned through DHCP in flash memory. Consequently, restarting the security device does not effect address assignments.

To Create an IP Address Pool for Dynamic IP Address Allocation

  1. Select Dynamic.

  2. Define the range of IP addresses for the DHCP server to use:

IP Address Start: Enter the starting IP address of the range.
IP Address End: Enter the ending IP address of the range.

  1. Click OK to save your changes.

To Reserve an IP Address for a Host with a Specific Ethernet Address

  1. Select Reserved.

  2. Assign a specific IP address for a specific client's Ethernet address:

IP Address: Enter the IP address you want to reserve for a given Ethernet (MAC) address.
Ethernet Address: Enter the Ethernet (MAC) address of the client for which you want to reserve the IP address.

Note: You can determine the Ethernet (MAC) address of a Windows® NT/2000/XP PC by opening a command window (select Run from the Start menu and then enter cmd in the Open field), then entering ipconfig/all.

  1. Click OK to save your changes.