DHCP provides a mechanism for dynamically assigning IP addresses and other information. A DHCP server device located on the LAN or at the ISP can respond to a host request and furnish all of the following required information: • IP address • Subnet mask • Default gateway • Domain Name System (DNS) server • Other resource addresses Without DHCP all of the above information would have to be manually configured on each host individually. | Cisco SrsTEMS Lab DHCP Client Setup Objective The purpose of this lab is to introduce Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol DHCP and the process for setting up a network computer as a DHCP client to use DHCP services. Background Preparation DHCP provides a mechanism for dynamically assigning IP addresses and other information. A DHCP server device located on the LAN or at the ISP can respond to a host request and furnish all of the following required information IP address Subnet mask Default gateway Domain Name System DNS server Other resource addresses Without DHCP all of the above information would have to be manually configured on each host individually. The DHCP device is typically a network server. In small networks DHCP services can be provided by a small router. This includes many home networks with DSL cable or wireless connections. Cisco and many other manufacturers offer small routers that include the following features An Internet or WAN connection A small built-in hub or switch A DHCP server service This lab will focus on setting up a computer to use the DHCP services provided. This lab assumes the PC is running any version of Windows. Ideally this lab will be done in a classroom or other LAN connected to the Internet. It can also be done from a single remote connection via a modem or DSL-type connection. Note If the network that the computer is connected to is using static addressing follow the lab and view the various screens. Do not try to change settings on these machines. The static settings will be lost and would require reconfiguration. Step 1 Establish a network connection If the connection to the Internet is dialup connect to the ISP to ensure that the computer has an IP address. In a TCP IP LAN with a DHCP server it should not be necessary to do this step. Step 2 Access a command prompt Windows NT 2000 and XP users will use the Start menu to open the Command Prompt window. The Command Prompt window is like the MS-DOS Prompt window for .
