Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (click here for RFC's 2131 and 2132) allows a computer system to obtain configuration information such as IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Router/Gateway, Domain Name Server, Domain Name, and more from a centralized DHCP Server. This allows users to move their systems between subnets and networks without having to reconfigure the computer to gain network access.

DHCP Server

The DHCP Server feature allows computers to obtain their IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Router, Domain Name, and Domain Name Server directly from the KarlBridge. When used in combination with the Network Address Translation feature, the computers obtaining an IP Address from the KarlBridge can share a single public IP Address for access to the Internet.

DHCP Client

The KarlBridge is also capable of obtaining its own IP Address information from a DHCP Server connected to the network. This is useful for Plug-and-Play capability in networks that use DHCP, or when connecting to the Internet via cable modem. When connecting via cable modem, it is especially useful to have the DHCP Client feature in combination with Network Address Translation and DHCP Server.

DHCP Filtering

In a network using DHCP, IP addresses are usually assigned to particular subnets by a single DHCP server. If additional DHCP servers are added to the network and respond to requests incorrectly, computers may be assigned duplicate or incorrect addresses. Computers that have received faulty addresses will most likely not be able to connect to each other, and can cause problems with other computers incorrectly 'learning' locations of incorrectly assigned IP addresses. To prevent problems with multiple DHCP servers assigning IP addresses, the KarlBridge is capable of limiting DHCP responses to those sent by a particular DHCP Server.

For examples of how DHCP Server, Client, and Filtering can be applied in your network, visit the Solutions section of our Online Library.