In the world of networking, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses are so important that they cannot be connected to a network. It is also important to understand that the way a network administrator configures its host dynamic control protocol (DHCP) server has a significant impact on network performance. While some focus too much on network cable design, it is important to note that the infrastructure must work with the DHCP server to achieve optimal network connectivity results.
What are some important aspects to consider when managing DHCP servers?
The DHCP server is responsible for renting addresses to all devices that connect to the network. As a result, anything that is wrong with this server’s configuration may make it difficult for the entire network to malfunction. Here are some key points to consider:
- The set of IP addresses that start and end the DHCP server
- Manage IP address bookings
- Keep your static IP addresses under control
Determining the primary address that your server can rent is important because it will allow you to determine the number of devices that can be accessed at any time in your network segment. Depending on the number of devices, you can consciously determine your subnet mask.
Devices that take shared resources must always have static IP addresses. This is important because it gives the network administrator an easy time to connect with other users. If you have a shared resource that continues to change your address, your network or system administrator may find it difficult to reconnect users each time the DHCP server rents new addresses.
Tips for managing static IP addresses
The first thing a system administrator should do is ensure that static IP addresses are not transferred to other devices on the network in addition to the selected device. This means that your network administrator must ensure that you reserve these addresses, in addition to ensuring that they are above or below the DHCP server lease range.
Depending on the type of router or DHCP server you are using, you can also associate certain addresses with your device’s media access control (MAC) identity. This way, you can be sure that no other device can take that address, because MAC identities are never shared between devices.
As an administrator, you may also need to perform regular network scans to determine which devices are connected to your system. This practice helps you remove devices that may have incorrect addresses that could cause conflicts and reduce the performance of your network. Incorrect addresses are often attributed to portable machines that connect to different networks when owners move from one office to another. Whenever you scan your network and detect misconfigured devices, you should take action to correct them and also advise their owners or users that their devices are properly configured for better connectivity.