User`s manual

RX3042H User's Manual
DHCP Server Configuration
45
6 DHCP Server Configuration
6.1 DHCP (Dynamic Host Control Protocol)
6.1.1 What is DHCP?
DHCP is a protocol that enables network administrators to centrally
manage the assignment and distribution of IP information to
computers on a network.
When you enable DHCP on a network, you allow a device such
as the RX3042H to assign temporary IP addresses to your
computers whenever they connect to your network. The assigning
device is called a DHCP server, and the receiving device is a DHCP
client.
Note: If you followed the Quick Start Guide instructions,
you either configured each LAN PC with an IP address,
or you specified that it will receive IP information
dynamically (automatically). If you chose to have the
information assigned dynamically, then you configured
your PCs as DHCP clients that will accept IP addresses
assigned from a DCHP server such as the RX3042H.
The DHCP server draws from a defined pool of IP addresses and
“leases them for a specified amount of time to your computers
when they request an Internet session. It monitors, collects, and
redistributes the addresses as needed.
On a DHCP-enabled network, the IP information is assigned
dynamically rather than statically. A DHCP client can be assigned
a different address from the pool each time it reconnects to the
network.
6.1.2 Why use DHCP?
DHCP allows you to manage and distribute IP addresses throughout
your network from the RX3042H. Without DHCP, you would have
to configure each computer separately with IP address and related
information. DHCP is commonly used with large networks and
those that are frequently expanded or otherwise updated.