User manual

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server
Cobalt Qube 3 User Manual 51
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
(DHCP) server
The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) allows the Qube 3 to assign
automatically the network configuration information (such as IP address, domain
name, DNS service, subnet mask and gateway) to client computers that support
DHCP, including Macintosh and Windows desktop computers.
The Qube 3 Administrator can enable the DHCP feature on the Qube 3 so that the
Qube 3 is able to assign automatically the network information necessary for
your desktop computer.
For more information on setting up DHCP on the Qube 3, see “Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server” on page 146.
What is DHCP and what are the benefits?
DHCP is a way for a computer on a network to obtain its TCP/IP settings when it
boots up. With DHCP configured and enabled, a network administrator does not
need to configure workstations manually, or modify networking settings when
computers move or the network changes. This saves time and expense.
What is a configuration?
The Qube 3 DHCP configuration includes the default gateway, DNS servers,
WINS server, subnet mask and IP address from an address pool.
What are leases?
When the Qube 3 sends a configuration to a requesting DHCP client, one of the
DHCP options returned to the client is the lease time. The lease time tells the
DHCP client how long it can use the IP address. Before the lease time expires,
the DHCP client sends a lease renewal request to the Qube 3. The Qube 3 then
sends back to the client a renewed lease time, along with any other settings that
have changed (for example, new IP address[es] for the DNS server).
A short lease time is useful in a network that has a limited number of
IP addresses at its disposal.