HP MSR2000/3000/4000 Router Series Fundamentals Configuration Guide

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Using automatic configuration
With the automatic configuration feature, the device can automatically obtain a set of configuration
settings from some servers when it starts up without a configuration file. This feature simplifies network
configuration, facilitates centralized management, and reduces maintenance workload.
Understanding automatic configuration
The automatic configuration feature requires the cooperation of the following servers: a DHCP server, a
TFTP server, and a DNS server, as shown in Figure 47.
Figure 47 Typical automatic configura
tion network diagram
When the device is powered on without a configuration file, it automatically starts the automatic
configuration process to try to obtain a set of configuration settings. If one attempt fails, the device waits
two minutes, and then automatically starts the process again for another try. The device continues to
make attempts until it gets a set of configuration settings or it is powered off.
Overall automatic configuration process
As shown in Figure 48, the automatic configuration process includes the following steps:
1. The device selects an interface for automatic configuration. For more information, see "Interface
sel
ection process."
2. After finding an interface, the device enables the DHCP client on the interface and tries to obtain
a set of parameters for automatic configuration, which might include a temporary IP address, a
configuration file name, a TFTP server domain name, a TFTP server IP address, and a DNS server
IP address. For more information, see "Automatic-configuration parameter acquisition process."
3. After
getting automatic configuration parameters, the device tries to download a configuration file
from a TFTP server. For more information, see "Configuration file acquisition process."