This project simulates deployment of a centralized DHCP server within an enterprise domain environment. It demonstrates dynamic IP address management, scope configuration, reservations, exclusions, DHCP options, and structured troubleshooting.
- Install and authorize DHCP Server role
- Create and configure DHCP scopes
- Implement exclusions and reservations
- Configure DHCP options (003, 006, 015)
- Adjust lease durations
- Convert client to dynamic addressing
- Perform intentional break testing for troubleshooting practice
[ Windows Client ] │ │ Internal Network (CorpNet) │ [ Windows Server / DHCP + Domain Controller ]
Network Configuration:
Internal Network Name: CorpNet Range: 192.168.50.0 /24
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows Server |
| Role Installed | DHCP Server |
| Domain | corp.local |
| Network | CorpNet |
| Server IP | 192.168.50.10 |
- DHCP Server (Authorized in Active Directory)
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Scope Name | CorpNet-Scope |
| Start IP | 192.168.50.100 |
| End IP | 192.168.50.150 |
| Subnet Mask | 255.255.255.0 |
| Lease Duration | 8 Days |
| Option | Purpose | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 003 | Router | 192.168.50.1 |
| 006 | DNS Server | 192.168.50.10 |
| 015 | DNS Domain | corp.local |
Configured exclusion:
192.168.50.120 – 192.168.50.125
Purpose: Reserve addresses for static infrastructure devices (e.g., printers).
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | CorpClient-01 |
| IP Address | 192.168.50.110 |
| MAC Address | (Client MAC) |
| Type | DHCP Only |
On Client:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /allExpected Result:
IP within configured scope
Correct DNS server
Correct default gateway
Lease duration visible
📸 Screenshot – ipconfig Output
These scenarios simulate real enterprise DHCP failures.
🔴 Scenario 1 – Scope Deactivated
Action:
Deactivate scope
Renew client IP
Expected Result: Client receives APIPA (169.254.x.x)
📸 Screenshot – APIPA Address
Action:
Remove DHCP authorization in AD
Expected Result: DHCP server stops issuing leases.
🔴 Scenario 3 – Incorrect DNS Option
Action:
Change Option 006 to incorrect IP
Expected Result: Client receives IP but cannot resolve domain names.
🔴 Scenario 4 – Scope Exhaustion
Action:
Shrink scope to 2 IP addresses
Boot multiple clients
Expected Result: Address pool exhaustion.
🔴 Scenario 5 – Incorrect Gateway
Action:
Change Option 003 to incorrect IP
Expected Result: Client receives IP but cannot route beyond local network.
🧠 Technical Concepts Demonstrated
DORA process (Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge)
Dynamic IP assignment
DHCP scope design
Exclusions vs reservations
Lease duration management
DHCP authorization in Active Directory
APIPA behavior
Network-layer troubleshooting
📌 Skills Demonstrated
Enterprise IP address management
DHCP infrastructure deployment
Role-based network services configuration
Troubleshooting dynamic addressing failures
Network service dependency analysis
👤 Author
Zachary Aspiring IT Infrastructure & Networking Professional
Project Version: 1.0