DHCP server allows system administrator to automatically assign IP addresses, subnet masks and other configuration information like DNS and WINS servers to client computers on local network.
Through the use of DHCP server network administrators save time required for configuration and re-configuration of computers.
Administrator should install DHCP service on a computer that was assigned a static IP address (this prevents clients to look all over the subnet to get their addresses renewed)
You need to have administrative privileges to install and configure DHCP server.
You need to authorize your DHCP server if it is to be integrated in AD network (Person authorizing the DHCP server needs to be a member of the enterprise administrators security group).
Stand alone DHCP servers can still be deployed but they should not share subnet with authorized DHCP servers.
Stand alone servers that are deployed together with authorized servers are called rogue servers.
The rogue server will automatically stop its DHCP service when it detects authorized server on the subnet.
DHCP scope is a pool of IP addresses within a logical subnet which DHCP server assigns to its clients.
Scopes provide for IP address management.
When an IP is offered for a client it is said that IP address is a lease.
When the lease is made it is said to be active. Leases are renewed for different reasons, client will try to renew when 50% of old lease expires.
The DHCP server has to have IP address compatible with the scope it is assigned, i.e. the server itself has to be in the scope.
