8.3.17.0 - Force10 Networks

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Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
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The Aggregator is auto-configured to operate as a DHCP client. The DHCP server, DHCP relay agent, and
secure DHCP features are not supported.
DHCP Overview
Dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) is an application layer protocol that dynamically assigns IP
addresses and other configuration parameters to network end-stations (hosts) based on configuration
policies determined by network administrators. DHCP:
• relieves network administrators of manually configuring hosts, which can be a tedious and error-prone
process when hosts often join, leave, and change locations on the network.
• reclaims IP addresses that are no longer in use to prevent address exhaustion.
DHCP is based on a client-server model. A host discovers the DHCP server and requests an IP address, and
the server either leases or permanently assigns one. There are three types of devices that are involved in
DHCP negotiation:
• DHCP Server—a network device offering configuration parameters to the client.
• DHCP Client—a network device requesting configuration parameters from the server.
• Relay agent—an intermediary network device that passes DHCP messages between the client and
server when the server is not on the same subnet as the host.
Note: The DHCP server and relay agent features are not supported on an Aggregator.
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