Chapter 2. Managing IP Addressing

Terms you'll need to understand:

• Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP)

• Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

• Scope

• DHCP database

• Lease

• DHCP clients

Techniques you'll need to master:

• Configuring TCP/IP on a server computer

• Managing a DHCP server

• Managing DHCP clients

• Managing the DHCP database

• Configuring and managing DHCP scope options

• Troubleshooting TCP/IP

One of the requirements of Active Directory is the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol ( TCP / IP ) suite. For computers on a TCP/IP network to communicate, each computer must be assigned a unique IP address. In some cases, it might make sense to configure each workstation with a static IP address or to use automatic private IP addressing. However, statically configuring IP addresses can add a lot of administrative overhead. Not only can it become time consuming, but it also increases the possibility of a workstation being configured with incorrect parameters. Imagine having to visit 10,000 workstations and type in 10,000 IP addresses without making a single error. The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol ( DHCP ) service can be implemented to centralize the administration and assignment of IP addresses. DHCP automates and centralizes many of the tasks associated with IP addressing.

This chapter discusses how to configure TCP/IP on a server computer and how to implement a DHCP server, including the installation process, the authorization of the server, and the configuration of DHCP scopes. This chapter also looks at some of the management tasks associated with running DHCP.