This site requires JavaScript to be enabled
Knowledge Base: Public
Category: Desktop & Mobile Computing / Desktop Support
9452 views

Question

How do I enable DHCP?

Overview

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network protocol that enables a server to automatically assign an IP address to a computer from a defined range of numbers (i.e., a scope) configured for a given network.

When a computer uses a static IP address, it means that the computer is manually configured to use a specific IP address. One problem with static assignment, which can result from user error or inattention to detail, occurs when two computers are configured with the same IP address. This creates a conflict that results in loss of service. Using DHCP to dynamically assign IP addresses minimizes these conflicts.

Answer

Windows

  1. Open the Windows Control Panel, select Network and Internet then Network and Sharing Center.
  2. On the left side of the window, click Change Adapter Settings.
  3. Right-click the connection that you want to change, and then click PropertiesIf you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
  4. Click the Networking tab. Under This connection uses the following items, click either Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), and then click Properties.
  5. To specify IPv4 IP address settings, do one of the following:
    • To get IP settings automatically using DHCP, click Obtain an IP address automatically, and then click OK.
    • To specify an IP address, click Use the following IP address, and then, in the IP address, Subnet mask, and Default gateway boxes, type the IP address settings.
  6. To specify DNS server address settings, do one of the following:
    • To get a DNS server address automatically using DHCP, click Obtain DNS server address automatically, and then click OK.
    • To specify a DNS server address, click Use the following DNS server addresses, and then, in the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server boxes, type the addresses of the primary and secondary DNS servers.
  7. If your department uses IPv6 (Student Housing and most department do not use this) in order to specify IPv6 IP address settings, do one of the following:
    • To get IP settings automatically using DHCP, click Obtain an IPv6 address automatically, and then click OK.
    • To specify an IP address, click Use the following IPv6 address, and then, in the IPv6 address, Subnet prefix length, and Default gateway boxes, type the IP address settings.

macOS

  1. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences... and click on Network.
  2. Select the connection in the list you wish to modify and click the Advanced button in the lower-right hand corner.
  3. On the TCP/IP tab, select Using DHCP from the drop-down for Configure IPv4 and Automatically from the drop-down for Configure IPv6.
  4. Click OK to close the Advanced settings window and then close System Preferences.