Design Option 1: Multiple DHCP Servers

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Applies To: Windows Server 2008

In this design, there is a DHCP server on each subnet and no forwarding of DHCP requests across routers.

Advantages

The advantages of multiple DHCP servers include:

  • Simplicity: There is no need to specify DHCP- or BOOTP-compatible routers.

  • Low network bandwidth utilization: Network traffic is controlled because no DHCP/BOOTP broadcast-related traffic extends beyond the local subnet.

Disadvantages

On all but the smallest networks, this design becomes very costly in terms of DHCP server hardware and software. If DHCP servers need to be replicated for each subnet, many servers, with their associated configuration and management costs, might be required.

See Also

Concepts

Design Options for DHCP on Routed Networks
Design Option 2: BOOTP/DHCP Forwarding on Routers
Design Option 3: BOOTP/DHCP Relay Agents
Design Option 4: Multihomed DHCP Servers