Setting up DHCP is usually a pretty straightforward process; however, most network administrators don’t always think to plan for the future need for statically assigned IP addresses. In these cases an admin may need to assign a device a static address later and end up causing an IP conflict.
This being the case you should always set aside an IP scope not included in the DHCP scope for statically assigned addresses. Devices that will go here often include network switches, routers, printers, and servers.
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Chris Sanders is the network administrator for one of the largest public school systems in the state of Kentucky. Chris’s specialties include general network administration, windows server 2003, wireless networking, and security. You can view Chris’ personal website at www.chrissanders.org.