Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) allows a client device to automatically obtain the information for services and configuration necessary to operate on a given network. To initiate this protocol, the client first sends out a broadcast packet called a DHCP Discover, contextualized below.
Many organizations use the MX appliance as a DHCP server, which will also configure hosts to use a specific DNS server. The MX offers four options for which DNS servers will be used:
The MX Security Appliances and MS Layer 3 Switches have a DHCP feature that controls IP Address leases and lengths. DHCP leases can be set for varying periods of time up to 1 week. Client machines will renew their lease early, which is expected behavior.
