Introduction to DHCP

Lessons Discussion
68

Hello David

What we typically learn about when we study DHCP is indeed the DORA (Discover, Offer, Request, Ack) messages that DHCP uses. These are the messages typically used to assign network parameters (IP address, subnet mask, default gateway and DNS server) to a host. However, DHCP is a much more complex and versatile tool. It can be used to deliver many MANY more parameters, and can thus have many additional operations. This also means that there are many additional message types used for DHCP’s operation. In RFCs 2132, 3203, 4388, 6926, and 7724, you can see up to 18 message types that DHCP uses.

Specifically, for the message types you mention, I detail some of the possible cases where they are used:

  1. DHCPNAK (DHCP Negative Acknowledgement)

    • Purpose: This message is sent by the DHCP server to a client in response to a DHCP request from the client, but only under certain conditions where the request cannot be granted. It’s a signal that the client’s request was invalid or inappropriate.
    • Typical Use Cases:
      • When the client’s requested IP address is incorrect or is no longer available (for example, it might have been assigned to another device).
      • If the requested network information does not match the current network configuration (like a mismatch in subnet).
    • Client’s Response: Upon receiving a DHCPNAK message, the client is expected to restart the configuration process, typically by sending a new DHCPDISCOVER message to initiate the IP address allocation process again.

  2. DHCPINFORM

    • Purpose: The DHCPINFORM message is used by DHCP clients to obtain network configuration information from a DHCP server without acquiring an IP address. This is useful in scenarios where the client already has a statically configured IP address but needs other network configuration information from the server.
    • Typical Use Cases:
      • Obtaining network configuration details like Domain Name System (DNS) server addresses, default gateway information, or other configuration parameters when the client’s IP address is already fixed.
    • Server’s Response: In response to a DHCPINFORM message, the DHCP server sends a DHCPACK message back to the client, but this DHCPACK does not carry any IP address allocation; instead, it contains the requested network configuration information.

Both DHCPNAK and DHCPINFORM contribute to the flexibility and robustness of DHCP, ensuring that clients can efficiently obtain, update, or verify network configuration information in a dynamic network environment.

For more information, take a look at the Wikipedia page about DHCP. I don’t normally link to Wikipedia, but this is an exceptionally good article that includes a multitude of information about DHCP, the message types, the options, and the operation of the protocol. Looking it over, you will quickly realize how intricate and complex DHCP really is.

I hope this has been helpful!

Laz