---
title: Setup DHCP
slug: setup-dhcp
docTags: 
createdAt: 2024-05-21T14:39:03.744Z
---

## Overview

A DHCP server automatically assigns IP addresses, default gateways, and other network parameters to client devices. Nile offers cloud DHCP as a service you can use immediately, or you can use your own DHCP server (e.g., Windows Server, Infoblox). 

If you are using your own DHCP server, configure the DHCP relay agent in the Nile Portal.

## Option 1: Nile Cloud DHCP Server

1. Log in to the Nile Portal. In the left navigation, select **Network Setup > DHCP**.
2. Click on Nile DHCP.
3. Click on the '**+**' icon and enter the following details: 
   - **Pool Name**: Enter a name for the DHCP user subnet. 
   - **Network:** Enter the subnet
   - **Default Gateway:** This is auto-populated once you enter the network subnet. Please keep it as is.
   - **Lease Time**: Select the lease time. Default is 1 day. 
   - **DNS Server:** Please input the IP addresses of your DNS server. For Example: 8.8.8.8,8.8.4.4
   - **IP Range:** Click on the '**+**' icon to add an IP range. Specify the Start and End IP addresses. The fields are pre-populated; modify them as required.  
4. The basic setup is now complete; this covers the most common configuration.
5. **Advanced:** 
   - **DHCP Reservation:** Enter the device Hostname, MAC address, and the IP address to reserve for each device.
   - **Options**: This section is used to configure advanced settings such as NTP server, TFTP server, DNS Server, etc.


## Option 2: Bring Your Own DHCP Server

## Prerequisites

- Ensure you have the IP addresses of all the DHCP servers you plan to use in your enterprise.
- The Nile Service Block (NSB) acts as a DHCP relay and sends DHCP requests from the first IP address of each subnet (for example, for the employee subnet 192.168.1.0/24, it sends from 192.168.1.1). 
- Ensure your DHCP server supports Layer‑3 DHCP. Standalone servers such as Windows Server and Infoblox support this; many routers and firewalls do not. Verify support before configuring the Nile Portal.
- Ensure bidirectional routing between the DHCP server and your core router/firewall that connects to the Nile Service Gateway.

## Configuring DHCP

1. Log in to the Nile Portal. In the left navigation, select **Network Setup > DHCP**.
2. Click on the '**+**' icon and enter the following details: 
   - **Name**: Specify the name you would like to use for the DHCP server.
   - **Host**: You can specify all the DHCP server IP addresses here. If you have multiple DHCP servers, please specify the other IP/FQDN in the subsequent hosts.
   - **Geo Scope**: Select the sites where this DHCP server will be used to assign IP addresses.
   - **Subnet**: Click on the '**+**' sign to add a subnet. Add all applicable subnets (for example, Employee, Corporate, and IoT).
   - **Router**: Enter the default gateway IP address for the subnet. This address is used by the **Nile Relay Agent **when obtaining an IP lease from the **DHCP server**. Ensure this IP is configured on your DHCP server as the router/default gateway DHCP option (commonly Option 3). This is typically the first usable IP in the subnet.
3. Click **Save** to complete configuration.

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