Guide to Setup DHCP Server on Linksys WiFi Router

Everyone wants instant access to the internet the moment they connect to a WiFi network. But, do you know there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make that happen? It is the work of a DHCP server that assigns IP addresses to every device trying to access the internet. So, if you want to setup DHCP server on a Linksys WiFi router, this information helps you do that.

But, first let us understand the basics – what is DHCP?

What is DHCP?

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is responsible for assigning IP addresses to devices that you use for accessing the internet. It is basically a set of rules and instructions to help a device accessing the internet communicate.

To put it in simple terms, think of DHCP as an individual that gives out mailing addresses for a fixed time. With regards to the WiFi network, these addresses are the IP addresses given to the device trying to access internet through LAN. You can enable DHCP by performing the Linksys default login and following the instructions.

IP addresses assigned to every device on a network are fixed. A DHCP server finds out which ones are not in use and assigns them one. DHCP server makes sure that no two devices accessing the internet have the same IP address.

DHCP servers assign IP addresses automatically. But, you can still configure them to assign a particular IP address to a device using its MAC address.

Do you want to know how DHCP functions? Keep reading to know.

How Does DHCP Work?

To setup DHCP server on a WiFi router, you have to follow certain steps. You can divide these steps into different categories including:

• Discovery

In this, the client broadcasts a DHCPDISCOVER message throughout the network to find a DHCP server.

• Offer

Upon getting the said message, the DHCP server selects a particular IP address for the client and sends them an offer. The server sends a DHCPOFFER message to the client regarding the same. This message contains important information like the chosen IP address, MAC address of the client, duration for which the said IP address would be assigned, and subnet mask.

• Request

After getting the DHCPOFFER message from the server, the client checks if any device accessing the internet carries the same IP address. If everything is A-Okay, the client sends a DHCPREQUEST message to the DHCP server to get the IP address.

Acknowledgment

Acknowledgment is the final step involved in assigning IP addresses. After the DHCP server receives the DHCPREQUEST message, it sends a DHCPPACK packet to the client. The server confirms everything including additional information the client might ask for. You can setup DHCP server on your Linksys WiFi router by following these steps.

Now, with that said it is time we look at how you can setup DHCP server on a Linksys router.

Setup DHCP Server on Linksys Router

Do you know that you can use the Linksys WiFi router as a DHCP server? It assigns IP addresses to the device you use to access the internet. Below are the steps to help you setup DHCP server on the Linksys WiFi router.

• Log into the web-based utility of your Linksys WiFi router.
• Click on the Setup tab. Select Basic Setup page.
• Now, check the DHCP Server Settings fields. Here you can:
  Enable/Disable the DHCP server.
• Change the starting address for the DHCP server.
• Now, if you change any of the settings, click on Save Settings at the bottom of the page.

While trying to setup DHCP server on your Linksys WiFi router, there are some major benefits that come with it.

Advantages of DHCP

• DHCP assigns IP addresses automatically to the requesting client.
• Implementing DHCP does not come at any additional costs.
• Invalid/Duplicate assignment of IP addresses are brought under control through DHCP.
• Simplifies administrative control of the network.

However, with so much cyberattacks taking place on a day-to-day basis it is necessary to secure a DHCP server. Here’s how you can do it.

Tips to Secure DHCP Server

• Execute a strong antivirus protection program.
• Keep all software patches up-to-date.
• Delete or uninstall any service or application not used by DHCP server.
• Monitor daily DHCP activity by reviewing DHCP logs and statistical information.

Conclusion

DHCP servers come handy when you want to assign a different IP address to every device accessing the internet. To do this with your Linksys WiFi router, you should know how to setup DHCP server.