10 Windows Server 2019 DHCP Best Practices

Windows Server 2019 is the latest version of Microsoft’s server operating system. It includes a number of features and improvements that make it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes. One of the most important features of Windows Server 2019 is its DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server. DHCP is used to assign IP addresses to devices on a network, and it is essential for ensuring that all devices can communicate with each other.

In this article, we will discuss 10 best practices for setting up and managing a DHCP server on Windows Server 2019. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your network is secure and reliable.

1. Use DHCP Failover

DHCP Failover allows you to have two DHCP servers running in an active/passive configuration. This means that if one of the servers fails, the other will take over and provide IP addresses to clients without interruption.

This is especially important for larger networks where a single server may not be able to handle all of the requests from clients. By having two servers configured with DHCP Failover, you can ensure that your network stays up and running even if one of the servers goes down.

2. Enable DNS Registration for DHCP Clients

When a DHCP client is assigned an IP address, it needs to register its hostname and IP address with the DNS server. This allows other computers on the network to locate the computer by name instead of having to remember its IP address. Without this registration, users would have to manually enter the IP address each time they wanted to access the computer.

Enabling DNS registration for DHCP clients ensures that all computers on the network are properly registered in the DNS database. This makes it easier for users to find and connect to the computers they need.

3. Configure a DHCP Name Protection Policy

DHCP Name Protection Policy helps to protect against malicious users who may try to register a computer name that is already in use on the network. This policy ensures that only authorized computers can register their names with the DHCP server, and it also prevents unauthorized computers from registering duplicate names.

By configuring this policy, you can help ensure that your network remains secure and free of any potential conflicts caused by duplicate computer names. Additionally, it will make troubleshooting easier since you’ll be able to quickly identify which computer is causing an issue.

4. Set the DHCP Server to Register with DNS

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5. Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP on the DHCP Server and Client

NetBIOS over TCP/IP is an older protocol that was used to provide name resolution services in Windows networks. It has since been replaced by DNS, and it can cause conflicts with DHCP if both are enabled on the same network.

By disabling NetBIOS over TCP/IP on the DHCP Server and Client, you can ensure that there will be no conflicts between the two protocols. This will also help improve performance of your network as well as reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities.

6. Enable DHCP Audit Logging

DHCP audit logging allows you to track changes made to the DHCP server, such as when a new IP address is assigned or an existing one is released. This helps ensure that your network remains secure and compliant with industry standards.

To enable DHCP audit logging in Windows Server 2019, open the DHCP console, right-click on the server name, select Properties, then click the Advanced tab. Under Logging, check the box next to Enable DHCP Audit Logging. You can also specify the log file location and size here. Once enabled, all DHCP events will be logged in the specified log file.

7. Monitor the DHCP Database Size

The DHCP database stores all of the information about leases, reservations, and other settings. As more clients connect to the network, the size of the database increases.

If the database gets too large, it can cause performance issues with the server. To prevent this from happening, you should regularly monitor the size of the database and take action if it starts to get too big. This could include deleting old leases or reservations that are no longer needed, or increasing the size of the database.

8. Perform Regular Backups of the DHCP Database

The DHCP database contains all of the information about your network’s IP addresses, including which ones are in use and which ones are available. If something were to happen to this data, it could cause serious problems for your network.

By performing regular backups of the DHCP database, you can ensure that if anything does go wrong, you have a recent copy of the data that you can restore from. This will help minimize any downtime or disruption caused by an issue with the DHCP server. Additionally, it’s important to store these backups offsite so they’re not vulnerable to the same risks as the original data.

9. Limit DHCP Lease Duration

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10. Manage Scope Options

Scope options are settings that can be configured to control how DHCP clients interact with the network. These include things like DNS server addresses, default gateway IPs, and other important parameters.

By managing scope options, you can ensure that all of your DHCP clients have the same configuration settings, which helps reduce errors and improves performance. Additionally, it’s a good idea to regularly review these settings to make sure they’re up-to-date and still relevant for your environment.