Overview
This lecture reviews and compares popular DHCP server software, focusing on their key features, supported operating systems, and technical capabilities.
Major DHCP Server Software Compared
- dhcpy6d, dnsmasq, ISC DHCP, FreeRADIUS, Kea DHCP, and udhcpd are major DHCP server software options.
- All listed software are free and open source, using licenses such as GPLv2, GPLv3, MPL 2.0, or ISC.
- Programming languages used include Python (dhcpy6d), C (dnsmasq, ISC DHCP, FreeRADIUS, udhcpd), and C++ (Kea DHCP).
- ISC DHCP has reached end-of-life and is superseded by Kea DHCP.
Operating System Support
- Most servers support BSD and Linux.
- dhcpy6d, dnsmasq, Kea DHCP, and FreeRADIUS run on macOS; ISC DHCP and udhcpd do not.
- Only ISC DHCP, FreeRADIUS, and udhcpd support Solaris.
- None of the listed servers support Windows.
Protocol and Feature Support
- Kea DHCP, ISC DHCP, and dnsmasq support BOOTP, DHCP (IPv4), and DHCPv6 protocols.
- dhcpy6d supports only DHCPv6, not BOOTP or DHCP (IPv4).
- FreeRADIUS supports DHCP and DHCPv6, but not BOOTP.
- udhcpd supports BOOTP and DHCP, but not DHCPv6.
- Features like Load Balancing and Failover are supported by dhcpy6d, ISC DHCP, Kea DHCP, and FreeRADIUS.
- Dynamic DNS support is included in dhcpy6d, ISC DHCP, and Kea DHCP; dnsmasq supports PXE and TFTP.
- FreeRADIUS adds RADIUS and VMPS integration.
Key Terms & Definitions
- DHCP — Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol; assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.
- DHCPv6 — DHCP for IPv6 networks.
- BOOTP — Older protocol for network booting, predecessor of DHCP.
- PXE — Preboot Execution Environment; network booting technology.
- Dynamic DNS — Automatic DNS record updates.
- Load balancing — Distributes network traffic across multiple servers.
- Failover — Backup system that takes over when the primary fails.
- GPLv2/GPLv3/MPL 2.0/ISC — Types of open-source software licenses.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review individual software documentation for installation and advanced configuration.
- Compare with DNS server software as suggested.