Install And Configure DHCP Server Cluster

by SinaOnline System Training

1. Preparing the Environment:

  • Ensure that both servers meet the hardware and software requirements for Windows Server and DHCP.
  • Assign static IP addresses to each server.
  • Ensure that DNS is properly configured and that both servers can resolve each other’s names.

2. Installing the DHCP Server Role:

  • Open Server Manager on both servers.
  • Select “Add roles and features” and proceed with the installation wizard.
  • Select “DHCP Server” as the role to install.
  • Complete the DHCP Server installation wizard.

3. Configuring DHCP Failover:

  • Open DHCP Manager on one of the servers.
  • Right-click on the DHCP server name and select “Configure Failover.”
  • Follow the wizard to configure DHCP failover.
  • Choose the partner server, configure the shared secret, and set the mode (Load Balance or Hot Standby) and relationship (Primary or Secondary).

4. Installing the Failover Clustering Feature:

  • Open Server Manager on both servers.
  • Select “Add roles and features” and proceed with the installation wizard.
  • Select “Failover Clustering” as the feature to install.

5. Creating the Cluster:

  • Open Failover Cluster Manager on one of the servers.
  • Click on “Create Cluster” and follow the wizard.
  • Add both servers to the cluster.
  • Configure cluster settings such as the cluster name and IP address.

6. Configuring DHCP Server Role in the Cluster:

  • In Failover Cluster Manager, right-click on “Services and Applications” and select “Configure a Service or Application.”
  • Select “DHCP Server” as the service to configure.
  • Follow the wizard to add the DHCP server role to the cluster.

7. Testing Failover:

  • Perform a failover test to ensure that the DHCP server cluster functions correctly.
  • Use the Failover Cluster Manager to initiate a failover and verify that DHCP services remain available during the failover process.

8. Monitoring and Maintenance:

  • Regularly monitor the DHCP server cluster using Failover Cluster Manager to ensure it remains healthy.
  • Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as applying updates and patches, to keep the cluster secure and up-to-date.

Note: Ensure that you have sufficient IP address ranges and leases configured to handle the increased demand that comes with clustering. Additionally, testing failover in a controlled environment is crucial to ensure proper functioning in a production environment.