Analyzing DHCP problems

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is the protocol that provides you with an IP address automatically while connecting to the network. In this recipe, we will learn how to locate some of the common DHCP problems.

Getting ready

When you have a DHCP server on your network, and PCs are not able to receive IP addresses automatically, just connect Wireshark with port mirror to the device that doesn't receive the address, connect and disconnect the device from the network, or simply use the ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew commands. Now, we will have a look at what can go wrong.

How to do it...

Have a look at the DHCP procedure described in the How it works … section. Anything that is not going according to this procedure is wrong, so check for the following:

1. Did the client send the DHCP Discover packet?

2. If it did, the client works fine.

3. If it didn't:

   • Something is wrong with the client. Check if the client is configured with DHCP (obtain an IP address automatically...