It is unlikely that we will be able to open America by saying that before connecting a computer to the Internet via a TCP/IP network, it is first necessary to configure the DHCP network protocol. What can I say? It is he who is responsible for ensuring that the PC automatically receives an IP address and other necessary parameters for full use of the Internet. By default, this protocol is activated automatically in Windows. True, it doesn’t always work. In this case, you have to think about how to manually enable DHCP in Windows 7. And doing this is actually not difficult.
Method No. 1: Launch through the “Services” option
Based on the DHCP client-server model of action, you can enable this network protocol in Windows 7 through the Services service. In this case, you must initially go to the “Start” menu, go to the “Control Panel” section, and in it select the “Administration” tab:
Next, in the list that opens, find and click the “Services” item so that the window for the corresponding service appears. After it has opened, look for the DHCP client service in it and launch it by clicking the corresponding button in the menu on the left:
The next step is to check the service startup type. Ideally, it should start automatically. If this is not the case, right-click on the DHCP client item, select the “Properties” tab in the menu that appears, set the startup type to automatic and save the settings by clicking OK:
As a result of such actions, the network protocol in OS Windows 7 will work automatically, without requiring additional settings.
Method No. 2: Configuration through the “Network and Sharing Center”
It is no more difficult to debug the operation of the network protocol in the client-server model by setting the parameters for connecting to the local network in the Network Control Center. In this case, the procedure will be as follows:
As a result, we can immediately start working on the Internet, because all the necessary DHCP settings are thus entered into OS Windows 7. If you wish, of course, you can check the functionality of the service using the command line.
How to enter it in Windows 7? In different ways, for example, by pressing the and R buttons on the keyboard, launch the “Run” utility and enter the cmd.exe task into it. One way or another, after entering the “Command Line”, all that remains is to enter the value ipconfig /all in it, confirm the entry by pressing Enter and check the connection settings, including the DHCP operating parameters. That's it!
- how it works and what will happen if you turn it off. By default, it is enabled on any router, be it TP-Link, Asus, Zyxel Keenetic, and so on. And in most cases it does not require additional configuration. However, if we use two routers on the network at once, then we need to enable DHCP Relay mode. That is, so that the second one works as a “Client” and receives an address from the first one.
What is a DHCP server on a router?
DHCP server is a special function built into a wifi router that allows it to automatically assign IP addresses to each connected device.
What is a DHCP server for?
As you know, every computer, laptop, phone, TV, set-top box, camera or any other device connected to the router via cable or wireless signal has its own IP address for exchanging information with each other. Knowing the IP, you can, for example, connect to a TV set-top box on Android from a client computer with Windows and broadcast video to it, which is located in a folder on the PC’s hard drive.
Also, many other more complex structures are built on the use of IP addresses. Having a working DHCP server on the router eliminates the need to manually register these addresses for each device.
Imagine if it didn’t exist - then every time we or any other gadget, we would have to manually set it in the settings. What if there are dozens, hundreds of such computers...? Plus, keep somewhere all the information about which computer is assigned which address. You could completely forget about guest access, when previously unregistered devices connect to the network - your guests, who do not understand anything about network parameters, will not configure their laptops and smartphones to work on your network.
If the DHCP server is enabled on the router, then we have what we are used to. We just connect to wifi, enter the password and use it. And all this incomprehensible “kitchen” with IP addresses and ports remains behind the scenes.
But there are also situations when the DHCP server needs to be disabled or, even with the function active, assign addresses manually. This can be done not only on expensive professional Cisco equipment, but also on the most ordinary home router. So let's figure it out together what's what.
Setting up a DHCP server on the router
By default, on all routers there is no need to configure a DHCP server. It's always on and optimized for performance. But some things can still be changed.
On TP-Link routers, the DHCP server setting is located in the menu section of the same name in the old version of the admin panel or in the “Advanced settings - Network - DHCP server” section in the new one
Let's look at each of the parameters available for configuration:
- Start and End IP addresses, or Address Pool - those values that will be issued to newly connected devices. Using this parameter, you can limit the number of simultaneously connected gadgets with which the DHCP server will work.
We don’t want more than 5 clients to connect to our wifi, so we set it from 100 to 104. For our own computers and smartphones, we can manually set the IP outside this range.
- Address validity period is the time in minutes during which the issued IP address will work. The time has expired - a new one is issued.
- The main gateway is the address of the router, that is, the “gateway” behind which the local network ends and the global network—the Internet—begins.
- Preferred and Alternative DNS server - here you can leave the fields empty, or again register the router IP, or specify addresses from or.
DHCP server on ASUS router
For ASUS routers, DHCP settings are located in the “Local network - DHCP” section
Enable DHCP in the Zyxel Keenetic router
On Zyxel Keenetic routers, the DHCP server is enabled in the “Home Network” section, “Segments” tab. The logic of operation here is based on the fact that you can enable or disable it separately for each type of network - main or guest.
Initially, it is also enabled, and to fine-tune DHCP on the Zyxel Keenetic, click on the line with the desired network. Here everything is the same as on the others, only the rental time is indicated not in minutes, but in seconds.
If you bought yourself a new Keenetic router, then you manage the DHCP server settings in the “Home Network” section. There is a lot of stuff here, so we need to find the “IP Parameters” block
Here you set the router’s IP and mask, and also activate the DHCP server. You can also disable it completely or use another router (Relay) as it.
If you click on “Show DHCP settings”, additional parameters will open, such as address pool, starting IP, gateway and DNS server
I also found a good article on the configuration of the DHCP server on Kinetics on their support site. You can read it too.
DHCP is not enabled on the network adapter - how to configure the Windows 10 client?
After you have enabled the DHCP server on the router, you need to configure the network adapter of a computer running Windows 10 or 7-8.
It happens that when you try to connect to wifi, you get an error that DHCP is not enabled on the network adapter. This means that the connection parameters were assigned manually.
To fix it, we need to go to the “Network Center” in “Change adapter settings”. Here we open the “Wireless connection” configuration if the laptop is connected via wifi, or “Local network connection” if the computer is connected to the router by cable. And in the properties, check the boxes for “Automatically obtaining” IP addresses and DNS servers.
Today, that’s all I wanted to tell you about enabling a DHCP server on a router and setting up a connection to it on a computer running Windows 10, 7 or 8. If you have any questions, you can ask them in the comments.
Video on how to enable the router's DHCP server
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The dhcp protocol is a kind of artery of every local network and at the same time a “favorite peeve” of most novice system administrators. Moreover, they remember its existence only at the moment when the computer does not receive an IP address via dhcp, and the system annoyingly informs the user about the problem that has arisen.
So here we will look at how dhcp works and what to do when “dhcp is not enabled on the network adapter” when connecting via LAN.
dhcp service assignment
It will be quite difficult to understand the question “how to enable dhcp on a network adapter” without understanding what this service is generally intended for. The fact is that dhcp is configured both on any network computer and on the server (or network equipment performing its functions), respectively, and there are plenty of possible reasons for a software failure: from a “crooked” operating system to a faulty router.
How does dhcp work?
The principle of operation of dhcp can be roughly represented as an email message between a client (or a computer connected to a local network) and a server (router). At the same time, the role of letters here is played by special system messages, with the help of which the device is “authorized” on the computer network.
The DHCP protocol literally stands for “Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.” In general, it acts as an alternative to manually setting up a local network: the device receives connection parameters directly from the server using special commands.
Thus, for a new device to correctly connect to a local (LAN) or global (WAN) network, it needs a number of unique parameters that ensure the identification of a given network node.
In particular, each computer receives, as well as a subnet mask, DNS server address, etc.
Of course, you can enter network connection data manually (for example, with ), but in most cases it is much easier to receive them automatically from the dhcp server.
In this case, when connecting to a network, the computer first “asks permission” from the server (usually a router) using a system message DHCPDISCOVER.
To which the server responds with a message DHCPOFFER, in which all the network settings necessary for the client are encrypted.
The computer receives such a “send”, extracts from it data about the IP address assigned to it (subnet mask, etc.) and stores it in the settings of the network card (adapter). After which it informs the server that it is ready to connect to the network using a message DHCPREQUEST.
The server checks the specified configuration parameters and, if there are no errors, responds with the message DHCPACK, which allows client authorization on the network.
Thus, to automatically obtain a dhcp IP address you need to:
Configure dhcp on the router (otherwise the “server” will not be able to respond to requests from the “client”);
Start the dhcp service on the computer;
Set the network adapter to automatically obtain an IP address.
How to enable dhcp on a router?
Configuring dhcp on the router is done through the device’s web interface. To do this you need:
Connect the router to the computer using a network cable (supplied with the device);
And set there a static IP address from the router range;
The router's static IP address is indicated on the service label stuck on the back panel of the device. In most cases, this is a combination of numbers 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, respectively, the static IP of the network adapter can be 192.168.0.2 or 192.168.1.2
Open any Internet browser, enter the router’s IP (from the factory sticker) in the address bar and press “Enter”
In the authentication window, enter user data (with factory settings admin/admin)
Here you should go to the “Setting up a local network” (“LAN Settings”) section and check the “Enable DHCP server” (or “DHCP server” -> allow access) checkbox.
How to enable dhcp on windows 7/windows 8?
The next step is to enable the dhcp client on your PC. To do this, press Win+R, in the window that opens, enter the command “services.msc” and click “Ok”.
The “Services” window will open, where you should find the “dhcp client” service and check that the “Status” column says “Running” and the “Startup Type” column says “Automatic”.
If dhcp is not enabled on the network adapter:
Right-click on the highlighted line;
Select “Properties” from the context menu;
Start the dhcp client service using the Start button.
The reason that the dhcp service does not start may be a damaged network card driver (for example, when the computer is infected with viruses) or an operating system failure. In this case, it is recommended to scan your PC using a good antivirus and update the network driver (from the manufacturer’s disk or website). As a last resort, reinstalling Windows 7 can solve the problem.
Also, if the dhcp client does not start, you should check that the local network adapter itself is working correctly.
To do this, go to “Control Panel” -> “Hardware and Sound” and in the upper right corner click “Device Manager”. Here you need to make sure that the network card is in the list of active devices, and its name matches the actual name.
dhcp is not enabled on the ethernet network adapter
Finally, you should configure the network adapter to dynamically obtain an IP address on the local network. To do this, check the box next to “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically”
and be sure to click “Ok” in all open windows.
dhcp client: access denied
Also, the reason that the computer does not receive an IP address via dhcp may be dhcp incompatibility. Typically, this situation occurs when:
There are two DHCP servers on the same network;
The DHCP server tries to give the new device an IP address that already exists on the network.
A DHCP address conflict is possible if an IP is assigned manually on a computer.
Even many system administrators who have been working with network devices for years cannot always give a clear and intelligible answer as to what a DHCP server is. They know that if it works, the computer will have an IP address - and that’s good.
But this is a very important point! This protocol greatly simplifies the life of a system administrator when setting up and managing networks. It works both in ordinary home networks on household WiFi routers and modems, and in large corporate networks and helps a computer, laptop or other network device quickly obtain an IP address and identify itself.
Let's take a closer look at the basic principles of how a DHCP server works.
What is DHCP?
DHCP — Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is a protocol for dynamic configuration of an application layer node using the OSI model. It was developed back in 1993, but still not only has not lost its relevance, but on the contrary, it has received a new version for working with the IPv6 protocol. The work model is “Client-server”. At the same time, the DHCP server has its own method of exchanging messages between the client and the server. The protocol allows you to automatically configure the IP protocol version 4, as well as the newer version 6, thereby facilitating the process of setting up the network and eliminating the possibility of errors when manually entering data.
What does a DHCP server do?!
On the DHTSP server, the system administrator sets a certain range of IP addresses that can be issued to client devices when contacted. In this case, you can additionally configure the address lease time (lease time) during which it is assigned to the computer’s MAC address and cannot be occupied by another device.
The server has three options for distributing addresses on the network:
1 - Dynamic. This option works on 95% of servers. The address is issued to a computer for a certain period (lease time), after which the IP will be considered free and can be assigned to another computer on the network.
2 - Automatic. Everything is similar to dynamic distribution, with the only exception that the IP is allocated to the device on a permanent basis and no longer changes.
3 - Manual. In this case, the server administrator compiles a table of correspondence between the IP and MAC addresses of devices, according to which in the future they will receive network parameters. This method is practically not used. If only in networks with a high level of security.
How does a DHCP server work?
The server's operation is based on broadcast network requests. The procedure for “communication” between the client and server looks something like this:
1. Client sends a broadcast message “I need an IP”
2. Server replies with the same message “I have an address xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx. Will it suit you?
3. Client- “Yes, he will arrange it!”
4. Server- "OK! The address xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is reserved for you."
For the presented “communication” the following special broadcast broadcast requests are used.
Here, for clarity, is a diagram of the dialogue between the client and the DHCP server:
The range of IP addresses intended for distribution between clients on the same network using the DHCP protocol is considered as a single administrative unit. It is called "scope" - scope. If the server operates on multiple subnets, then when configuring the DHCP service, the administrator must create a separate scope for each physical subnet.
Ideally, for stable operation, there should be at least two DHCP servers for each serviced network segment, but for home use this requirement is not relevant.
Types of server requests
Scheme of message exchange between the client and the DHCP server:
DHCPDISCOVER— This message is sent by the client when connecting to the network to search for an active DCHP server. In this case, 0.0.0.0 is used as the source IP, and 255.255.255.255 is used as the delivery address.
DHCPOFFER— A response message from the DHCP server to a client DHCPDISCOVER request, which suggests certain network settings.
DHCPREQUEST— Broadcast message from the client in response to DHCPOFFER, indicating that it has accepted the settings.
DHCPACK— a response message to the client after receiving DHCPREQUEST from him, meaning the completion of the communication process. It confirms that everything is consistent and the PC can work on the network.
DHCPRELEASE— This broadcast message is sent by the client if it stops using the network address.
DHCPNAK- This response will be sent to the client if the DHCPREQUEST parameters cannot be satisfied.
DHCPDECLINE— Broadcast response to the server when the client detects that the IP address assigned to it is already in use.
DHCPINFORM— Message to the server if the DHCP client has a static IP address and does not need dynamic allocation.
DCHP protocol messages have the following fields:
| Field | Length (bytes) | Description |
| op | 1 | Message Type |
| htype | 1 | Hardware address type |
| hlen | 1 | Hardware address length |
| hops | 1 | Number of relay agents used. Clients set the value to 0. |
| xid | 4 | ID (unique identification number) of the transaction used by the client and servers during the session |
| secs | 2 | Elapsed time (in seconds) since the client requested that the process begin |
| flags | 2 | Meaning of the flags |
| ciaddr | 4 | Client IP address (if previously available). |
| yiaddr | 4 | IP address offered by the server to the client |
| siaddr | 4 | Server IP address |
| giaddr | 4 | IP address of the relay agent (relay agent) |
| chaddr | 16 | Client hardware address (mostly MAC). |
| sname | 64 | Server name. |
| file | 128 | The name of the boot file. |
| options | changeable | Additional options |
How to enable DHCP on a network adapter
In the operating system Windows 10 The DHCP client is enabled by default as a service, and the network adapter must be set to automatically obtain an IP. To do this, press the Win+R key combination to open the “Run” window and enter the command ncpa.cpl.
Click on the “OK” button. A window with Windows 10 network connections will appear.
On the adapter where we want to enable DHCP, right-click so that a context menu appears. In the menu, select “Properties”.
In the next window, select the line “IP version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on the “Properties” button to open the protocol parameters:
Here you need to check the boxes for automatic receipt of addresses and click on the “OK” button.
In operating systems of the Linux family, all settings are specified in configuration files. For example, in the popular Ubuntu this is /etc/network/interfaces. Here is an example of a config that allows you to enable DHCP on the eth0 network adapter:
Here:
auto eth0- automatic activation of the eth0 network card when the system boots.
iface eth0 inet static- with this line we indicate to the system that the interface of the eth0 network card is in the range of addresses with dynamic IP acquisition.
If the system is running the Network Manager connection manager, then you can enable DHCP on the network adapter and in the graphical interface:
P.S.:
Separately, it is worth noting that the presence of a working DHCP service is a sign of good form for any local network. Setting up a server requires special serious knowledge from the administrator! In most modern network devices (terminals, routers and modems), it is generally already configured by default and does not require additional configuration.
For a modern person, life is not pleasant without the World Wide Web, and problems with the Internet connection are our worst enemies, with whom we are fighting an irreconcilable struggle. This article will equip you with the knowledge to deal with the situation if you receive the error “DHCP is not enabled on the network adapter” when establishing a connection.
What is DHCP?
DHCP is a network protocol that performs the function of automatically configuring TCP/IP network parameters, receiving them upon request from a DHCP server.
In practice, this means the exchange of certain messages between the DHCP client on the device and the server during the establishment of a network connection. During communication, the client receives new or confirms old values of the following network parameters:
IP address for the device;
subnet mask;
Default gateway IP address.
DHCP: how does it work?
The server processes client requests and leases IP addresses from its range for a certain time. If the time runs out, the client either extends the lease period or releases the address, which also happens by exchanging special messages. The server records all requests in its database to avoid address conflicts, that is, not to allocate one address to two nodes at the same time.
An address conflict can still occur if one of the devices on the network has an IP assigned manually. When connecting a new computer, the server may try to give it an address that is already occupied, as a result of which the Internet connection will not be established. How to solve this problem will be discussed further.
The DHCP protocol is widely used because it makes it possible to easily add new computers to the network and change connection settings on the server, instead of manually reconfiguring each device.
To use the DHCP protocol you will need:
configure DHCP on the router, which will play the role of a DHCP server.
start the DHCP service on the PC (it acts as a client);
In the network adapter settings, select the option to automatically obtain an IP address.
Let's look at each step in detail.
How to enable DHCP on a router?
You need to start the DHCP server on the router through the web interface. You will need to do the following:
If you can’t immediately open the router settings, try logging in from another browser or from another device. The most radical and effective solution to the problem is to reset the router settings. To do this, find the small button labeled “Reset”, press it with something thin and hold it for 5-15 seconds. It is important to keep in mind: the downside of this solution is that you will have to configure the router completely from scratch.
Launch and setup on a Windows computer
To enable DHCP on a PC running Windows 7 or Windows 10, you need to follow a similar set of steps.
Service check
To enable the DHCP client service on your PC, or make sure that it is working, open “Run” (Win + R), write “services.msc”.
In the “Services” window that opens, find the dhcp client, right-click and select “Properties”.
If you see that the service is running and starts automatically, you don't need to change anything.
If other parameters are displayed, start the service and set it to start automatically.
Configuring the network adapter
Enter “Network Connections” by pressing Win + R and entering “ncpa.cpl”.
Open your network properties, TCP/IPv4.
Select to automatically obtain an IP address and DNS server address, save the changes.
Similar manipulations can be carried out from the command line. Open “Run” (Win + R), write “cmd”.
Command to set IP address automatically:
netsh interface ip set address "your connection name" dhcp
Command to set DNS server address automatically:
netsh interface ip set dnsserver "your connection name" dhcp
Look at the connection name in its properties.
