How do you configure and manage DHCP scopes and leases on a Windows Server?

[ProfRon]

You know how DHCP scopes work on Windows Server? I fire up the server manager first thing. You right-click on DHCP and pick manage scopes. That pulls up the console for you.

I create a new scope by selecting add scope wizard. You name it whatever fits your network. Then pick the IP range you want devices to grab from.

You set the subnet mask next. I always match it to my setup. Leases get assigned from there automatically.

Managing leases is straightforward too. I check the address leases folder in the console. You see all the devices holding IPs right there.

If a lease expires, I renew it manually sometimes. You just right-click the entry and force a release. Keeps things tidy without fuss.

I tweak lease times in the scope properties. You slide it longer for stable spots. Shorter for busy networks that shift around.

You monitor usage by eyeing the scope stats. I export reports if I need to track patterns. Helps you spot when to expand.

Reservations lock IPs for specific machines. I add them under the scope's reservations tab. You enter the MAC address and boom, it's yours.

Troubleshooting scopes? I ping test devices after changes. You verify leases renew without hiccups.

PowerShell scripts speed it up for me. You run get-dhcpserverv4scope to list them quick. Feels like cheating sometimes.

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