The DHCP protocol (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) allows an IP address to be automatically allocated to an AX3000 terminal.

How does it work ?
The DHCP host is configured with IP address information (IP addresses available, pool available, etc). At boot time each TCP/IP AX3000, requests an IP address from the DHCP server. This address can be:

-	dynamic: the address is from a pool. At each boot time, the TCP/IP AX3000 will obtain a different IP address.
-	static: the same IP address is always given to the same TCP/IP AX3000. This association is performed either through the Ethernet address or a customisable identifier.

The main benefits of DHCP are:

-	IP address management is centralised (eliminating IP conflicts)
-	pool management is useful for TCP/IP devices which are temporary connected
-	static IP addresses allow the use of the AX3000’s embedded print and terminal server

DHCP is enabled or disabled through the AX3000’s set-up. When DHCP is enabled , the AX3000 broadcasts a DHCP request at each boot time to obtain an IP address. Only few seconds are necessary for the AX3000 to get its IP address.

Note: for the network administrator, statistical information and a trace mode are available through the AX3000 Set-Up to analyse the DHCP behaviour.

For information, the AX3000 DHCP client protocol has been checked with the following DHCP servers:

-	Linux RedHat 5.2
-	Unixware 7.1
-	AIX V4
-	Windows NT 4

The DHCP protocol is available as an optional feature for AX3000 models 55, 55E and 56 (firmware 9832f.DHC).

Last update: 26/11/99