DHCP and DNS Setup

What is DHCP? 

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses to devices in a network — no need to do it manually for every PC.

What is DNS? 

DNS (Domain Name System) translates website names like www.google.com into IP addresses, so devices can find and talk to each other on the internet.

Devices Needed: 4 PCs

2 Switches

1 Router

1 Server (for DHCP + DNS)

🔌 Step 1: Connect Everything Side A (192.168.1.0):

PC1, PC2 → Switch1 → Router (F0/0)

Side B (192.168.2.0):

PC3, PC4, Server → Switch2 → Router (F0/1)

Use:

Straight-through cables: PCs/Server to Switch

Cross-over: Switch to Router

Step 2: Assign IP to Server (Manually) Server → Config → FastEthernet:

IP: 192.168.2.2

Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

Default Gateway: 192.168.2.1

 Step 3: Configure Router Router → CLI:

bash Copy code enable configure terminal

interface fastEthernet 0/0 ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0 no shutdown

interface fastEthernet 0/1 ip address 192.168.2.1 255.255.255.0 no shutdown 📦 Step 4: Set Up DHCP on Server Server → Config tab → DHCP:

Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1

DNS Server: 192.168.2.2 (Server’s own IP)

Start IP: 192.168.1.100

Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

Max Users: 50

Click Add

 Step 5: Set Up DNS on Server Server → Config tab → DNS:

Turn DNS ON

Name: google.com

Address: 192.168.2.2 (we're faking google.com)

Click Add

 Step 6: Configure PCs On all 4 PCs:

Go to Desktop → IP Configuration

Select DHCP → They will get IPs automatically

 Step 7: Test Website Go to any PC → Desktop → Web Browser

Type: google.com