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Configure DHCP IPv4 on Cisco Layer 3 Switch or Multilayer Switch

In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to configure DHCP IPv4 on a Cisco Layer 3 switch or multilayer switch. We’ll use the provided network topology to demonstrate the process.

Network Topology Overview

The network topology consists of the following components:

• CS01: A Cisco Layer 3 switch configured with DHCP IPv4.
• S1: A standard switch connected to the Layer 3 switch.
• PC1 and PC2: End devices connected to the switch, which will receive IP addresses from the DHCP server on CS01.

Type of DHCP IPv4

1. DHCP IPv4 on Cisco Router
2. DHCP IPv4 on Cisco Layer 3 Switch or Multilayer Switch
3. DHCP IPv4 on Cisco Router with 2 Networks
4. DHCP IPv4 on Cisco Layer 3 Switch or Multilayer Switch with 2 VLANs

Step-by-Step Configuration

1. Access the Switch

First, access your switch by connecting through the console port and entering privileged EXEC mode.

Switch>enable

2. Enter Global Configuration Mode

Enter global configuration mode to begin setting up the switch.

Switch#configure terminal

3. Set the Hostname

Set a hostname for the switch for easier identification.

Switch(config)#hostname CS01

4. Enable IP Routing

Enable IP routing on the switch to allow it to perform Layer 3 functions.

CS01(config)#ip routing

5. Configure the VLAN Interface

Configure the VLAN 1 interface, assign an IP address, and bring it up.

CS01(config)#interface vlan 1
CS01(config-if)#no shutdown
CS01(config-if)#ip address 192.168.10.1 255.255.255.0
CS01(config-if)#exit

6. Configure the DHCP Pool

Create and configure a DHCP pool for the network.

CS01(config)#ip dhcp pool LAN1
CS01(dhcp-config)#network 192.168.10.0 255.255.255.0
CS01(dhcp-config)#default-router 192.168.10.1
CS01(dhcp-config)#dns-server 8.8.8.8
CS01(dhcp-config)#exit

7. Save the Configuration

Save the running configuration to the startup configuration to ensure the changes are retained after a reboot.

CS01(config)#do write

Verification

To verify that the DHCP server is working correctly, connect a device to the network and check if it receives an IP address from the DHCP pool. You can also use the following command to view the DHCP bindings:

CS01#show ip dhcp binding

Conclusion

By following these steps, you have successfully configured DHCP IPv4 on a Cisco Layer 3 switch or multilayer switch. This setup will allow devices on the network to automatically receive IP addresses, simplifying network management and configuration.