Configuring DHCP Relay

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Some ISPs perform the DHCP server function for their customers' home/small office networks. In this case, you can configure the device as a DHCP relay agent. When a computer on your network requests Internet access, the ADSL/Ethernet router connects your ISP to obtain an IP address and other information, and then forwards that information to the computer. Follow these instructions to configure DHCP relay:

First, you must configure each LAN computer to receive IP information assigned by a DHCP server:

1. Open the Windows Control Panel and display the computer's Networking properties. Configure the TCP/IP properties to "Obtain an IP address automatically" (the actual text may vary depending on your operating system).

Next, you specify the IP address of the DHCP server and select the interfaces on your network that will be using the relay service.

2. If the  DHCP Configuration page is not already displaying, click the Advanced Status button, and then click DHCP button, on this page click DHCP Relay.

3. In the DHCP Server Address fields, type the IP address of your ISP's DHCP server. 

If you do not have this address, it is not essential to enter it here. Requests for IP information from your LAN will be passed to the default gateway, which should route the request appropriately. 

4. Select your WAN interface from the drop-down list and click Add.

The WAN interface may be named ppp-0, eoa-0, or ipoa-0. Contact your ISP if you are unsure which type to use. 

(Note that you can delete an interface from the table by clicking in the right column.) 

5. Click Save Changes. A page displays to confirm your changes, and the program returns to the DHCP Relay Configuration page.
6. Click DHCP Mode on the page, then follow the instructions in Setting the DHCP Mode to enable DHCP relay.