DHCP: MAC Address Policies vs MAC Address Filters

Question

Hi,

I wonder what is the difference between using MAC Address Policies vs MAC Address Filters? Are these the same or different? In filters you can block or allow only certain devices by their macs.

Answer 1

@InfoTechdude Hi,

Thank you for posting in Q&A!

1.MAC Address Policies, Please refer to:dn425040(v=ws.11)
This feature enabled restriction of network access to DHCP clients based on their MAC address. It can be achieved both at the scope level and server level since server 2012.(The scope level is prior to the server leve)

2. MAC Address Filters：Please refer to: 25665.how-to-enable-and-configure-dhcp-mac-address-filtering.aspx
   Network Administrators can filter the assigning of IP addresses from the DHCP server on the basis of MAC addresses. On DHCP server, both allow and deny list can be configured separately.

3.The difference between them:

There doesn't exist the offical documents regarding the difference between them, but I've done tests in my own environment. Following are my configurations and results :
(1) Set a MAC Address Policies to enable the client's MAC address
(2) Set a MAC Address Filters to disable the client's MAC address
(3) The client was blocked from getting an IP lease from the DHCP server
(4) Conclusion: When both configuring these two features, the priority of MAC Address Filters> MAC Address Policies

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