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Install a DHCP relay agent

This article shows you how to install and configure a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Relay Agent on a computer running Windows Server. A DHCP relay agent works as an intermediary between DHCP clients and DHCP servers that aren't on the same subnet or local network. The DHCP Relay Agent forwards DHCP broadcast messages from clients to remote server, letting clients obtain IP addresses and other network configuration information from a DHCP server located on a different subnet.

To install the DHCP relay agent on Windows Server, you need to deploy the Remote Access server role. The DHCP relay agent is a feature of Remote Access and isn't included in the DHCP server role.

Prerequisites

Before you can install your DHCP relay agent, you must have the following prerequisites:

  • A computer running Windows Server in the remote subnet where you want to install the DHCP relay agent.
  • A DHCP server with a DHCP scope configured for the remote subnet.

Install and configure the server role

Here's how to install and configure LAN routing as part of the Remote Access server role from the Windows desktop.

  1. Sign into the computer where you want to install the DHCP relay agent, then open the Server Manager.

  2. In the Server Manager console, select Add roles and features.

  3. In the Add Roles and Features menu, select Next until you reach the Server Roles page.

  4. Expand the Remote Access role by selecting the accompanying checkbox or arrow.

  5. In Role Services, select Routing, then Add Features when prompted.

  6. Select Next until you reach the Confirm installation selections page.

  7. Select Install to begin the installation. After the installation completes, select Open the Getting Started Wizard.

  8. In the Routing and Remote Access Microsoft Management Console (MMC), right-click the server, then select Configure and Enable Routing and Remote Access to open the Routing and Remote Access Server Setup Wizard.

  9. In the Welcome to the Routing and Remote Access Server Setup Wizard, select Next.

  10. In Configuration, select LAN routing, and then select Next.

  11. In Custom Configuration, select VPN access, and then select Next to open the Completing the Routing and Remote Access Server Setup Wizard.

  12. Select Finish to close the wizard, then Start service when prompted.

Configure DHCP Relay Agent

Here's how to install the DHCP Relay Agent role from the Routing and Remote Access MMC.

  1. In the left pane, expand the server name, then right-click General under IPv4 or IPv6, then select New Routing Protocol.

  2. In the left pane, then right-click DHCP Relay Agent under IPv4 or IPv6, then select New Interface.

  3. Select the network interface you want to use for the DHCP relay agent. Select OK.

  4. In the left pane, then right-click DHCP Relay Agent under IPv4 or IPv6, then select Properties.

  5. Enter the IP address of the DHCP server you want to relay DHCP requests to, then select Add.

  6. Select OK to save your settings.

Now the DHCP Relay Agent is installed and configured on your Windows Server.

Next steps