Windows-Based DHCP Clients and DNS with Dynamic Updates

Windows 2000 DHCP clients and earlier versions of Windows DHCP client interact with DNS in different ways. The DHCP server can be configured to always register the DHCP client for both the forward (A-type records) and reverse (PTR-type records) lookups with DNS. Windows 2000 DHCP clients update their own dynamic forward lookup names.

Figure 4.21 shows how Windows 2000 DHCP clients interact with dynamic updates:

Enlarge figure

Figure 4.21 Windows 2000 DHCP Clients and Dynamic Updates

1. The Windows 2000 DHCP client makes an IP lease request.
2. The DHCP server grants an IP lease.
3. The Windows 2000 DHCP client updates its forward (A) name with the DNS server.
4. The DHCP server updates the DNS reverse (PTR) name for the client using the dynamic update protocol.

Earlier versions of Windows DHCP clients do not interact directly with DNS server that perform dynamic updates. Figure 4.22shows how the forward and reverse lookup names are updated by a DHCP server:

Enlarge figure

Figure 4.22 Older DHCP Clients and Dynamic Updates

1. The DHCP client makes an IP lease request.
2. The DHCP server grants an IP lease.
3. The DHCP server automatically generates the client's FQDN by appending the domain name defined for the scope to the client name obtained from the DHCPRequest message sent by the older client.
4. Using the dynamic update protocol, the DHCP server updates the DNS forward (A) name for the client.
5. Using the dynamic update protocol, the DHCP server updates the DNS reverse (PTR) name for the client.

© 1985-2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.