Configure internal DHCP server on the WLC

In this post I will demonstrate how to configure the internal DHCP server. Compared to external DHCP servers, the WLC’s internal DHCP server is simpler to configure and less expensive. The following three steps are required to configure the internal DHCP server.

1. Configure the DHCP Scope
2. Configure the dynamic interface
3. Configure WLAN

1. Configure the DHCP Scope

2. Configure the dynamic interface

3. Configure WLAN

4. Verification

If all goes well, the client will be able to get the IP address from the WLC.
We can view DHCP client details via “DHCP Allocated Leases”.

The following is the WLC port capture when using the internal DHCP server. It can be seen that Offer and Ack are sent from the virtual interface, This is consistent with the characteristics of DHCP Proxy mode

5. Other

• Internal DHCP server only supports DHCP proxy mode

You must enable DHCP proxy on the controller in order to allow the internal DHCP server to function.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless/4400-series-wireless-lan-controllers/110865-dhcp-wlc.html#anc19

• vWLC does not support the internal DHCP server function

Key Features Not Supported in Cisco Virtual WLC
Cisco Umbrella
Domain-based ACLs
Internal DHCP server
Cisco TrustSec
Access points in local mode
Mobility/Guest Anchor
Wired Guest
Multicast

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/release/notes/crn85mr2.html#wlc-vwlc

• WLC 5520 does not support the internal DHCP server function

Feature Not Supported on 5520 Controller Platform
Internal DHCP server

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/technotes/8-1/5520-WLC-DG/b_Cisco-5520-WLC-deployment-guide.html

• WLC 8540 does not support the internal DHCP server function

Feature Not Supported on 5520 Controller Platform
Internal DHCP server

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/technotes/8-1/8540-WLC-DG/b_Cisco-8540-WLC-deployment-guide.html