I recently took over a network where every device is assigned a static IP address. I'm considering switching to a DHCP server, but I'm unsure how to configure it so that each device's hostname is registered as an A record in our domain. We have two domains: a main one which is a Windows domain (example.com) and a FreeIPA subdomain (sub.example.com). Users and groups are set up in the Windows domain, and FreeIPA inherits those users and groups. Windows clients join the Windows domain, while Linux clients connect to the FreeIPA subdomain.
My goal is to implement DHCP to manage the IP addresses and ensure that the clients can register their A records at the domain level. What features or technologies do I need to set up the DHCP and DNS servers effectively? I'm considering utilizing two RHEL servers for HA DHCP and another two RHEL servers for HA Bind as DNS.
3 Answers
For hostname registration as A records, consider using DHCP Reservations along with static A and AAAA records. We manage this by automating the process, which helps with larger setups.
AD can update DNS automatically for domain-joined Windows computers, making the process straightforward. However, when using KEA as your DHCP server, the Windows clients should still update their records automatically.
As for RHEL clients, they tend to rely more on client-driven updates. You might need some additional configuration for those to ensure they register their DNS records properly.
If you're using Windows DHCP servers, they can auto-update DNS with hostnames as long as your DNS zone is Active Directory-integrated. You might want to look into migrating your zone to that setup.
Just remember, AD won't update DNS records for clients automatically unless it's done through dynamic DNS from the DHCP server or the client itself. You can apply settings via GPO, but AD isn't handling the updates itself.