Distributed dhcp
 

Hi there, I'm working on trying to come up with a new dhcp solution for my school. Currently, there exists one central dhcp server and in each wiring closet, a browser that boots over the network with two network cards in it. One connected to the browsers vlan, and one connected to whatever vlan the machines that come into the closet are (usually dorms or classrooms).

What I'd like to do, but have no idea how is this: Upon bootup over the network, have the browser download a list of addresses it is responsible for and then only contact the master server if a new machine is connected or when the data expires. I assume that the database the browser downloads would have a TTL. this way, any short term problems with the main dhcp server won't cause a blowup of dhcp network wide which is what happens now, I think.

Any information related to this topic would be extremely helpful.

Thanks,
Matt