How to Set Up a DHCP Server on Debian 12 ?

A DHCP server automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on your network, making network management much easier. Debian 12 uses the isc-dhcp-server package for this purpose.

Step 1: Update Your System

Start by updating the package list to ensure you install the latest version:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install ISC DHCP Server

Install the DHCP server package from Debian’s repositories:

sudo apt install isc-dhcp-server -y

This will add the DHCP server software and system service to your system.

Step 3: Verify Installation

Check that the DHCP server is installed and accessible:

dhcpd --version

You should see the version number and basic usage info.

Step 4: Enable the DHCP Service

Start the service and ensure it launches on boot:

sudo systemctl enable isc-dhcp-server
sudo systemctl start isc-dhcp-server

Step 5: Confirm the Service is Running

Check the status of the DHCP server:

sudo systemctl status isc-dhcp-server

You should see “active (running)” if the server is installed correctly. The DHCP server is now installed on Debian 12 and ready to be configured for your network.