DHCP Handbook, The (2nd Edition) (Kaleidoscope)

In that time I've configured or set configuration standards for dozens of DHCP servers running the ISC DHCP server and dozens more managed by Lucent's VitalQIP DHCP service. I have not personally configured or managed a Microsoft DHCP server, but I've walked many consultants through setting up DHCP servers from Microsoft, Cisco, Linksys, etc.

The value of this book is its depth. Protocols, design considerations, conditional leases, client identification, authentication, failover, client issues, OS considerations, Dynamic DNS integration, migration between static and dynamic environments, and just about everything else you'll run into are well covered.

The authors are actively involved in the development of DHCP standards and the ISC DHCP reference implementation, so it's difficult to find a more authoritative source. If you can't find your answer in the book, the authors are active on the DHCP mailing lists (http://www.isc.org/index.pl?/sw/dhcp/dhcp-lists.php).

The wealth of information can be intimidating at first, but if you're dealing with a non-trivial environment it's worth it.

The Microsoft DHCP server addresses a fairly narrow marketplace, and lacks some features that are present in the leading commercial and non-commercial DHCP servers. The DHCP Handbook provides some coverage of the Microsoft DHCP server, but does not specialize on the Microsoft product, so it is undoubtedly much less complete from that particular perspective - instead, the DHCP Handbook tries to provide general coverage of the DHCP protocol in a way that will be useful across a broad range of DHCP servers.

So if, for example, you want a detailed presentation on the DHCP failover protocol, particularly on how to administer it, you will probably have to find it in the DHCP Handbook. Also, there is some good coverage of DNS updates. And of course there is some very detailed coverage of the ISC DHCP server, which a Windows 2000 DHCP administrator will probably find useless, but a Linux administrator might consider helpful.

If all else fails, it's fairly thick, and might be useful in propping up your desk table if the floors in your office aren't level. :')

BTW, I gave the book four stars, because I think it covers the material well and is more complete than any competing book. I do not claim that our prose is the best, although any failings in that regard are probably mine and not Ralph's. As one of the authors I am obviously biased, so please take this rating with a grain of salt.

I am also the author of the ISC DHCP server and a developer on a team at Nominum that has produced an excellent commercial DHCP server, so my views on the Microsoft server may not be entirely accurate and should also be taken with a grain of salt - in particular, I have not played with the server that comes with WinXP server which, for all I know, dances circles around my paltry offerings.