260-668080-001 Rev 002 March 2013 67
Eclipse Edge User Manual
Rules, Hints and Tips for a DHCP Server
This information should be read in conjunction with data provided under Portal to
Edge Connection Options on page 8.
• The primary benefit of a DHCP server is that it enables Ethernet access without
needing to know the IP address of the target radio. Under DHCP, your PC is
configured in the TCP/IP properties window to obtain an IP address automatically,
and the radio provides a LAN compatible address to your Portal PC.
• The IP address assigned by the server has a ‘lease time’ of 30 seconds, meaning
the IP address remains assigned for this minimum period. On expiry of the lease,
such as at Portal disconnection, the address goes back in the address pool, ready
for re-assignment.
• If you disconnect your Portal PC and then reconnect while the lease is valid, your
PC will reconnect using the same IP address - the address assigned under the
lease. Conversely, if you reconnect after 30 seconds, your PC will be re-assigned
an IP address, which may or may not be the same as before. From a Portal user’s
perspective this operation is transparent.
• If you change the IP address of the radio you are DHCP connected to, when you click
Send to confirm the change, the Portal session will typically be interrupted for 30 to
50 seconds, during which time the lease time for the original lease expires and a new
DHCP lease is assigned. (This interruption time is a Windows-imposed limitation;
Windows 98, 2000, XP).
• When the DHCP server has been enabled it does not prevent Portal PC access by
using a specific IP address set in the TCP/IP properties window of your Portal PC;
both DHCP and direct IP addressing are available, although DHCP provides a much
more straightforward connection process.
• Where there are other local Eclipse devices (INU, INUe, IDU) on the same NMS LAN
(NMS 10/100Base-T ports interconnected), all devices may be configured as DHCP
servers, except at sites such as a NOC (Network Operations Center).
• Where two or more devices are configured as DHCP servers all will respond to the
broadcast message provided by your Portal PC when first connected to the NMS
LAN, however only one of the servers will get to provide the IP address for your
PC. The Portal Start-up window will indicate all Eclipse radios on the NMS LAN,
from which point you can select the radio to log into.
• When two or more DHCP servers are on a LAN, good practice requires each to
have a different (non-overlapping) address range (the range of addresses
available for assigning to your PC). For Eclipse radios this is prompted in the
Networking screen.
• At a NOC or at other sites where there are many LAN connected devices only one
DHCP server should be active to avoid potential for incompatible IP address
assignments. (On a company LAN typically one DHCP server is assigned to
support dynamic address assignments to all LAN connected devices).
• Where terminals have their DHCP server function disabled, Portal PC access can be
established by:
• Using a temporary DHCP server connection that is enabled via a recessed
front-panel switch. Refer to Temporary DHCP Connection on page 19.
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