The new DHCP roaming system allows laptops and other mobile devices to freely move between campus buildings.  Any device on the campus network that has been assigned an IP address can be registered for the DHCP roaming service.

After a laptop or other device is registered, its network software can be changed to use DHCP, the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.  Campus DHCP servers will then automatically tell the registered device what network configuration should be used (IP address, default gateway, DNS names and servers).   When the device is used on its home network, it will be assigned the usual IP address and hostname.  When the device is taken to another building it will be given a temporary IP address and hostname for the duration of its use there.

Devices are registered for DHCP roaming by departmental LAN Admins.  LAN Admin is a new designation.  It is someone who is authorized by the department's DDR to make changes to a department's network configuration.  Currently only the DHCP roaming service can be configured.  Departments can have multiple LAN Admins.

There is currently no restriction on how long a device is allowed to roam.  If a device spends more time roaming on a particular network than it does its home network, the LAN Admin may be asked to rehome that device.

To register laptops LAN Admins should go to Faculty/Staff Network Services. LAN Admins may use this registration system only after their DDRs have submitted the LAN Admin registration form. Please go to http://nts.umd.edu/access to get a copy of this form. Once LAN Admins are registered they will be informed via e-mail that they have access to the DHCP roaming management system.

For questions please send email to the DHCP Roaming Administrator.

Questions and Answers
 

Q) What DHCP parameters and lease times are returned by the campus DHCP servers?

        IP Address
        Netmask
        Default Gateway
        DNS domain name
        DNS server IP addresses

        Devices are given a 7 day lease when used on their home network.  30 minute
        leases are used when roaming.
 

Q) Can I register multiple DHCP mac addresses for the same IP address?

        No, you can register only one MAC address per IP address.
 
Q) How do the campus DHCP servers interact with my departmental DHCP server?

        If devices are only registered with one or the other, there will
        be no problems.  If a department is doing fixed DHCP assignments and
        is only using the same set of DHCP options mentioned above, there
        should be no problems.
 

Q) Can I used this service to register devices that will never roam?

        Yes.  This is a good choice for departments that want to move to DHCP
        client configurations, but do not want to run their own DHCP servers.

Q)    What if I change the ethernet card on my registered laptop?

        If your laptop is registered and you change your ethernet card after registration you
        will no longer be able to roam.  You must unregister the laptop and re-register
        with the new MAC address.
 

Q)    How many Lan Admins can a department have?

        Departments can have multiple Lan Admins.