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Systems & Data Center · Intermediate

DHCP Failover

A Windows Server DHCP feature where two servers share lease information for a scope in load-balance or hot-standby mode.

Definition

Load-balance mode splits client requests (50/50 by default) while hot-standby keeps a partner idle until the primary fails. The Maximum Client Lead Time (MCLT) governs lease extensions during communication loss. Only two servers can participate per scope.

Example

A hub DHCP server acts as hot standby for several branch DHCP servers.

Exam tip

DHCP failover supports exactly two partners per scope; hot standby suits hub-and-spoke designs.

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