What Is Dhcp

MSFT 50: Unraveling the Mystery of DHCP Vendor Class Identifiers

What is DHCP?

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network. DHCP servers maintain a pool of IP addresses and lease them out to devices for a set period of time.

What are DHCP Vendor Class Identifiers?

DHCP Vendor Class Identifiers (VCIDs) are vendor-specific options that are included in DHCP requests. These identifiers allow DHCP servers to distinguish between different types of devices and to provide them with appropriate configuration parameters.

WEB MSFT 50

WEB MSFT 50 is a DHCP VCID that is used by Windows computers. It indicates that the device is a Windows-based computer and that it should receive Windows-specific configuration parameters. Additionally, the traditional Client Vendor Name has been updated for some Windows-based devices. This value used to be simply MSFT 50. Some devices will now show up as MSFT 50.

DHCPcd-5.5.6

DHCPcd-5.5.6 is a DHCP VCID that is used by Android devices. It indicates that the device is an Android-based device and that it should receive Android-specific configuration parameters.

How to Configure DHCP Vendor Class Identifiers

DHCP Vendor Class Identifiers can be configured on DHCP servers. The administrator configures the DHCPv4 server to send Vendor-specific Options to the client. The DHCPv4 client joins the network and sends a DHCPDISCOVER message that includes the Vendor Class Identifier.

Conclusion

DHCP Vendor Class Identifiers are important for providing different types of devices with appropriate network configuration parameters. WEB MSFT 50 and DHCPcd-5.5.6 are two examples of DHCP VCIDs that are used by Windows and Android devices, respectively.