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Itโs safe to say that most of us rely on the internet to get many things in our everyday life do. Whether itโs shopping, home security, entertainment, or just communication, itโs undeniably an essential aspect of life these days.
So, when there is a problem with the internet service, it is a big deal. One such hitch thatโs been plaguing a lot of people is the ISPโs DHCP does not function properly error.
From afar, this sounds like a complex issue that requires a lot of research and time. But in reality, itโs easy to fix as long as you understand what youโre dealing with.
Essentially, DHCP is a networking protocol thatโs required to issue IP addresses to internet users. Itโs basically what ISPs use to assign specific and unique IP addresses to their customers.
Also, the DHCP allows your router to allocate IP addresses to the different devices connected to your network. Nearly all routers around the world use DHCP as a default protocol.
If your ISPโs DHCP server stops working properly or isnโt configured the right way, your router will display an error message.
When the router gives a message saying your ISPโs DHCP doesnโt function properly, itโs an obvious indication of the router struggling with getting the specific IP address set up for it.
Table of Contents
What causes the DHCP error?
At this point, you have an idea of what the error means. So, why is the error showing up? The answer is simple enough โ the ISPโs DHCP server has a problem. The most common reason why the error occurs is because of incorrect settings.
Most routers come with default settings that are not ideal. And thatโs why correct settings are required to avoid this problem. If the DHCP settings are even slightly wrong, the router will fail to receive an IP address.
Another common reason for this occurrence is usually IP address conflicts. Sometimes the DHCP server happens to allocate a single similar IP address to multiple devices. The result is an error due to conflicting IP addresses.
Also, the router may have a problem with the IP address range or the DHCP server may not have enough IP addresses to allocate to all the devices.
How to fix your ISPโs DHCP does not function properly issue?
Most ISPs allocate a single IP address to their customers. A unique IP address is important because it allows the router to communicate with each device on the network. And thatโs what makes it possible for the device to receive the IP address through DHCP.
Now, most people prefer a wireless connection to a wired one and this is where the DHCP specialty lies.
However, itโs also susceptible to issues. But even if youโre not tech-savvy, the solutions below are simple and will solve your problem;
1. Service outage
Before you attempt to fix your ISPโs DHCP server, you should check if the problem is a service outage. The reason your router believes the ISPโs DHCP server isnโt functioning well is that the server is offline.
And thatโs why the router is unable to allocate an IP address. The router will give you a message saying that it canโt get an IP address. But donโt panic at all. Just wait for the service to come back online and the problem will be solved.
2. Restart your router
Restarting is typically the first thing most people do when they experience an issue with their router and it works like a charm most of the time. So, take a few minutes to restart the router and see if the DHCP issue is resolved.
If this works, your router should get an IP address soon after. Alternatively, factory reset it to clear all existing settings and allow the router to start with a fresh start.
3. Update router firmware
Perhaps all you need is a firmware update to fix your problem. This worked for most users who tried it so if you have tried all the above and still canโt fix your issue; try updating the firmware of your router.
There are always new firmware updates released from time to time that fix bugs and improve the features. So, download and install the newest firmware versions right from the manufacturerโs website of the particular router.
4. Check the cables
Inspect the cables connecting the modem and router as well as the entire ISP line. They might be damaged as a result of wear and tear or even due to a power surge.
Also, look for loose connections at the ports that can cause the issue. If there are any loose connections, repair them with a pair of needle-nose pliers or just use electrical tape to fix them.
5. Change DHCP router settings to continuous
Configuring a router is normally not an easy task for most people. Thatโs why some vital settings are easily overlooked. If the query frequency is set the wrong way, such issues come up.
In that case, all you must do is find the DHCP query settings and change it to Continuous or Aggressive. This way, it will always resend the DHCP requests even when they donโt get an IP address from the router.
Conclusion
Many things can cause an IP address to be lost. It doesnโt have to be a router issue. It can be your ISPโs fault. But the best way to fix it is by restarting the router and waiting for it to get an IP address again. If that doesnโt work, you can try updating the firmware and trying a different router as well.
FAQs
How do I fix a DHCP problem?
When your computer cannot get an IP address from the router, it is a problem with the router. This happens when the DHCP server on your router is not responding to requests. Check the router settings or the DHCP adapter settings.
What causes DHCP failure?
There are several reasons why a DHCP server fails to respond. A faulty router, network cable, router settings, and more are some of the possible causes.
