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Moving onprem DHCP server to azure

Aran Billen 681 Reputation points
2024-05-01T13:02:48.2633333+00:00

Hello everyone, I'm considering moving my DHCP server from on-premises to Azure. I aim to retain the existing on-premises IPs and VLANs but host the DHCP server in Azure instead. Is this feasible, and if so, what steps should I follow to accomplish this transition?

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An Azure networking service that is used to provision private networks and optionally to connect to on-premises datacenters.
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Windows Server
Windows Server
A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
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Windows DHCP
Windows: A family of Microsoft operating systems that run across personal computers, tablets, laptops, phones, internet of things devices, self-contained mixed reality headsets, large collaboration screens, and other devices.DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). A communications protocol that lets network administrators manage centrally and automate the assignment of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in an organization's network.
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  1. GitaraniSharma-MSFT 48,011 Reputation points Microsoft Employee
    2024-05-02T07:05:30.7466667+00:00

    Hello @Aran Billen ,

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A Platform. Thank you for reaching out & hope you are doing well.

    I understand that you would like to host DHCP server in Azure and would like to know if it is possible and how.

    As mentioned in the Azure Vnet FAQ,

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/virtual-networks-faq#can-i-deploy-a-dhcp-server-in-a-virtual-network

    User's image

    To deploy a DHCP server in Azure on a virtual machine, you can refer the below tutorial:

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/how-to-dhcp-azure

    The DHCP relay agent on the on-premises network must be configured to forward DHCP requests to the DHCP servers in Azure. Consult the manufacturer's documentation for the DHCP relay agent for configuration steps.

    Additional references:

    https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/azure-networking-blog/custom-dhcp-support-in-azure/ba-p/4089674

    Proof of Concept on how to run Windows DHCP Servers on Azure to assign dynamic IPs to On-Prem networks can be found in the below document:

    https://github.com/yachoukh/DHCPServer-On-Azure

    Kindly let us know if the above helps or you need further assistance on this issue.

    Please don’t forget to "Accept the answer" wherever the information provided helps you, this can be beneficial to other community members.

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  1. Azar 19,645 Reputation points
    2024-05-01T14:05:09.3+00:00

    Hi there Aran Billen

    Thanks for posting on QandA platform

    Yes, it is feasible to move your DHCP server from on-premises to Azure while retaining your existing IP addresses and VLANs

    https://github.com/dmauser/DHCPServer-On-Azure

    Firstly, assess your current DHCP server configuration and Azure networking setup to ensure compatibility and determine the VM specifications needed in Azure. Next, deploy a virtual machine (VM) in Azure to host the DHCP server.

    Plan the migration of DHCP leases and configurations, considering options to minimize downtime and disruptions to DHCP clients. Execute the migration by transferring DHCP leases and configurations to the Azure DHCP server, updating DHCP relay agents or helper addresses as necessary.

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/teamdhcp/multi-site-deployment-topologies-for-dhcp-failover

    If this helps kindly accept the answer thanks much.

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