Static DHCP, also known as DHCP reservation, is a method to ensure that a device on your network always receives the same IP address from the DHCP server. This is particularly useful for devices that require consistent IP addresses, such as servers, printers, or devices that need port forwarding.

The Problem with Dynamic DHCP

Dynamic DHCP assigns IP addresses to devices on a first-come, first-served basis. This can cause issues with port forwarding because the internal IP address of a device may change, requiring reconfiguration of port forwarding settings¹. Static DHCP solves this problem by reserving a specific IP address for a device based on its MAC address.

Finding Your MAC Address

To set up static DHCP, you need to know the MAC address of each device. Here’s how to find it: