User's Manual
5-23
Cisco IOS Software Configuration Guide for Cisco Aironet Access Points
OL-11350-01
Chapter 5 Administering the Access PointWireless Device Access
 Configuring the Access Point to Provide DHCP Service
Note When you configure the access point as a DHCP server, it assigns IP addresses to devices on its subnet. 
The devices communicate with other devices on the subnet but not beyond it. If data needs to be passed 
beyond the subnet, you must assign a default router. The IP address of the default router should be on 
the same subnet as the access point configured as the DHCP server. 
For detailed information on DHCP-related commands and options, refer to the Configuring DHCP 
chapter in the Cisco IOS IP Configuration Guide, Release 12.3. Click this URL to browse to the 
“Configuring DHCP” chapter:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/software/ios122/122cgcr/fipr_c/ipcprt1/1cfdhcp.htm
Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, follow these steps to configure an access point to provide DHCP 
service and specify a default router:
Command Purpose
Step 1
configure terminal Enter global configuration mode.
Step 2
ip dhcp excluded-address low_address 
[ high_address ]
Exclude the wireless device’s IP address from the range of addresses the 
wireless device assigns. Enter the IP address in four groups of characters, 
such as 10.91.6.158.
the wireless device assumes that all IP addresses in a DHCP address pool 
subnet are available for assigning to DHCP clients. You must specify the 
IP addresses that the DHCP Server should not assign to clients. 
(Optional) To enter a range of excluded addresses, enter the address at the 
low end of the range followed by the address at the high end of the range.
Step 3
ip dhcp pool pool_name Create a name for the pool of IP addresses that the wireless device assigns 
in response to DHCP requests, and enter DHCP configuration mode.
Step 4
network subnet_number 
[ mask | prefix-length ]
Assign the subnet number for the address pool. The wireless device 
assigns IP addresses within this subnet.
(Optional) Assign a subnet mask for the address pool, or specify the 
number of bits that comprise the address prefix. The prefix is an 
alternative way of assigning the network mask. The prefix length must be 
preceded by a forward slash (/).
Step 5
lease { days [ hours ] [ minutes ] | 
infinite }
Configure the duration of the lease for IP addresses assigned by the 
wireless device. 
• days—configure the lease duration in number of days
• (optional) hours—configure the lease duration in number of hours
• (optional) minutes—configure the lease duration in number of 
minutes
• infinite—set the lease duration to infinite
Step 6
default-router address [address2 ... 
address 8]
Specify the IP address of the default router for DHCP clients on the 
subnet. One IP address is required; however, you can specify up to eight 
addresses in one command line.
Step 7
end Return to privileged EXEC mode.
Step 8
show running-config Verify your entries.
Step 9
copy running-config startup-config (Optional) Save your entries in the configuration file.










