2621 router as DHCP and Segment Splitting

[3mtucker]

We are currently considering using a 2621 router with dual 10/100 Ethernet ports to segment our LAN. We have 5 remote closets all connected to the core switch via 1000Base fiber. We have no layer 3 capable switch and no budget to purchase one this year. The first question is, will the router be overloaded once we move 150 users on the new segment it would create, and would it cause noticable latency. The second question is, can the router be used as DHCP for the new segment, but not the old? I know the router can be used as DHCP when 1 ethernet port is being used, but am not sure how to assign it to only one port.

Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Matt

[rfroom]

DHCP server configuration is based on scope configuration to IP address on the interface mapping. That is how it knows what subnets to provide DHCP to.

150 users is fine for a 2621, the main factor is the number of pps.

[donewald]

Matt,

Question one is a very difficult one to answer without more information as to what type of data rate is expected out of the 150 users. The router might handle this just fine and also might not depending on what volume and type of traffic will be transiting it.

Question two. Yes. The DHCP function within the router can be used for only one interface. When configuring the dhcp pool, ensure the network assignment matches that of your desired DHCP segment. This will bind DHCP requests coming into that interface to the appropriate pool. You can also exclude addresses and other things as well. The following link should provide you sufficient information on this.

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/software/ios121/121cgcr/ip_c/ipcprt1/1cddhcp.htm

Regards,

Don