How to Configure DHCP Server on MikroTik Router

A DHCP server is a vital part of any network. It automatically assigns IP addresses and other network settings (like gateway and DNS) to devices on your LAN (Local Area Network)—so users don’t have to configure them manually. MikroTik routers make it easy to set up a reliable DHCP server for your LAN. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step using Winbox, WebFig, or Terminal.

Step-by-Step: Set Up a DHCP Server on the LAN

✅ Before you begin: Make sure your LAN interface (e.g., bridge or ether2) already has a static IP address assigned. If not, set one under IP > Addresses (e.g., 192.168.88.1/24).

✅ Using Winbox or WebFig (GUI Method)

1. Open Winbox and connect to your MikroTik router.
2. Go to IP → DHCP Server.
3. Click DHCP Setup (at the top right).
4. In the DHCP Server Interface window:
   • Select your LAN interface (e.g., bridge or ether2).
   • Click Next.
5. Set the DHCP address space (default will auto-fill based on your interface IP, e.g., 192.168.88.0/24).
   • Click Next.
6. Choose the gateway for DHCP clients (typically the router’s IP, e.g., 192.168.88.1).
   • Click Next.
7. Set the IP address range for clients (e.g., 192.168.88.10–192.168.88.254).
   • Click Next.
8. Add DNS servers (you can use Google’s: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, or your router IP).
   • Click Next.
9. Set the Lease Time (e.g., 10m, 1h, or 1d).
   • Click Next, then OK.

Your DHCP server is now up and running! Any connected LAN device will receive an IP address automatically.

✅ Using CLI (Terminal)

If you prefer the command-line method, here’s how:

/ip dhcp-server setup

Follow the on-screen prompts:

• Select interface (e.g., bridge)
• Confirm IP pool, gateway, DNS, and lease time

Or manually:

/ip pool add name=dhcp_pool ranges=192.168.88.10-192.168.88.254
/ip dhcp-server add address-pool=dhcp_pool interface=bridge lease-time=1d name=dhcp1
/ip dhcp-server network add address=192.168.88.0/24 gateway=192.168.88.1 dns-server=8.8.8.8

Setting up a DHCP server on your MikroTik router ensures all devices on your LAN receive IP addresses and network settings automatically—making your network efficient and easy to manage. Whether you use the GUI or Terminal, it only takes a few minutes to get up and running.

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