DHCP range requirements for PXE

When setting up the network range for DHCP Preboot Execution Environment (PXE), keep in mind several considerations to ensure smooth server provisioning:

  • Determine the network size. For instance, if you target a concurrent provision of 50+ servers, a /24 network is recommended. This specific size is crucial as it provides sufficient scope for the DHCP server to provide unique IP addresses to each new Media Access Control (MAC) address, thereby minimizing the risk of collision.

    The concept of collision refers to the likelihood of two or more devices being assigned the same IP address. With a /24 network, the collision probability using the SDBM hash function, which is used by the DHCP server, is low. If a collision occurs, the DHCP server provides a free address using a linear lookup strategy.

  • In the context of PXE provisioning, technically, the IP address does not need to be consistent for every new DHCP request associated with the same MAC address. However, maintaining the same IP address can enhance user experience, making the /24 network size more of a recommendation than an absolute requirement.

  • For a minimal network size, it is sufficient to cover the number of concurrently provisioned servers plus one additional address (50 + 1). This calculation applies after covering any exclusions that exist in the range. You can define excludes in the corresponding field of the Subnet object. For details, see API Reference: Subnet resource.

  • When the available address space is less than the minimum described above, you will not be able to automatically provision all servers. However, you can manually provision them by combining manual IP assignment for each bare metal host with manual pauses. For these operations, use the host.dnsmasqs.metal3.io/address and baremetalhost.metal3.io/detached annotations in the BareMetalHost object. For details, see Operations Guide: Manually allocate IP addresses for bare metal hosts.

  • All addresses within the specified range must remain unused before provisioning. If an IP address in-use is issued by the DHCP server to a BOOTP client, that specific client cannot complete provisioning.