Motorola 3.1 manual Network DHCP Scheme, Statically Provisioned Scheme, User Supplied Scheme

3.3.1 Network DHCP Scheme

Network DHCP means that the VMM device can be configured to request an address from a DHCP server and requires the inclusion of a DHCP server in the core network configuration to answer these requests. With Network DHCP selected, the VMM will send DHCP requests for its own address to the core network once it becomes associated and establishes communications with the infrastructure. Operation under the Network DHCP scheme allows users to temporarily wander outside of the network infrastructure without losing connectivity.

The server may be configured by the operator to hand out temporary or static leases. The VMM must associate and acquire an address from the network before establishing communications. Once a lease has been granted, the address will be valid out of network coverage for the remainder of the lease or, if a static lease was granted, until the next power cycle. If the lease expires or the user cycles power while outside of network coverage, the user will again lose the ability to communicate with the wireless network.

This scheme is best for a larger, closely managed network of subscribers who don't need to communicate or communicate only briefly outside of network coverage.

3.3.2 Statically Provisioned Scheme

Under the Statically Provisioned scheme, the VMM device will use provisioned DHCP-like information to establish an IP address for use in the wireless network. A DHCP server is not required on the core network because the addresses are derived from the MAC address by default. It should be noted that a DHCP server can still exist on the network to hand out addresses to other nodes using the Network DHCP Scheme as long as the server's address range does not conflict with addresses assigned to devices using the Statically Provisioned or User Supplied Schemes.

The IP addresses and options used are configurable per-device using MeshManager. The provisioned address may be freely used to communicate while associated or unassociated.

The operator must ensure that the provisioned addresses are routable and do not conflict with any other addresses in use. The operator is free to provision any option ordinarily provisioned by a DHCP server (subnet mask, DNS, etc.) through programming of the appropriate fields in each device using MeshManager.

This scheme is ideal for a managed network of users who regularly need to communicate inside and outside of network coverage or for a network lacking a DHCP server.

3.3.3 User Supplied Scheme

Operating under the User Supplied scheme, the VMM device is configured to use a fixed IP address and subnet mask. The user is responsible for configuring options that would otherwise be configured by a DHCP server.

It is also up to the user to ensure that the assigned address is routable on the core network (if core network access is needed) and that it does not conflict with other addresses in use. This is analogous to and carries the same caveats as plugging an Ethernet card into a LAN and manually assigning an address to the card.

The user is free to communicate while associated or unassociated. This scheme is ideal for small, unmanaged networks lacking a DHCP server.

16