Moving onprem DHCP server to azure

Question

Hello everyone, I'm considering moving my DHCP server from on-premises to Azure. I aim to retain the existing on-premises IPs and VLANs but host the DHCP server in Azure instead. Is this feasible, and if so, what steps should I follow to accomplish this transition?

Answer 1

Hello @Aran Billen ,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A Platform. Thank you for reaching out & hope you are doing well.

I understand that you would like to host DHCP server in Azure and would like to know if it is possible and how.

As mentioned in the Azure Vnet FAQ,

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/virtual-networks-faq#can-i-deploy-a-dhcp-server-in-a-virtual-network

To deploy a DHCP server in Azure on a virtual machine, you can refer the below tutorial:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/how-to-dhcp-azure

The DHCP relay agent on the on-premises network must be configured to forward DHCP requests to the DHCP servers in Azure. Consult the manufacturer's documentation for the DHCP relay agent for configuration steps.

Additional references:

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/azure-networking-blog/custom-dhcp-support-in-azure/ba-p/4089674

Proof of Concept on how to run Windows DHCP Servers on Azure to assign dynamic IPs to On-Prem networks can be found in the below document:

https://github.com/yachoukh/DHCPServer-On-Azure

Kindly let us know if the above helps or you need further assistance on this issue.

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Answer 2

Hi there Aran Billen

Thanks for posting on QandA platform

Yes, it is feasible to move your DHCP server from on-premises to Azure while retaining your existing IP addresses and VLANs

https://github.com/dmauser/DHCPServer-On-Azure

Firstly, assess your current DHCP server configuration and Azure networking setup to ensure compatibility and determine the VM specifications needed in Azure. Next, deploy a virtual machine (VM) in Azure to host the DHCP server.

Plan the migration of DHCP leases and configurations, considering options to minimize downtime and disruptions to DHCP clients. Execute the migration by transferring DHCP leases and configurations to the Azure DHCP server, updating DHCP relay agents or helper addresses as necessary.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/teamdhcp/multi-site-deployment-topologies-for-dhcp-failover

If this helps kindly accept the answer thanks much.