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Multiple DHCP servers on a network will by no means knock a network out. In fact, multiple DHCP servers are a common feature of resilient networks. Now what can cause problems for clients are multiple DHCP servers handing out IP addresses from the same address pool, and/or with conflicting settings (e.g. differing DNS servers, gateway, etc.)
– I say Reinstate Monica
Commented Mar 11, 2017 at 17:02
@Twisty, yes, I think that was implied.
– Darren
Commented Mar 11, 2017 at 17:04
You indicate adding a DHCP server will cause a packet storm, knocking out the network. How exactly would the packet storm occur?
– I say Reinstate Monica
Commented Mar 11, 2017 at 17:06
@twisty, it's been a while now, but I have seen with my own two eyes someone connect a rogue DHCP server to our network and knock it out. From memory, it seemed to be caused by every client simultaneously trying to renegotiate their lease and a storm of ARP broadcasts as multiple clients were receiving duplicate IP addresses (one from each server) and subsequently trying to renegotiate.
– Darren
Commented Mar 11, 2017 at 18:01
I have no doubt that a malicious DHCP server could impact a network's operation. But that's quite different than asserting that a competent administrator will experience problems with multiple DHCP servers. Large networks require multiple such servers!
– I say Reinstate Monica
Commented Mar 11, 2017 at 18:13

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