Introduction
This guide will help you set up a DHCP server on your Proxmox host to create a bridge network (vmbr1) for your virtual machines (VMs). This setup allows VMs to automatically receive IP addresses and network configuration from the DHCP server.
Also, helps in isolating the VM network while still providing internet access.
Install DHCP Server and Configure Bridge Network
Install DHCP server on Proxmox host:
apt install isc-dhcp-server
Set interface in /etc/default/isc-dhcp-server:
INTERFACESv4="vmbr1"
Configure DHCP in /etc/dhcp/dhcpd.conf:
# dhcpd.conf
default-lease-time 600;
max-lease-time 7200;
authoritative;
subnet 10.10.10.0 netmask 255.255.255.0 {
range 10.10.10.50 10.10.10.100;
option routers 10.10.10.1;
option domain-name-servers 1.1.1.1, 8.8.8.8;
}
Configuration Breakdown:
| Configuration Option | Description |
|---|---|
subnet 10.10.10.0 netmask 255.255.255.0 { ... } |
Defines a DHCP scope for the 10.10.10.0/24 network. |
range 10.10.10.50 10.10.10.100; |
Specifies the pool of IP addresses to assign to clients. |
option routers 10.10.10.1; |
Sets the default gateway for DHCP clients. |
option domain-name-servers 1.1.1.1, 8.8.8.8; |
Specifies DNS servers for DHCP clients. 1.1.1.1 is Cloudflare’s DNS, and 8.8.8.8 is Google’s DNS. |
Start the service:
systemctl restart isc-dhcp-server
systemctl status isc-dhcp-server
Then reboot your VM or run:
sudo dhclient eth0
Conclusion
This setup allows your VMs to automatically receive IP addresses from the DHCP server configured on vmbr1. The DHCP server will assign IPs within the specified range, set the default gateway, and provide DNS servers for name resolution.