Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a foundational service in enterprise networks, responsible for the automated assignment of IP addresses and related configuration parameters to networked devices. As organizations scale and become increasingly dependent on continuous network availability, the resilience and manageability of DHCP infrastructure have emerged as critical operational concerns. Traditional Linux-based DHCP implementations, while flexible and cost-effective, often rely on manually configured failover mechanisms and decentralized management models that introduce complexity, operational risk, and limited scalability. This research evaluates the architectural, operational, and performance implications of migrating from a legacy Linux DHCP environment to an Infoblox Grid–based high-availability DHCP architecture. The study adopts a comparative evaluation methodology, examining availability models, failover behavior, response performance, administrative overhead, and security controls across both solutions. A real-world migration scenario is analyzed to assess the practical challenges and benefits associated with such a transition. Experimental results demonstrate that the Infoblox Grid architecture offers improved service availability, faster failover recovery, and significantly enhanced operational efficiency through centralized management and automation capabilities. However, these benefits are accompanied by trade-offs related to cost, vendor dependency, and reduced low-level configurability. The findings of this study provide network architects and decision-makers with empirical insights into the suitability of enterprise-grade DHCP platforms for modern high-availability requirements and offer guidance for organizations planning a structured migration from legacy DHCP systems.
Narendra Reddy Burramukku (Mon,) studied this question.