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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.
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