Configuring Static DHCP Reservations

A DHCP reservation assigns a specific IP address to a device based on its MAC address. Unlike a manually configured static IP (which is set on the device itself), a reservation is configured on the DHCP server — the device still uses DHCP but always receives the same IP. To create a reservation: log into the router or DHCP server, find the DHCP reservation section (sometimes called Address Reservation or Static DHCP). Enter the device's MAC address (found via 'ipconfig /all' on Windows, or the device's label) and the IP address you want to assign. Ensure the IP is outside the DHCP pool range to avoid conflicts, or within the pool with the router configured not to assign it dynamically. Reservations are preferred over manual static IPs because: the DHCP server tracks all assignments in one place, the reserved IP won't be assigned to another device, and network documentation stays centralized. Use reservations for all servers, printers, IP cameras, access points, and VoIP phones.