Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

Open DHCP Server

github.com

Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted
Visit github.com
Spec score 7.3 #16 of 25 in DHCP Management Software

What it is

Open DHCP Server is free, open-source software that provides Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol service on Linux and self-hosted, on-premises deployments. It assigns addresses through static hosts and dynamic DHCP ranges, supporting up to 125 ranges on one server. Multiple zones can run on a single server, with BOOTP and relay-agent support. DHCP options may be set globally, for a range, or for an individual client, using string, IP, hexadecimal-string, or byte-array values without defining option types. Ranges can be filtered by MAC ranges, vendor options, and user options. Replicated fail-safe operation supports continuity, while lease status appears on an auto-refreshing HTML page. The project describes low CPU use, small executable size, and very low memory requirements. It is released under the GNU General Public License, with a GPL-2.0 repository license. The project says it suits experts and small or home deployments, including people without DHCP protocol knowledge.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Open DHCP Server provides Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol service.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Intended users
The project says it is suited to experts as well as small and home use by people without DHCP protocol knowledge.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Address assignment
It supports both static hosts and dynamic DHCP ranges.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
DHCP options
It supports DHCP options without requiring users to define option types, with values assignable as strings, IPs, hex strings, or byte arrays.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
DHCP ranges
The server supports up to 125 DHCP ranges.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Filtering
DHCP ranges can be filtered using MAC ranges, vendor options, and user options.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Lease monitoring
Lease status is displayed on an auto-refreshing HTML page.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Option scope
Options can be global, specific to a DHCP range, or specific to a client.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Protocol support
It supports BOOTP and relay agents.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Resilience
The server supports replicated fail-safe DHCP operation.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Resource use
The project describes the server as having low CPU and executable size and requiring very little memory.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security and standards
The project says it attempts to comply with various RFCs for DHCP and is released under the GNU General Public License; the repository includes a GPL-2.0 license.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Zones
A single server can support multiple zones.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Open DHCP Server Free up to 125 DHCP ranges · open source freeware Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Open DHCP Server plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports up to 125 DHCP ranges
  • Handles static hosts and dynamic ranges
  • Offers replicated fail-safe DHCP
  • Auto-refreshing page shows lease status
  • Free, open-source GPL software

Limits

  • Linux and self-hosted deployment only
  • No free trial is listed
  • Single-server capacity is capped at 125 ranges
  • Requires on-premises operation

Who it suits

It suits Linux administrators and self-hosted, on-premises deployments needing DHCP, reservations, filtering, multiple zones, or failover. The project also describes use by small or home users without DHCP protocol knowledge.

Verdict

Open DHCP Server provides a broad DHCP feature set without a license charge, including filtering, option scopes, zones, and fail-safe operation. Its Linux, self-hosted deployment model fits administrators who control local infrastructure.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to Open DHCP ServerAll alternatives →