Commands Reference, Volume 2

dhcpcd Daemon

Purpose

Implements a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) client. Serves addresses and configuration information to DHCP server.

Syntax

To Implement a DHCP Client by Using the System Resource Controller:

startsrc -s dhcpcd [ -aArgument] ...

To Implement a DHCP Client without Using the System Resource Controller:

dhcpsd [ -f ConfigurationFile] [ -i IPAddress] [ -t Seconds ]

Description

The dhcpcd daemon implements a DHCP client by setting up IP (Internet Protocol) addresses and other parameters by using the DHCP protocol.

The dhcpcd daemon is normally started by the /etc/rc.net file that normally runs at boot time. By default, this is commented out and not run on machine startup. There are smit options to enable the DHCP client.

The dhcpcd daemon reads its configuration file and attempts to bring up and get an IP address and other configuration options for the interfaces specified within the configuration file. The dhcpcd daemon runs in the background while the system is up. It will renew an already received address as required.

The dhcpcd daemon also runs in DHCP Inform mode when the -i flag is used. This mode lets a client retrieve configuration information from a DHCP server without getting an IP address. This is useful for static addresses, but not for dynamic items like print servers and other options. The dhcpcd daemon will run once for the specified address.

The refresh command can be used to cause the dhcpcd daemon to reread the configuration file. A SIGHUP may also be used to get the same response.

The default dhcpcd configuration file is /etc/dhcpcd.ini. It contains logging and network interface information.

You can use a Web-based System Manager application (wsm network fast path) to run this command. You could also use the System Management Interface Tool (SMIT) smit usedhcp fast path to run this command.

Flags

-f ConfigurationFile	Specifies the configuration file to be used. The default is the /etc/dhcpcd.ini file.
-i IPAddress	Specifies that the dhcpcd daemon should use DHCP Inform mode. The ip address tells DHCP which interface to get configuration information on.
-t Seconds	Specifies the amount of seconds that dhcpcd will wait before placing itself in the background. This allows a machine to continue booting if a DHCP Server cannot be found.

Exit Status

This command returns the following exit values:

0	Successful completion.
>0	An error occurred.

Security

Access Control: You must have root authority to run this command.

Files

/usr/sbin/dhcpcd	Contains the dhcpcd daemon.
/etc/dhcpcd.ini	Contains the default client configuration file
/etc/services	Defines sockets and protocols used for internet services.
/etc/inetd.conf	Defines the services controlled by the inetd daemon.

Related Information

The dhcpsconf command.

The startsrc command, stopsrc command.

The inetd daemon, dhcpsd daemon, dhcprd daemon.

The /etc/inetd.conf file format, /etc/services file format.

DHCP Client Configuration File

DHCP Server Configuration File

bootp Configuration File

TCP/IP Address and Parameter Assignment - Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

The System Resource Controller Overview in AIX 5L Version 5.1 System Management Concepts: Operating System and Devices gives an explanation of subsystems, subservers, and the System Resource Controller.

For information on installing the Web-based System Manager, see Chapter 2: Installation and System Requirements in AIX 5L Version 5.1 Web-based System Manager Administration Guide.

TCP/IP Daemons in AIX 5L Version 5.1 System Management Guide: Communications and Networks.