Description
The dhcp-events log tracks all activities related to the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which automatically assigns IP addresses and other configuration settings to devices on a network. Each time a client requests, renews, or releases an IP lease, a detailed entry is logged. These entries typically include the client’s MAC address, assigned IP address, lease duration, and timestamps.
This file is especially critical in large, dynamic networks where devices frequently join and leave, such as enterprise offices, schools, or public Wi-Fi setups. It helps administrators track which device had what IP at any given time—a capability that’s essential during audits, conflict resolution, or incident response.
DHCP logs also help identify misconfigured devices that send repeated requests, monitor lease pool exhaustion, and detect rogue DHCP servers that might be injecting malicious configurations into the network. Such unauthorized servers can perform man-in-the-middle attacks or redirect DNS traffic to malicious sites.
Another key use case is in environments where devices authenticate via MAC address filtering or where IP addresses are tied to access privileges. In such cases, reviewing dhcp-events logs provides a clear picture of network usage history and device movement.
Tools like isc-dhcp-server, dnsmasq, or system-level DHCP clients log this information by default. These logs can also be ingested into a database or dashboard to track trends like peak connection times, failed requests, and lease churn rate. For compliance-heavy industries, retaining these logs over time is often a regulatory requirement.
Caroline –
“This dhcp-events file is incredibly useful for managing my network. I love how it logs IP lease activity, capturing offers, acknowledgements, MAC addresses, and lease durations. Seeing when leases expire or are released provides valuable insight, especially for troubleshooting IP conflicts and identifying potential rogue DHCP servers. This file is a must-have for anyone working in dynamic network environments seeking better IP tracking and control.”
Wada –
“This dhcp-events file is fantastic! As a solo network admin, it’s been invaluable for keeping tabs on IP address usage in my dynamic network. The logging of lease offers and acknowledgments, coupled with MAC address and duration tracking, makes troubleshooting conflicts a breeze. Identifying rogue DHCP servers is now significantly easier, and the visibility into expired/released leases is a real time-saver. A must-have for anyone managing a DHCP server in a changing network environment.”
Monday –
“This file has been invaluable for managing my dynamic network. It’s incredibly helpful to have clear logs of IP assignments, especially the MAC addresses and lease durations. The ability to track expired or released leases and identify potential DHCP conflicts has saved me a significant amount of troubleshooting time. For anyone working in a DHCP environment, this is an essential asset.”
Yinka –
“This file is incredibly valuable for anyone managing a dynamic network. It provides clear and concise logging of DHCP events, making IP address tracking and conflict resolution significantly easier. I was able to quickly identify a rogue DHCP server that was causing network issues. The ability to see lease durations and expired leases is a fantastic feature. A must-have for maintaining network stability.”