DHCP server on MX or MS or MR?

[js7]

Hello,

Recommended DHCP server should reside where? It’s a small network with just 1 MX, 1 MS, and 1 MR. 

Thanks!

[BrandonS]

It always depends.. but, I would lean toward the MX as my default posture and might use the others in some specific cases. 

[DarrenOC]

Concur with @BrandonS. Keep it simple and configure DHCP on your MX

[js7]

Thanks! So MX it is, but what about performance?! Would I get more or less options using dhcp on the switch? Also what about portfast on the switch? I didn’t see it listed. I’m not trying to rabbit trail here but trying to put it in the place for best performance and convergence considering all things like STP…

[GreenMan · Accepted solution]

If you configure a switch port as access, rather than trunk, it automatically sets the equivalent of portfast:  https://documentation.meraki.com/MS/Deployment_Guides/Advanced_MS_Setup_Guide#Automatic_edge_port    I would concur with running DHCP on your MX, if you have one.   If your chosen MX is sized appropriately, as per the Sizing Guide, DHCP performance should be very good:  https://meraki.cisco.com/product-collateral/mx-sizing-guide/ 

[Aaron_Wilson]

If it's a single MX, switch and AP, what advanced features are you looking for? I have ran DHCP on a MX for a much larger setup with no issues. Only use a handful of DHCP options like domain and tftp servers.

I'm only asking because I have not compared DHCP on MX vs MS for features....party because I never had the need.

[js7]

Thank you. Sounds good.