Meraki MS150 Switch (Running a DHCP Server Service)

[Jay233]

Hi All,

I've just got hold of a new MS150 and want to run a DHCP server service on it.

Is this possible? I know the switch is positioned as a layer 2 access switch with limited layer 3 capabilities. I've read that if the enabled is enabled for L3 it can and will act as a DHCP server.

If anyone has first hand experience and confirm this is correct that would be great 🙂

[alemabrahao]

No, it's a layer 2 switch.

It doesn't provide layer 3 function.

The MX Series Security Appliances and MS Series Switches (with layer 3 routing enabled) have a built-in DHCP service. When enabled, it can provide DHCP to all configured subnets/VLANs, or relay DHCP messages to designated DHCP servers. 

[Jay233]

From the data sheet:

Supported Models

In order to enable and configure layer 3 routing on MS switches, a layer 3 capable switch is required.

The alert, "This switch is routing for too many hosts. Performance may be affected" will be displayed if the current number of routed clients exceeds the values listed in the table below.

Model Layer 3 Interfaces Routes Maximum Routable Clients Features

MS150

16

16 Static routes

8192

SVI Static Routing 17.2.1+ Required* DHCP Relay

[Jay233]

MS Layer 3 Switching and Routing - Cisco Meraki Documentation

[Jay233]

AI response:

Can a Meraki MS 150 switch be a DHCP server?

Yes — a Meraki MS150 can act as a DHCP server, but only in specific scenarios and with important limitations.

Here’s the clear, no-fluff answer 👇

---

When an MS150 Can Be a DHCP Server

✅ If the MS150 is operating at Layer 3
The switch must have SVIs (VLAN interfaces) configured.

Supported

• One or more DHCP scopes per VLAN

• Basic DHCP options:

  • Gateway (Option 3)

  • DNS servers (Option 6)

  • Domain name (Option 15)

• Static IP reservations

Where it’s configured

Dashboard → Switch → Routing & DHCP

---

Hard Limitations (Very Important)

⚠ No DHCP failover / HA
If the switch reboots or fails → DHCP stops.

⚠ No split scopes / redundancy

⚠ Limited DHCP options

• No PXE / advanced vendor options

• No dynamic DNS updates

• No lease replication

⚠ Per-switch only

• Another MS cannot automatically take over

⚠ Not cloud DHCP

• Dashboard manages it, but leases are local to the switch

---

When Using MS150 DHCP Makes Sense

👍 Small sites
👍 Single switch acting as default gateway
👍 Non-critical networks
👍 No compliance or uptime requirements

Examples:

• Small office

• School closet

• IoT / guest VLANs

---

When You Should NOT Use It

🚫 Enterprise core/distribution
🚫 Environments needing HA
🚫 AD-integrated DNS
🚫 PXE boot / VoIP-heavy networks
🚫 Regulated environments

---

DNS with MS150 DHCP

The MS150 does not provide DNS itself.

You must specify:

• Public DNS (1.1.1.1, 8.8.8.8), or

• Internal DNS servers

---

Best Practice Recommendation

Use MS150 DHCP only if:

• It’s the Layer 3 gateway

• Downtime is acceptable

• Simplicity > resilience

Otherwise:
➡ External DHCP (Windows / Linux / cloud VM)
➡ MS150 uses DHCP relay

[RWelch]

@Jay233 - you indicate AI response but don't specify where the AI response came from.

Did you try the dashboard AI assistant?  You might get a different response if you give it a try.

[Jay233]

Documentation seems to differ? MS150 are a supported L3 model supporting simple DHCP services?

MS Layer 3 Switching and Routing - Cisco Meraki Documentation

[Jay233]

Or have I misread this??

[RWelch]

Your original remark:

I've read that if the enabled is enabled for L3 it can and will act as a DHCP server.

What I read/see for features is SVI, Static Routing on 17.2.1+, and DHCP relay (which is not a DHCP server).

[Jay233]

And that's my point I'm trying to ascertain, If anyone has first hand experience and confirm this is correct or not that would be great!

 Not just to look at the documentation and say its only a L2 switch, or Meraki AI the question (which interdentally said doesn't support L3 but clearly does albeit limited) 

AI Assistant23:26

The Meraki MS150 switch does not support Layer 3 routing. Layer 3 routing features, such as inter-VLAN routing and routed interfaces, are available only on specific Meraki MS switch models (such as the MS250, MS300, and MS400 series). The MS150 is a Layer 2 switch and cannot perform Layer 3 routing functions.

For more details and a list of supported models, see: MS Layer 3 Switching and Routing

[alemabrahao]

Don't trust that AI says.

[Jay233]

Anyone confirm this please 🙂

[alemabrahao]

No, it doesn't support 😉, just DHCP relay.

[alemabrahao]

 

[DarrenOC]

Wow - this one mushroomed didn’t it!!

Straight off the bat - it’s a Layer 2 switch. Doesn’t support DHCP server so won’t do what the original OP asked.

Whoever’s using AI to respond - please stop.  Really not appreciated or tolerated here. 

[Jay233]

Hi All,

Amazing response really appreciate your support, thank you!