
Explore how dhcp automatically assigns ip configuration from a server to clients. Understand the dora sequence (discover, offer, request, ack) and the role of scopes on an OpenSense router.
Explore two OpenSense DHCP options: ISC DHCP, legacy and end of life, and KEA DHCP, the modern, API-driven solution; use KEA DHCP for future-proof, scalable networks.
Configure a static dhcp mapping and enable a static arp entry on OPNsense to secure the network. Verify arp tables and ping tests to confirm only known devices can communicate.
Configure KEA DHCP on OPNsense, disable ISC, and verify configured LAN scope 192.168.1.0/24 with IP pool 192.168.1.100–200, ensuring PC and microtech router obtain addresses and internet access.
Configure the MikroTik switch for VLAN 10 and 20 by creating a bridge and making Ethernet 2 and 3 access ports for these VLANs, with Ethernet 1 as trunk.
Block inter-VLAN communication using the OPNsense firewall to prevent traffic between VLAN 10 and VLAN 20 before routing; test with pings and ensure internet access remains.
This course provides a comprehensive and practical guide to implementing DHCP and VLANs using OPNsense.
It is designed for network engineers, system administrators, and IT professionals who want to build secure, scalable, and well-segmented networks using OPNsense in real-world environments.
You will learn how DHCP works from the ground up, including address allocation, lease management, and client behavior, before applying these concepts directly on OPNsense. The course covers both ISC DHCP and Kea DHCP, explaining their differences, use cases, and configuration approaches within OPNsense.
VLAN concepts are explained clearly and then implemented step-by-step, showing how to design segmented networks, bind DHCP services to VLAN interfaces, and apply appropriate firewall rules. Special attention is given to common pitfalls such as connectivity issues, ARP behavior, routing problems, and misconfigured firewall policies.
The course is hands-on and lab-driven, focusing on practical scenarios you may encounter in enterprise networks, ISPs, labs, and training environments. By the end of the course, you will be able to confidently deploy, troubleshoot, and maintain DHCP and VLAN configurations on OPNsense.
Additionally, the course emphasizes best practices, performance considerations, and security implications, helping you understand not only how to configure services, but also why specific design choices matter in production networks.