22 - Windows Server 2012 How to Set DHCP Failover (Video in Khmer)

Hello my friend! Today I show you step-by-step how to Set DHCP Failover on Windows Server 2012 R2 inside VMware! DHCP Failover links two DHCP servers together (Primary DC and Secondary DC). If main DHCP server crashes or goes offline, partner server automatically takes over issuing IP addresses so network users never disconnect! Follow steps below with video tutorial in Khmer! Let's get started!

💡 Tip: DHCP Failover supports 2 modes: Load Balance (50%/50% traffic sharing) and Hot Standby (Active/Passive backup). Load Balance mode is recommended for company network!

Watch Video Tutorial (Khmer)

Watch full step-by-step video tutorial below to see complete process in Khmer:

Step 1: Install DHCP Role on Partner Server (DC02)

1. Make sure both servers (DC01 and DC02) are joined to same Active Directory domain.
2. Log in to second server (DC02) > open Server Manager > install DHCP Server role and complete DHCP authorization.

💡 Tip: Do NOT create any DHCP scope on second server (DC02) manually! DHCP Failover wizard will automatically replicate scope from DC01 to DC02!

Step 2: Configure DHCP Failover on Primary Server (DC01)

1. On primary server (DC01), open DHCP Console (dhcpmgmt.msc).
2. Expand IPv4 > right-click your Scope (or right-click IPv4) > select Configure Failover....
3. Click Next on intro screen.
4. Click Add Server > select partner server (DC02.mydomain.local) > click OK > click Next.
5. Configure Failover parameters:
   • Relationship Name: DC01-DC02-Failover
   • Maximum Client Lead Time (MCLT): 1 hour
   • Mode: Select Load Balance
   • Load Balance Percentage: 50% / 50%
   • Check box Enable Shared Secret > enter secret password (example: P@ssword123)
6. Click Next > click Finish.
7. Progress screen shows "Successful" status > click Close.

💡 Tip: Remember your Shared Secret password! Both DHCP servers use this secret password to authenticate and synchronize IP leases securely!

Step 3: Verify Failover & Test Synchronization

1. Open DHCP Console on partner server (DC02) > press F5 to refresh.
2. Exact same DHCP Scope and leases replicate automatically to DC02!
3. Right-click Scope > select Properties > click Failover tab to verify state displays Normal on both servers.

💡 Tip: Whenever you add new DHCP reservations or change options on Primary server, right-click Scope and select Replicate Scope to sync changes to Partner server instantly!

Related Tutorials

• 🎓 Windows Server 2012 Complete Tutorial Series (Video in Khmer)
• 🖥️ 17 - Windows Server 2012 Join Additional Domain Controller (Video in Khmer)
• 📡 20 - Windows Server 2012 Install and Configure DHCP Server (Video in Khmer)
• 📌 21 - Windows Server 2012 Set DHCP Reservation (Video in Khmer)
• 💾 26 - Windows Server 2012 Backup and Restore DHCP Server (Video in Khmer)

Hope this tutorial help you set DHCP Failover on Windows Server 2012 R2 easily! Practice DHCP high availability and redundancy today. Happy learning my friends! Sharing is caring!