A knowledge base article about DNS DHCP and IP Addressing provided by the UC Berkeley IT Service Hub - Knowledge Portal
The Berkeley IT Network Services team operates the campus Domain Name System (DNS) on behalf of the University. In addition the team is responsible for maintaining Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol settings for most networks on campus and is the group responsible for assigning IP address resources to departments and users.
The DNS DHCP and IP addressing service request form can be used to request these services.
For more information about campus DNS Services, please see the campus DNS Policy at https://technology.berkeley.edu/domain-name-system-dns-service-policy.
For information on how to obtain network services and support please see Network Services Support Information
The Network Service Delivery team generally completes requests for DNS, DHCP or IP addressing changes within 4 business days.
The Domain Name System provides translation between human-readable and memorable names (for example www.berkeley.edu) and the network or IP address of a resource. This combination of name and address forms a DNS record.
DNS record changes may be submitted under the “DNS” request type. This can be for new requests, change requests, or removal requests. You will need to specify what records you are requesting, and answer some questions about where the record will be hosted, and if it is in the top-level. There may be additional steps/questions to answer. Please review the DNS Service Policy prior to submitting requests.
If you are creating a new website or your site will be hosted outside of UC Berkeley with an external vendor or in the cloud, please ensure you have completed all the requirements outlined in the above policy before submitting a request. We can not complete requests until we’ve verified that these requirements have been met.
Requests for DNS changes may be processed at any time, though most are processed during standard business hours, not including administrative holidays or campus curtailments.
New names/configurations are usually available as soon as they are made. If these requested hostnames are hosted offsite, they will first need approval from IT Policy. If the requested hostnames are then in the top-level berkeley.edu zone, there will be a second level of approval where these questions MUST be answered to proceed:
1. The purpose of the hostname, who will be using it, and its relationship to the university's mission.
2. A responsible contact for the hostname.
Note: In order to use DHCP and thus connect to the campus network via a wired connection, your device must be registered in socreg. See How to Register a Device for On Campus Wired DHCP Connection for details.
When your device connects to a network, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) acts like an automated network administrator. Instead of manually configuring network settings like IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers, your device sends out a broadcast request. A DHCP server on the network receives this request and dynamically assigns the device a unique IP address from a predefined pool of available addresses. Along with the IP address, the DHCP server also provides other essential network configuration details, ensuring your device can communicate effectively on the network. This process happens automatically and quickly, typically within seconds of connecting to a network, making it easy for devices to join and function on networks without requiring manual setup.
The Berkeley IT Network Services team configures DHCP for campus network users. Some advanced users or IT staff may require specialized configurations, which can be obtained by submitting this request form.
Requests may be submitted under the “DHCP Configuration” request type. You will specify the subnet in question and what you are hoping to have done. We can create or resize DHCP pools, assist with Dynamic DNS (DDNS) hostnames, or answer any questions you may have. For more information please see the KB article on Campus DHCP Service,
Our team is responsible for allocating IP addresses to all campus departments. In addition we can provide a fixed DHCP address (otherwise known as a Static IP). This ensures that a device’s IP address will not change over time when it reconnects to the network. It is only useful for devices that typically remain in one physical location. If your device moves around, you may need a Dynamic DNS record. We can assist you with information on configuring one of these as well.
Requests may be submitted under the “Fixed DHCP/Static IP” request type. Once selected, you may specify if this is for one device, or multiple devices. If for multiple, you will be prompted to attach a completed Fixed DHCP Bulk Upload Form, otherwise for one device you will provide the MAC address and subnet. DNS Administrators will then find an available IP and set up the device with fixed DHCP in Socreg.