How to configure SMA NetExtender clients based on dynamic IP address DHCP scope

Description

A new option is available on SMA appliances running newest firmware, which is NetExtender with dynamic IP address scope (DHCP).
This feature simplify and unifies functionality of NetExtender clients connectivity. Scope can be taken either from internal DHCP server or from devices providing such functionality.

Resolution

  • Login to SMA's GUI
  • NetExtender
  • Client Settings
  • Client Address Range
  • Client Address Pool Settings
  • Use DHCP


Select Interface: Auto, X0, X1, X2, X3, X4 (choose interface used for sending DHCP traffic out)

DHCP server (optional): (choose one if many reside your network)

Mechanism:

  1. NetExtender client sends Discovery and Request packets of DORA process, base on pieces of information given by SRA - "DHCP options" are used.Image

  2. First server, which accepts the DHCP traffic from the client is the one, which take responsibility for rest of communication.
  3. Request packet does not carry information in standard bootp header, but in "DHCP options".
  4. No more packets of DORA process can be observed.
  5. Requested IP address by NetExtender client is used for further connection.
    Image

    NOTE: NetExtender obtains new MAC address every time it connects.Image


Combinations:

  • Login to SRA's GUI
  • NetExtender
  • Client Settings
  • Client Address Range
  • Client Address Pool Settings
  • Use DHCP



1. NetExtender sends Discovery packet of DORA process on every configured interface out:

Select Interface: Auto
DHCP server (optional):

2. NetExtender sends Discovery packet of DORA process through X0 interface only:

Select Interface: X0
DHCP server (optional):

3. NetExtender sends Discovery packet of DORA process through X0 interface only to pointed DHCP server:

Select Interface: X0
DHCP server (optional): (IP address of the DHCP server: Router/Firewall or Internal DHCP server)

In another case, you can observe error in SRA's logs:
Note: NetExtender client address range appears exhausted.

Recommendations:

  1.  Internal DHCP server and SRA are in the same broadcast domain.
  2. Scope of IP addresses for NetExtender clients is within subnet of internal DHCP and SRA unit.
  3.  All combinations presented are recommended, but this:

    Select Interface: Auto
    DHCP server (optional): (IP address of the DHCP server)

Error occurs:

Image

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