DHCP/BOOTP Relay for EX-series Switches Overview
You can configure the EX-series switch to act as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) or Bootstrap Protocol (BOOTP) relay agent. This means that a locally attached host can issue a DHCP or BOOTP request as a broadcast message. If the switch sees this broadcast message, it relays the message to a specified DHCP or BOOTP server. You should configure the switch to be a DHCP/BOOTP relay agent if you have locally attached hosts and a distant DHCP or BOOTP server.
For detailed information about configuring a DHCP/BOOTP relay agent, see the JUNOS Software Policy Framework Configuration Guide at https://www.juniper.net/techpubs/software/junos/junos93/index.html. The configuration of the switch to act as a DHCP/BOOTP relay agent includes the bootp statement at the [edit forwarding-options helpers] hierarchy level. The commands and statements are the same as those used to configure a DHCP/BOOTP relay agent on Juniper Networks routing platforms that run under JUNOS software.
![]() |
Note: Because DHCP/BOOTP messages are broadcast and are not directed to a specific server, switch, or router, EX-series switches cannot function as both a DHCP server and a DHCP/BOOTP relay agent at the same time. JUNOS software generates a commit error if both options are configured at the same time, and the commit will not succeed until one of the options is removed. |