[GH-ISSUE #5410] Add DHCP server to Netbird clients #11170

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opened 2026-08-05 01:28:46 -04:00 by saavagebueno · 0 comments
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Originally created by @renne on GitHub (Feb 21, 2026).
Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/netbirdio/netbird/issues/5410

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
Managing Local Area Networks alongside a Netbird overlay network is time-consuming, particularly keeping DNS records and network configuration in sync between the two systems.

Describe the solution you'd like
Add an integrated DHCP server to Netbird subnet router clients, manageable directly from the Netbird Dashboard.

Currently, subnet configuration is already possible in the Dashboard. The proposed extension would allow administrators to also define:

  • DHCP address ranges per subnet
  • DHCP options (e.g., gateway, DNS servers, NTP)
  • Static assignments mapping IP addresses and hostnames to MAC addresses

The Netbird control plane would push this configuration to a DHCP server embedded in the Netbird client running in subnet router mode. DHCP leases issued by the client would then be reported back to the Netbird control plane, enabling:

  • A centralized lease overview across all managed subnets
  • Automatic DNS resolution for DHCP leases within the Netbird network

This shifts the network management model from a bottom-up approach (configuring local routers and syncing them with Netbird) to a top-down approach (defining the full network topology, including LAN addressing, centrally through Netbird).

Describe alternatives you've considered

  • Running a separate DHCP and DNS server on a dedicated hardware or software router. This works but requires manual synchronization with Netbird and introduces additional infrastructure to maintain.
  • IPAM tools which also need configuration and synchronization against Netbird
Originally created by @renne on GitHub (Feb 21, 2026). Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/netbirdio/netbird/issues/5410 **Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.** Managing Local Area Networks alongside a Netbird overlay network is time-consuming, particularly keeping DNS records and network configuration in sync between the two systems. **Describe the solution you'd like** Add an integrated DHCP server to Netbird subnet router clients, manageable directly from the Netbird Dashboard. Currently, subnet configuration is already possible in the Dashboard. The proposed extension would allow administrators to also define: - DHCP address ranges per subnet - DHCP options (e.g., gateway, DNS servers, NTP) - Static assignments mapping IP addresses and hostnames to MAC addresses The Netbird control plane would push this configuration to a DHCP server embedded in the Netbird client running in subnet router mode. DHCP leases issued by the client would then be reported back to the Netbird control plane, enabling: - A centralized lease overview across all managed subnets - Automatic DNS resolution for DHCP leases within the Netbird network This shifts the network management model from a bottom-up approach (configuring local routers and syncing them with Netbird) to a top-down approach (defining the full network topology, including LAN addressing, centrally through Netbird). **Describe alternatives you've considered** - Running a separate DHCP and DNS server on a dedicated hardware or software router. This works but requires manual synchronization with Netbird and introduces additional infrastructure to maintain. - IPAM tools which also need configuration and synchronization against Netbird
saavagebueno added the feature-request label 2026-08-05 01:28:46 -04:00
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Reference: DYNR/netbird#11170