DHCPGlobal Config

ip dhcp excluded-address [start] [end]

Excludes one or more IP addresses from the DHCP pool so they are not automatically assigned to clients, typically used for static assignments like servers or routers.

Syntax·Global Config
ip dhcp excluded-address [start] [end]

When to Use This Command

  • Reserving a range of IPs for static devices such as printers or servers within a DHCP scope.
  • Excluding the default gateway address (e.g., router interface) from being leased to clients.
  • Preventing DHCP from assigning addresses already used by network infrastructure devices.
  • Creating a small exclusion range for future static assignments without modifying the pool size.

Command Examples

Exclude a single address

ip dhcp excluded-address 192.168.1.1

No output is generated upon successful configuration. The command simply excludes 192.168.1.1 from being leased.

Exclude a range of addresses

ip dhcp excluded-address 192.168.1.1 192.168.1.10

No output is generated. The range 192.168.1.1 through 192.168.1.10 is excluded from DHCP assignment.

Understanding the Output

This command does not produce any output on successful execution. To verify excluded addresses, use 'show ip dhcp pool [pool-name]' or 'show ip dhcp binding'. The excluded addresses are listed under the pool's configuration. If an excluded address appears in the binding table, it indicates a misconfiguration or that the address was manually assigned via static binding.

CCNA Exam Tips

1.

Remember that excluded addresses must be configured before creating the DHCP pool; otherwise, the pool may already have assigned those addresses.

2.

The 'ip dhcp excluded-address' command is applied globally, not under the DHCP pool configuration mode.

3.

You can exclude a single address by omitting the end parameter, or a range by specifying both start and end.

4.

CCNA exam may test that excluded addresses are not shown in 'show ip dhcp binding' output.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to exclude the router's interface IP address, causing duplicate IP conflicts.

Excluding addresses after the DHCP pool has already leased them, requiring manual release or renewal.

Using the command under DHCP pool configuration mode instead of global configuration mode.

Related Commands

Practice for the CCNA 200-301

Test your knowledge with hundreds of CCNA practice questions covering all exam domains.

Practice CCNA Questions