ipv6 dhcp pool [name]
Creates a DHCPv6 pool for stateful IPv6 address assignment to clients.
Definition: ipv6 dhcp pool [name] is a Cisco IOS global config command. Creates a DHCPv6 server pool and enters DHCPv6 pool configuration mode. Used to configure stateful DHCPv6, where the server assigns IPv6 addresses and provides DNS/domain information to clients.
ipv6 dhcp pool <pool-name>When to Use This Command
- Assigning IPv6 addresses to hosts that cannot auto-configure via SLAAC.
- Providing DNS server and domain information alongside SLAAC (stateless DHCPv6).
- Centralized IPv6 address management for enterprise networks.
- Required when M flag (managed) is set on the interface.
Command Examples
Create a DHCPv6 pool with address prefix and DNS
R1(config)# ipv6 dhcp pool IPV6-CLIENTS
R1(config-dhcpv6)# address prefix 2001:db8:1::/64 lifetime 86400 14400
R1(config-dhcpv6)# dns-server 2001:4860:4860::8888
R1(config-dhcpv6)# domain-name example.comR1(config-dhcpv6)#
Creates pool 'IPV6-CLIENTS' with a /64 prefix for address assignment. Address lifetime is 86400s (valid) and 14400s (preferred). Clients receive Google's IPv6 DNS server.
Apply the pool to an interface
R1(config)# interface GigabitEthernet0/1
R1(config-if)# ipv6 dhcp server IPV6-CLIENTSR1(config-if)#
The interface becomes a DHCPv6 server for connected clients. Clients must send DHCPv6 Solicit messages to receive addresses.
Understanding the Output
No direct output from pool creation. Verify with 'show ipv6 dhcp pool' to see the pool configuration and active bindings. The pool name is case-sensitive and must match the 'ipv6 dhcp server [pool]' command on the interface.
CCNA Exam Tips
CCNA exam tip: DHCPv6 stateful uses the M (Managed) flag set on the interface ('ipv6 nd managed-config-flag'). Stateless uses the O (Other) flag.
CCNA exam tip: The 'address prefix' command in DHCPv6 pool is different from interface IPv6 address — it defines the POOL range, not the router's own address.
CCNA exam tip: Routers don't auto-configure from DHCPv6 — only hosts. Routers use 'ipv6 address dhcp' command.
CCNA exam tip: A DHCPv6 pool without a server assignment ('ipv6 dhcp server') on an interface does nothing.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Creating the pool but forgetting to assign it to the interface with 'ipv6 dhcp server' — clients never receive addresses.
Mistake 2: Not setting the M or O flag on the interface — clients don't know to contact DHCPv6.
Mistake 3: Using a /128 or non-/64 prefix in 'address prefix' — DHCPv6 stateful pools must be /64.
ipv6 dhcp pool [name] vs ipv6 dhcp server [pool-name]
Both commands are essential for configuring a stateful DHCPv6 server on Cisco IOS. The 'ipv6 dhcp pool' command creates a pool with parameters like address prefixes and DNS servers, while 'ipv6 dhcp server' attaches that pool to an interface to serve clients. They are often confused because one defines the service logic and the other enables it on a specific interface.
| Aspect | ipv6 dhcp pool [name] | ipv6 dhcp server [pool-name] |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration Mode | Global configuration mode | Interface configuration mode |
| Function | Defines DHCPv6 pool parameters (address range, options) | Enables DHCPv6 server on interface, linking to pool |
| Persistence | Persists in running-config as part of global config | Persists in running-config under interface configuration |
| Scope | Global; pool can be used by multiple interfaces | Local to the interface; binds a single pool |
| Precedence | Must be configured before 'ipv6 dhcp server' | Requires an existing pool to reference |
| Typical Use | When setting up several pools for different subnets | When applying a pool to a specific client-facing interface |
Use ipv6 dhcp pool [name] when you need to define the address range, DNS servers, domain name, and other DHCPv6 options for clients.
Use ipv6 dhcp server [pool-name] when you have already configured a pool and want to enable DHCPv6 service on a specific interface.
Related Commands
ipv6 dhcp server [pool-name]
Enables a DHCPv6 server on an interface and links it to a named DHCPv6 pool. Clients on that interface receive IPv6 addresses and parameters from the specified pool.
ipv6 nd managed-config-flag
Sets the Managed (M) flag in IPv6 Router Advertisement (RA) messages sent from this interface. When M=1, clients are instructed to obtain their IPv6 address from a DHCPv6 server (stateful DHCPv6) rather than using SLAAC.
show ipv6 dhcp binding
Displays active DHCPv6 address bindings — the list of IPv6 addresses that have been leased from the DHCPv6 server along with the client DUID (Device Unique Identifier), IAID, and lease expiry times.
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