If your business uses a Modem, each time a device connects to the Internet, it’ll be assigned an IP address via a router that may available. Albeit the target device getting an identical IP address as a previous connection, it will only be possible if available.
How DHCP Lease Times Work:
DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is a network protocol used on IP networks.
DHCP Server allows for the use of network services such as DNS Servers:
DNS: Domain Name System contains storage of domain names and translated IP Addresses which networks use to communicate with each other and store properly “computer-readable data”.
With both of these protocols in order, DHCP Lease Times becomes an automated process and IP addresses along with essential data are assigned to the host & devices being introduced to a network connection.
How devices connect to Network:
When devices are initially introduced to a new network, they will not have an available IP Address.
Upon first connection, the device will request a new “lease”.
Successful connection to the WiFi network. (Automatic USB Phonecheck connection (HELLO SCREEN) or Manual (HOME SCREEN) or typing SSID/Password)
During normal operation, the client may use the address.
Downloading application & entering the test suite.
Halfway the lease time it will try to renew the lease so it can keep the same IP address.
If renewing failed (DHCP server is offline for example), it will try to extend the current lease with any active DHCP Server.
During this time, the IP ADDRESS will be reserved for devices in use & requesting to connect or if in the vicinity.
If there is an excess of devices trying to connect in the Router settings within an extended amount of time, IP ADDRESSES will be unable to be dispersed to newer requesting connections.
This will cause providing a lack of Lease Times, thus devices that the client is trying to connect to the network will be unable to.
The issue with this is that unless the IP address is statically configured in the phone, factory resetting the phone does not affect how or where the IP address is assigned. With Wi-Fi, the IP addresses are assigned over the DHCP server from the MAC address of a target device.
Note: Although users may be able to change the MAC address temporarily/permanently or maintain a static IP address (the address that doesn't change with a connection to the Internet using a broadband connection), it is not beneficial for optimized devices testing flows.For constant multiple connections, optimal practices include lowering DHCP Lease Time seconds to the lowest amount possible as this will allow devices to renew a Lease when needed if the connection is not in use anymore.
Customizing Router for proper DHCP Lease Times:
As long as user has access to Network/Router Settings & Configuration portal (Usually accessible by typing out Router IP ADDRESS in Browser URL) & the router is NOT NetGear brand, user is able to lower and raise DHCP Lease Times.
Access ISP Customization Settings Portal with specified xxx.xxx.x.xxx IP ADDRESS given or placed on a sticker located on the router/modem.
Locate & enter Device Access Code also given or placed on a sticker located on the router/modem.
Once inside the settings, encounter your NETWORK STATUS.
Here you may see basic information on your DHCP server.
Red - STATUS of DHCP Lease Time Server.
Blue - IP ADDRESSES within this range are given to the Target Devices.
Green - Total and Allocated(connected & currently in use) DHCP Leases.
4. Once confirming the basic information, select the SUBNETS & DHCP tab.
5. Once in the DHCP Customization settings, the user must navigate to the DHCP Lease Time amount.
Users must now configure settings: The shorter the Lease period, the faster devices can reconfigure DHCP options that may need to change.
Known Router DHCP Settings locations:
Comcast/Xfinity: Portal > Local IP > DHCP >IPV4