This document explains how DHCP is configured and handled via the UniFi Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM SE) across the home lab environment.
DHCP Server#
- The UDM SE is the authoritative DHCP server for all infrastructure. As of 2026, there are no plans for DHCP redundancy.
- All Proxmox nodes, LXCs, VMs, network devices, and management clients receive an initial DHCP assignment via UDM SE, where possible.
Static Reservations#
After receiving an address from the DHCP server, devices/services considered of operational importance are then assigned manually configured static IP reservations through the UniFi console. Examples of defined operational importance:
- Proxmox nodes
- All VMs and LXCs
- Core infrastructure services, including DNS, Traefik, NUT Server, cameras and IoT devices, etc.
- Primary management devices, such as cellphones, laptops and computers
- IoT devices
Static IP addresses are ideal for all network-regular devices. However, unless there is a reason otherwise, IP reservations are not prioritized for temporary/guest devices.
VLANs#
