Configuring Windows Server 2008 NAP DHCP Enforcement

Network Access Protection (NAP) is a system designed to protect networks from clients which do not have a sufficient level of security configured. When NAP is implemented clients without the required level of security are denied access to the network and, typically, the user is diverted to web page informing them of the steps necessary to bring the client into compliance.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) can be combined with NAP to enforce network access policies every time a computer attempts to lease or renew an IP address from the DHCP server. This chapter of Windows Server 2008 Essentials will cover the steps necessary to integrate DHCP and NAP on Windows Server 2008.

Installing the Network Policy Server

The first step in integrating DHCP and NAP is to install the Network Policy Server role on the system. This is achieved by starting the Server Manager, selecting Roles' from the left hand pane and clicking on Add Roles. In the Add Roles wizard select the chck box next to Network Policy and Access Services and then click Install to continue the installation process.