Your ISP’s DHCP Does Not Function Properly: 5 Fixes

There is no doubt about it that these days we are all at least somewhat reliant on the internet to improve the quality of our daily lives. We need it to manage our incomings and outgoings, order goods and supplies, work from home, and entertain us once the day is done.

So, when something goes wrong, and this vital service is taken from us, it can feel a bit like we are missing a limb. In fact, even if an area is a few minutes without a solid connection, the Internet Service Provider’s (ISP’s) phones begin to ring furiously.

So, when there are issues with your DHCP, it is understandable that frustration can begin to rise. However, this is an easy enough problem to remedy at home if you know how it is done.

Yes, the problem may sound like it is incredibly complex and needing a professional to remedy it, but there are a few things you can do from home to fix it.

What is a DHCP?

The acronym DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.

Admittedly, this sounds like an incredibly complex device that might seem tough enough to understand.

However, once you know what it does, it is then easier to diagnose problems with it and get it working again.

Effectively, all it does is manage your network and automate the process of configuring devices on IP networks.

Because it is widely supported and relatively easy to use (and diagnose problems with), it is the default protocol used by nearly all routers worldwide.

Without a DHCP, any device that needs an IP address to connect to the internet needs to be given a static address by a network administrator.

Your ISP’s DHCP Does Not Function Properly

These days, most of the user prefer not to use a wired connection to the internet. Though internet speeds can suffer a little, we can still enjoy a high standard of service using a wireless setup that we can use in every room of the house.

This makes choosing the right modem or router for the job an important factor for wireless internet users. After all, quality is paramount as internet signals are received and distributed through them.

In recent times, more and more people are beginning to report a problem with ASUS modems in particular. They report that while attempting to connect to the internet, they are instead getting an error message that reads: “your ISP’s DHCP does not function properly.”

But, don’t worry too much if you are getting this same message with a different router brand. The issue is caused by the same thing and thus is fixed in the same way.

Below, we are going to show you all possible options to diagnose and fix the problem. Suppose you are not all that ‘techy’ by nature, don’t lose heart. Each and every one of these fixes is doable by even the most novice enthusiasts among us.

It is also worth noting that none of these fixes will require you to take anything apart or make any risky moves that could potentially damage your gear. So, without any further ado, let’s get into it!

1) DHCP Query Frequency

The first and foremost cause of issues with the DHCP is that it is very easy to make a mistake or two while you are setting up the system.

Regardless of who set it up, the main error that leads to issues is really easy to remedy.

All you need to do to remedy it is to change the DHCP query frequency from aggressive to normal.

When the router is in aggressive mode, it will still work just fine. But, if you then change the router to normal mode, the router will then resend the DHCP request in 5 minutes or less.

With a bit of luck, this will recalibrate the DHCP, and it should start working the way it should again.

2) SH3

Normally, SH3’s are used in order to boost the strength of the internet signal in your home.

However, what a lot of people don’t take into account is that default IPs have different SH3 values.

This default value is 192.168.100.1. It is absolutely vital to make sure that this value remains the same when tinkering with your system.

It is worth mentioning that your WAN gateway address will have a value that vaguely resembles this one. Try not to mix them up.

So, make sure that you have the right numbers and manually input them if they are incorrect. This then should resolve the issue for you.

3) Master Reset the Modem

If neither of the above has worked out for you, the next logical step is to go for a master reset of the modem itself.

Like most electronic and communication devices, hard resets are great for resolving any and all outstanding issues.

In fact, they have such a high rate of success that IT professionals often joke that they would be out of a job if people just did this before calling.

Below, we are going to run you through how to perform a master reset safely:

• First, unplug the router from the wall and use a pin (if needed) to press in and hold the reset button for a minimum of 15 seconds
• As soon as the power indicator light starts flashing, the reset will be done, and you can let go of the button
• Reconnect to the network and go to the router setup page
• Put your name and password in as “admin” and then hit the go or continue button
• Next, make a new password and click the “Next” button
• Then, you will have to set the network names for both frequencies, 2.4GHz, and 5GHz
• As soon as you connect to the internet, you should notice that the “DHCP does not function properly” issue should have been resolved.

If this fix hasn’t worked for you, don’t worry about it too much. We still have a couple of suggestions to go.

4) Provisional Signals

Unfortunately, this next fix is not one that you can do entirely independently – but it does help to know the way to ask for assistance so that they can check the right thing.

So, you will need to get in touch with your service provider and ask them to send a “provisioning signal.”

These signals are pretty magical things as they perform a type of reset on your device that resets your dynamic IP address and the DHCP. This should ensure that the error doesn’t happen again if it works.

5) Check the Resolution Settings

If at some stage you decided to update your resolution settings and changed the value from 380.68-4 to 380.69 (or anywhere from 380 to 382), it can cause this DHCP error.

We recommend checking your settings to see if this is the case. Once you have confirmed this, the next step is to perform a factory reset.

By doing this, you will effectively restore all of the original settings, thus bringing it back to a time when it worked perfectly.