Cisco "show ip dhcp binding" Command Explained
show ip dhcp binding — lists every DHCP lease the router (as DHCP server) has issued — which IP went to which MAC and when it expires. Runs in privileged EXEC mode.
Syntax and common variants
| Variant | Purpose |
|---|---|
show ip dhcp binding | All current leases |
show ip dhcp pool | Pool usage and ranges |
show ip dhcp conflict | Addresses detected in conflict |
clear ip dhcp binding * | Release all leases (careful!) |
Reading the output
| Output / element | Meaning |
|---|---|
IP address | The leased address |
Client-ID/Hardware address | Client MAC (often prefixed 01 for Ethernet) |
Lease expiration | When the lease ends |
Type | Automatic (dynamic) or manual |
When to use it
Answers "what IP did that device get?" and "is the pool exhausted?" in seconds. Pair with show ip dhcp conflict when users report address clashes, and show ip dhcp pool to watch utilisation before a pool runs dry. Browse more in the command reference or practise in the free labs.
Frequently asked questions
A client isn't getting an IP — what do I check?
Pool exists and isn't exhausted (show ip dhcp pool), excluded ranges are correct, and for remote subnets that ip helper-address is set on the gateway.
What creates a DHCP conflict entry?
The server pinged an address before offering it and something answered — a static device squatting in the pool range.
How do I free a stuck lease?
clear ip dhcp binding
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