The steps for configuring DHCP Failover in Windows Server 2012 are very easy!
Using Server Manager, Install the DHCP Server role on two new Windows Server 2012 servers in your domain. Authorize both DHCP Servers in Active Directory.
Using the DHCP Management console, Configure and Activate a new DHCP Scope on one of your two DHCP servers.
Using the DHCP Management console, right-click on the newly activate DHCP Scope and select the Configure Failover… action.
![Failover](https://networkserverof.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/failover.jpg?w=300&h=291)
In the Configure Failover Wizard, click the Next button.
In Specify the partner server to use for failover, type the FQDN of your second DHCP Server and click the Next button.
In the Configure Failover dialog box, configure the following options:
Relationship Name: Enter a descriptive name to describe this DHCP Failover relationship or accept the default value.
Maximum Client Lead Time: Specifies the amount of time for which a DHCP lease may be renewed by either failover peer without contacting the other.
Mode: Select Load Balance ( default – Active / Active ) or Hot Standby ( Active / Passive )
Load Balance Percentage: Specifies the percentage of the IP Address range to reserve for each server in the failover relationship. Each server will use their assigned range of addresses prior to assuming control over the entire IP Address range of a scope when the other server transitions into a “partner down” state and the Maximum Client Lead Time ( specified above ) passes.
Auto State Switchover Interval: When selected, specifies the amount of time that elapses before a DHCP Server is automatically transitioned to a “partner down” state when network communication is interrupted to a DHCP Server. If this option is unchecked, an administrator must manually transition the status of a DHCP Server into a “partner down” state using the DHCP Management console or PowerShell. ( when checked, the default = 60 minutes )
Enable Message Authentication: check this checkbox option to enable authentication of failover replication traffic between servers
Shared Secret: Type a “Shared Secret” ( ie., a Password ) to be used to authenticate the failover connection between servers
Click the Next button and then click the Finish button.
Confirm that the failover configuration was successful, and then click the Close button.
![compelte](https://networkserverof.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/compelte.jpg?w=300&h=250)