When DHCP servers are not operational in a network, workstations configured to obtain an IP address automatically cannot receive an IP address from the DHCP server. As a result, these workstations typically assign themselves an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address in the range of 169.254.0.0/16. This self-assigned address allows limited local network communication but does not provide access beyond the local subnet or enable proper internet connectivity. In other words, network devices won't be able to communicate effectively on the broader network without a functioning DHCP server.
Additionally, when DHCP is down, devices that already have valid DHCP leases may continue to function until their leases expire, but new devices or devices with expired leases will fail to obtain new IP addresses, potentially leading to network outages or loss of connectivity.
