# Transitioning to Kea: An In-Depth Manual for Homelab DHCP and DDNS
Shifting critical infrastructure elements can often seem overwhelming, particularly when the current solution has proven dependable for years. Nevertheless, as technology progresses, our tools need to evolve as well. One migration that numerous homelab aficionados and network managers are encountering is moving from the long-standing **isc-dhcp-server** to its contemporary alternative, **Kea**. This article will guide you through the upgrade of your DHCP and DDNS configuration to Kea, offering a comprehensive manual based on a real-life homelab transition.
## Reasons to Move to Kea
The **isc-dhcp-server** has served as a cornerstone in network administration for over twenty years, but as of 2022, it has reached its end-of-life (EOL). The Internet Systems Consortium (ISC) has been developing **Kea** as its modern successor, providing a more innovative, manageable, and scalable solution for DHCP functionalities. Kea brings several enhancements over isc-dhcp-server, such as:
– **Multithreading**: Kea has been crafted to manage multiple threads, boosting performance in high-demand situations.
– **High Availability**: Kea inherently supports high-availability configurations.
– **API and Hooks**: Kea features an API for easier management and can be enhanced with hooks for tailored functionality.
– **Graphical Interface**: For users who favor a GUI, Kea couples with ISC’s **Stork** for oversight and management.
While the end-user experience of acquiring DHCP addresses remains unaffected, Kea’s modern architecture and extended functionalities render it a more sustainable choice for network administrators.
## Who Should Consider Migration?
This manual is mainly directed towards homelab enthusiasts or small network administrators utilizing isc-dhcp-server for DHCP services and seeking to transition to Kea. If you possess a straightforward setup with a couple of subnets and basic DHCP requirements, this guide will assist you in making a seamless switch. Conversely, if you are overseeing a large-scale enterprise network, you may want to consult a professional service provider or a more sophisticated guide tailored for enterprise contexts.
## Getting Ready for the Migration
Before proceeding with the migration, it’s essential to recognize that Kea is not an exact substitute for isc-dhcp-server. You cannot just transfer your existing configuration file into Kea and expect it to function. Nonetheless, ISC provides a **Kea Migration Assistant** tool that can aid in converting your isc-dhcp-server configuration into a Kea-compatible structure.
### Step 1: Utilize the Kea Migration Assistant
The Kea Migration Assistant is accessible online, or you can opt to install it locally if you prefer not to upload your configuration to a web-based platform. On Ubuntu, you can install the migration tool with:
“`bash
sudo apt install isc-dhcp-keama
“`
The output generated by the Migration Assistant will provide you with the groundwork for your Kea configuration, though manual adjustments are likely necessary.
## Installing Kea
Kea can be set up in various ways, depending on your choice. You can install it via your Linux distribution’s package manager, utilize ISC’s official repositories for the newest version, or run Kea within a Docker container.
### Option 1: Install via Ubuntu Repositories
If you’re on Ubuntu, you can acquire Kea from the standard repositories:
“`bash
sudo apt install isc-kea-dhcp4 isc-kea-dhcp-ddns isc-kea-doc
“`
This will set up version 2.4.1, which is the stable branch. However, should you desire the latest features, ISC’s official repositories are available.
### Option 2: Install via ISC Repositories
To obtain the latest iteration of Kea from ISC’s repositories, follow the guidance on the [ISC website](https://kb.isc.org/docs/isc-kea-packages). This will grant you access to the newest features and bug corrections.
### Option 3: Employ Docker
If you’d rather execute Kea in a containerized setting, ISC supplies official Docker images. These can be located on [Cloudsmith](https://cloudsmith.io/~isc/repos/docker/packages/). Bear in mind that you’ll need to handle persistent storage for your configuration files and lease database beyond the Docker container.
## Setting Up Kea for DHCP
Once Kea is installed, the following phase is to configure it for your network. The primary configuration file for DHCP can be found at `/etc/kea/kea-dhcp4.conf`.
Here’s a simplified example of a functional configuration for a homelab setup:
“`json
{
“Dhcp4”: {
“control-socket”: {
“socket-type”: “unix”,
“socket-name”: “/tmp/kea4-ctrl-socket”
},
“interfaces-config”: {
“interfaces”: [“eth0”],
“dhcp-s
