How can I configure the SonicWall WAN / X1 Interface with Dynamic / DHCP IP address?

Configuring the SonicWall WAN interface (X1 by default) with Dynamic / DHCP IP address provided by the ISP. (Other WAN configuration: Static IP, PPPoE, PPTP or L2TP)

Video Tutorial: Click here for the video tutorial of this topic.

Resolution for SonicOS 7.X

This release includes significant user interface changes and many new features that are different from the SonicOS 6.5 and earlier firmware. The below resolution is for customers using SonicOS 7.X firmware.

To configure DHCP mode

1. Navigate to  NETWORK | System| Interfaces tab.
2. Click Configure for the WAN interface (X1 by default) , the Edit Interface window is displayed.
   
3. Under IP address, choose DHCP from the drop down menu.
4. Click OK and check to see if the settings have been updated.
5. Check whether you are getting a valid IP on the X1 interface.
6. Click the Release button followed by the Renew button on the bottom of the page.
7. Click OK to update your configurations.
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

How to test the connectivity

1. On the SonicWall, navigate to DEVICE|Diagnostics. Choose Ping
2. Ping your ISP’s Default Gateway or any IP that is pingable on the Internet ( EXAMPLE: 4.2.2.2). 
3. Also try to ping a website ( www.google.com) to ensure that the DNS resolution is working.

Troubleshooting

1. On the SonicWall, under NETWORK | Interfaces tab. Check whether you are getting a valid IP address for X1.
2. If you are not getting an IP address on the interface , try doing power cycle of the entire network by unplugging the power cable of SonicWall and the modem .After 30 seconds, plug in back the power cable of the modem first and after getting solid lights on the modem plug in back the power cable of SonicWall.
3. Login to the SonicWall and check whether you are getting a valid IP on the WAN interface now. If not try clicking the renew button.
4. Still if you not getting an IP, please follow:UTM: Clone (Proxy) the Ethernet Hardware (MAC) address of the Management Workstation to the WAN for Cable Modem Provider (ISP) Compatibility.

Resolution for SonicOS 6.5

This release includes significant user interface changes and many new features that are different from the SonicOS 6.2 and earlier firmware. The below resolution is for customers using SonicOS 6.5 firmware.

To configure DHCP mode

1. Navigate to  Manage | Network | Interfaces tab.
2. Click Configure for the WAN interface (X1 by default) , the Edit Interface window is displayed.
   
   
   
   
3.  Under IP address, choose DHCP from the drop down menu.
4. Click OK and check to see if the settings have been updated.
5. Check whether you are getting a valid IP on the X1 interface.
6. Click the Release button followed by the Renew button on the bottom of the page.
7. Click OK to update your configurations.
   
   

How to test the connectivity

1. On the SonicWall, navigate to Investigate |System Diagnostics. Choose Ping in the Diagnostic Tool drop down. 
2. Ping your ISP’s Default Gateway or any IP that is pingable on the Internet ( EXAMPLE: 4.2.2.2). 
3. Also try to ping a website ( www.google.com) to ensure that the DNS resolution is working.
   
   

Troubleshooting

1. On the SonicWall ,under Manage | Network | Interfaces tab. Check whether you are getting a valid IP address for X1.
2. If you are not getting an IP address on the interface , try doing power cycle of the entire network by unplugging the power cable of SonicWall and the modem .After 30 seconds, plug in back the power cable of the modem first and after getting solid lights on the modem plug in back the power cable of SonicWall.
3. Login to the SonicWall and check whether you are getting a valid IP on the WAN interface now. If not try clicking the renew button.
4. Still if you not getting an IP, please follow:UTM: Clone (Proxy) the Ethernet Hardware (MAC) address of the Management Workstation to the WAN for Cable Modem Provider (ISP) Compatibility.
   
   
   
   
   

Resolution for SonicOS 6.2 and Below

The below resolution is for customers using SonicOS 6.2 and earlier firmware. For firewalls that are generation 6 and newer we suggest to upgrade to the latest general release of SonicOS 6.5 firmware.

 DHCP mode:  Use this mode if the ISP is assigning a Dynamic IP address every time. 

1. Navigate to  Network | Interfaces tab. 
2. Click Configure for the WAN interface (X1 by default) , the Edit Interface window is displayed.
   
   
   
   
3. Under IP address, choose DHCP from the drop down menu.
4. Click OK and check to see if the settings have been updated. 
5. Check whether you are getting a valid IP on the X1 interface.
   
   
   
6. Click the Release button followed by the Renew button on the bottom of the page. 
7. Click OK.
   
   

How to test the connectivity:

1. On the SonicWall, navigate to System |Diagnostics. Choose Ping in the Diagnostic utility drop down in the Sonic OS Standard and Enhanced firmware. (In 6.x firmware navigate to Tools | Diagnostics). 
2. Ping your ISP’s Default Gateway or any IP that is pingable on the Internet ( EXAMPLE: 4.2.2.2). 
   
   
   
3. Also try to ping a website (www.google.com) to ensure that the DNS resolution is working.
   
   
   

Troubleshooting

1. On the SonicWall ,under Network | Interfaces tab Check whether you are getting a valid IP address for X1.
2. If you are not getting an IP address on the interface , try doing power recycle of the entire network by unplugging the power cable of SonicWall and the modem .After 30 seconds plug in back the power cable of the modem first and after getting solid lights on the modem plug in back the power cable of SonicWall.
3.  Login to the SonicWall and check whether you are getting a valid IP on the WAN interface now. If not try clicking the renew button.
4.  Still if you not getting an IP, please follow :  UTM: Clone (Proxy) the Ethernet Hardware (MAC) address of the Management Workstation to the WAN for Cable Modem Provider (ISP) Compatibility.
   
   
   

See also:

  KBID 3488 - UTM: Troubleshooting Guide for Computers Unable to Access Internet From Behind the SonicWall
  KBID 3528 - UTM: WAN IP Address Won't Renew
  KBID 3875 - UTM: Troubleshooting a Loss of Internet Connectivity After Connecting a SonicWall to a Comcast Cable Modem
  KBID 5593 - UTM: Issues with Connectivity to a Cable Modem