DHCP Device Type: MSFT 50 and Beyond

MSFT 50: What Does It Mean?

In the realm of DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), MSFT 50 is a vendor class identifier that indicates a Windows computer. This value, represented as 0x0014 in hexadecimal, is included in the DHCP request packet sent by the client device.

New Device Identifiers for Windows

Recently, Microsoft has updated the Client Vendor Name for certain Windows-based devices. While the traditional value was simply "MSFT 50," some devices now display as "MSFT 50," indicating a more specific device type.

Light Cat: A Visual Representation of MSFT 50

To understand the significance of MSFT 50, let's consider a playful analogy: the light cat. Just as MSFT 50 identifies a Windows computer, the light cat represents a device with that specific vendor class identifier. Its sleek and agile appearance suggests the efficient and streamlined nature of Windows devices.

DHCP Discover-Offer Process

When a DHCPv4 client (such as a Windows computer) joins a network, it initiates the DHCP discover-offer process. The client device sends a DHCPDISCOVER message that includes its Vendor Class Identifier Option. In this case, the value would be "MSFT 50" for a Windows computer.