If the update fails because the A record already exists, then the DHCP server attempts to add the A record with the prerequisite that there must be a TXT record in the same name as the new A record, and that TXT record's contents must be equal to hashid. If this update succeeds, then the client has its A record and PTR record. If it fails, then the name the client has been assigned (or requested) is in use, and can't be used by the client. At this point the DHCP server gives up trying to do a DNS update for the client until the client chooses a new name.

The interim DNS update scheme is called interim for two reasons. First, it does not quite follow the drafts. The current versions of the drafts call for a new DHCID RRtype, but this is not yet available. The interim DNS update scheme uses a TXT record instead. Also, the existing ddns-resolution draft calls for the DHCP server to put a DHCID RR on the PTR record, but the interim update method does not do this. It is our position that this is not useful, and we are working with the author in hopes of removing it from the next version of the draft, or better understanding why it is considered useful.