Out of IP Addresses and stuck

[ngsp]

We have DHCP set up on a 172.17.1.x scope usinf a 255.255.255.0 subnet mask. We have recently ran out of IP addresses.

We have many routers and devices spread out across the world so a subnet mask change would be hard to get done on the static devices (over 80 devices and many more VPN tunnels/Routes/Interfaces) that would all have to changed seperately.

We have remote locations using 172.17.2.x., 3.x, 4.x, 5.x, 7.x, and 9.x. there are routes between each subnet at this time and they come a cross an IPSEC VPN. EAch location has its own DHCP Server.

what would be the best/easiest method to expand our IP Addresses on the 1.x network to obtain more IPs? We cannot interupt the VPN Tunnels unless it is simply to re-subnet the routers real quick. However, that raises another question, what would the ramifications be of changing the subnet mask to 255.255.0.0 everywhere and allow all of the systems to be on the same network? Have I lost my mind in this thinking?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

thank you,
RJ

 

[brianinms]

Moving to a 16 bit network mask would cause havoc with your VPNs. Merely create another vlan and use a new subnet for the main location.