ip assignment use

Understanding IP Address Assignment: A Complete Guide

Introduction

In today's interconnected world, where almost every aspect of our lives relies on the internet, understanding IP address assignment is crucial for ensuring online security and efficient network management. An IP address serves as a unique identifier for devices connected to a network, allowing them to communicate with each other and access the vast resources available on the internet. Whether you're a technical professional, a network administrator, or simply an internet user, having a solid grasp of how IP addresses are assigned within the same network can greatly enhance your ability to troubleshoot connectivity issues and protect your data.

The Basics of IP Addresses

Before delving into the intricacies of IP address assignment in the same network, it's important to have a basic understanding of what an IP address is. In simple terms, an IP address is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. It consists of four sets of numbers separated by periods (e.g., 192.168.0.1) and can be either IPv4 or IPv6 format.

IP Address Allocation Methods

There are several methods used for allocating IP addresses within a network. One commonly used method is Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). DHCP allows devices to obtain an IP address automatically from a central server, simplifying the process of managing large networks. Another method is static IP address assignment, where an administrator manually assigns specific addresses to devices within the network. This method provides more control but requires careful planning and documentation.

Considerations for Efficient IP Address Allocation

Efficient allocation of IP addresses is essential for optimizing network performance and avoiding conflicts. When assigning IP addresses, administrators need to consider factors such as subnetting, addressing schemes, and future scalability requirements. By carefully planning the allocation process and implementing best practices such as using private IP ranges and avoiding overlapping subnets, administrators can ensure smooth operation of their networks without running out of available addresses.

IP Address Assignment in the Same Network

When two routers are connected within the same network, they need to obtain unique IP addresses to communicate effectively. This can be achieved through various methods, such as using different subnets or configuring one router as a DHCP server and the other as a client. Understanding how IP address assignment works in this scenario is crucial for maintaining proper network functionality and avoiding conflicts.

Basics of IP Addresses

IP addresses are a fundamental aspect of computer networking that allows devices to communicate with each other over the internet. An IP address, short for Internet Protocol address, is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a network. It serves as an identifier for both the source and destination of data packets transmitted across the network.

The structure of an IP address consists of four sets of numbers separated by periods (e.g., 192.168.0.1). Each set can range from 0 to 255, resulting in a total of approximately 4.3 billion possible unique combinations for IPv4 addresses. However, with the increasing number of devices connected to the internet, IPv6 addresses were introduced to provide a significantly larger pool of available addresses.

IPv4 addresses are still predominantly used today and are divided into different classes based on their range and purpose. Class A addresses have the first octet reserved for network identification, allowing for a large number of hosts within each network. Class B addresses reserve the first two octets for network identification and provide a balance between network size and number of hosts per network. Class C addresses allocate the first three octets for network identification and are commonly used in small networks.

With the depletion of available IPv4 addresses, IPv6 was developed to overcome this limitation by utilizing 128-bit addressing scheme, providing an enormous pool of potential IP addresses - approximately 3.4 x 10^38 unique combinations.

IPv6 addresses are represented in hexadecimal format separated by colons (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334). The longer length allows for more efficient routing and eliminates the need for Network Address Translation (NAT) due to its vast address space.

Understanding these basics is essential when it comes to assigning IP addresses in a network. Network administrators must consider various factors such as the number of devices, network topology, and security requirements when deciding on the IP address allocation method.

In the next section, we will explore different methods of IP address assignment, including Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and static IP address assignment. These methods play a crucial role in efficiently managing IP addresses within a network and ensuring seamless communication between devices.

Methods of IP Address Assignment

IP address assignment is a crucial aspect of network management and plays a vital role in ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient data transfer. There are primarily two methods of assigning IP addresses in a network: dynamic IP address assignment using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and static IP address assignment.

Dynamic IP Address Assignment using DHCP

Dynamic IP address assignment is the most commonly used method in modern networks. It involves the use of DHCP servers, which dynamically allocate IP addresses to devices on the network. When a device connects to the network, it sends a DHCP request to the DHCP server, which responds by assigning an available IP address from its pool.

One of the key benefits of dynamic IP address assignment is its simplicity and scalability. With dynamic allocation, network administrators don't have to manually configure each device's IP address. Instead, they can rely on the DHCP server to handle this task automatically. This significantly reduces administrative overhead and makes it easier to manage large networks with numerous devices.

Another advantage of dynamic allocation is that it allows for efficient utilization of available IP addresses. Since addresses are assigned on-demand, there is no wastage of unused addresses. This is particularly beneficial in scenarios where devices frequently connect and disconnect from the network, such as in public Wi-Fi hotspots or corporate environments with a high turnover rate.

However, dynamic allocation does have some drawbacks as well. One potential issue is that devices may receive different IP addresses each time they connect to the network. While this might not be an issue for most users, it can cause problems for certain applications or services that rely on consistent addressing.

Additionally, dynamic allocation introduces a dependency on the DHCP server. If the server goes down or becomes unreachable, devices will not be able to obtain an IP address and will be unable to connect to the network. To mitigate this risk, redundant DHCP servers can be deployed for high availability.

Static IP Address Assignment

Static IP address assignment involves manually configuring each device's IP address within the network. Unlike dynamic allocation, where addresses are assigned on-demand, static assignment requires administrators to assign a specific IP address to each device.

One of the main advantages of static IP address assignment is stability. Since devices have fixed addresses, there is no risk of them receiving different addresses each time they connect to the network. This can be beneficial for applications or services that require consistent addressing, such as servers hosting websites or databases.

Static assignment also provides greater control over network resources. Administrators can allocate specific IP addresses to devices based on their requirements or security considerations. For example, critical servers or network infrastructure devices can be assigned static addresses to ensure their availability and ease of management.

However, static IP address assignment has its limitations as well. It can be time-consuming and error-prone, especially in large networks with numerous devices. Any changes to the network topology or addition/removal of devices may require manual reconfiguration of IP addresses, which can be a tedious task.

Furthermore, static allocation can lead to inefficient utilization of available IP addresses. Each device is assigned a fixed address regardless of whether it is actively using the network or not. This can result in wastage of unused addresses and may pose challenges in scenarios where addressing space is limited.

In order to efficiently allocate IP addresses within a network, there are several important considerations that need to be taken into account. By carefully planning and managing the allocation process, network administrators can optimize their IP address usage and ensure smooth operation of their network.

One of the key factors to consider when assigning IP addresses is the size of the network. The number of devices that will be connected to the network determines the range of IP addresses that will be required. It is essential to accurately estimate the number of devices that will need an IP address in order to avoid running out of available addresses or wasting them unnecessarily.

Another consideration is the type of devices that will be connected to the network. Different devices have different requirements in terms of IP address assignment. For example, servers and other critical infrastructure typically require static IP addresses for stability and ease of access. On the other hand, client devices such as laptops and smartphones can often use dynamic IP addresses assigned by a DHCP server.

The physical layout of the network is also an important factor to consider. In larger networks with multiple subnets or VLANs, it may be necessary to segment IP address ranges accordingly. This allows for better organization and management of IP addresses, making it easier to troubleshoot issues and implement security measures.

Security is another crucial consideration when allocating IP addresses. Network administrators should implement measures such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to protect against unauthorized access or malicious activities. Additionally, assigning unique IP addresses to each device enables better tracking and monitoring, facilitating quick identification and response in case of any security incidents.

Efficient utilization of IP address ranges can also be achieved through proper documentation and record-keeping. Maintaining an up-to-date inventory of all assigned IP addresses helps prevent conflicts or duplicate assignments. It also aids in identifying unused or underutilized portions of the address space, allowing for more efficient allocation in the future.

Furthermore, considering future growth and scalability is essential when allocating IP addresses. Network administrators should plan for potential expansion and allocate IP address ranges accordingly. This foresight ensures that there will be sufficient addresses available to accommodate new devices or additional network segments without disrupting the existing infrastructure.

In any network, the assignment of IP addresses is a crucial aspect that allows devices to communicate with each other effectively. When it comes to IP address assignment in the same network, there are specific considerations and methods to ensure efficient allocation. In this section, we will delve into how two routers in the same network obtain IP addresses and discuss subnetting and IP address range distribution.

To understand how two routers in the same network obtain IP addresses, it's essential to grasp the concept of subnetting. Subnetting involves dividing a larger network into smaller subnetworks or subnets. Each subnet has its own unique range of IP addresses that can be assigned to devices within that particular subnet. This division helps manage and organize large networks efficiently.

When it comes to assigning IP addresses within a subnet, there are various methods available. One common method is manual or static IP address assignment. In this approach, network administrators manually assign a specific IP address to each device within the network. Static IP addresses are typically used for devices that require consistent connectivity and need to be easily identifiable on the network.

Another widely used method for IP address assignment is Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). DHCP is a networking protocol that enables automatic allocation of IP addresses within a network. With DHCP, a server is responsible for assigning IP addresses dynamically as devices connect to the network. This dynamic allocation ensures efficient utilization of available IP addresses by temporarily assigning them to connected devices when needed.

When considering efficient allocation of IP addresses in the same network, several factors come into play. One important consideration is proper planning and design of subnets based on anticipated device count and future growth projections. By carefully analyzing these factors, administrators can allocate appropriate ranges of IP addresses for each subnet, minimizing wastage and ensuring scalability.

Additionally, implementing proper security measures is crucial when assigning IP addresses in the same network. Network administrators should consider implementing firewalls, access control lists (ACLs), and other security mechanisms to protect against unauthorized access and potential IP address conflicts.

Furthermore, monitoring and managing IP address usage is essential for efficient allocation. Regular audits can help identify any unused or underutilized IP addresses that can be reclaimed and allocated to devices as needed. This proactive approach ensures that IP addresses are utilized optimally within the network.

The proper assignment of IP addresses is crucial for maintaining network security and efficiency. Throughout this guide, we have covered the basics of IP addresses, explored different methods of IP address assignment, and discussed considerations for efficient allocation.

In conclusion, understanding IP address assignment in the same network is essential for network administrators and technical professionals. By following proper allocation methods such as DHCP or static IP assignment, organizations can ensure that each device on their network has a unique identifier. This not only enables effective communication and data transfer but also enhances network security by preventing unauthorized access.

Moreover, considering factors like subnetting, scalability, and future growth can help optimize IP address allocation within a network. Network administrators should carefully plan and allocate IP addresses to avoid conflicts or wastage of resources.

Overall, a well-managed IP address assignment process is vital for the smooth functioning of any network. It allows devices to connect seamlessly while ensuring security measures are in place. By adhering to best practices and staying updated with advancements in networking technology, organizations can effectively manage their IP address assignments.

In conclusion, this guide has provided a comprehensive overview of IP address assignment in the same network. We hope it has equipped you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions regarding your network's IP address allocation. Remember that proper IP address assignment is not only important for connectivity but also plays a significant role in maintaining online security and optimizing network performance.

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How are ip addresses assigned.

When you're connected to a network, your computer or smart device will obtain an IP address either from your ISP or your router. There are 2 ways how you can assign an IP address to your device: (1) dynamically via DHCP or (2) statically by manually assigning an IP address yourself. In either case, you must use the IP address that is provided to you by your ISP, or the IP range you allocated yourself within your private space (i.e. private IP address).

How are IP addresses allocated?

Before we can discuss IP assignment, we need to understand how IP addresses are allocated. There are two versions of IP addresses: IPv4 (version 4) and IPv6 (version 6). There are numerical differences , but they essentially serves the same purpose by uniquely identifying a device on the Internet. There are a few organizations that allocate and manage IP addresses globally, and they are:

ICAAN (The Internet Corporation for Names & Numbers): ICANN manages supply of all IPv4 and IPv6 addresses as well as domain name system ( DNS ) and Root Servers.
IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority): IANA is a part of ICANN that maintains technical aspect of the DNS. DNS is the system that translates human-readable domain names to machine friendly IP addresses.
ARIN (American Registry for Internet Numbers): ARIN is a region specific organization that manages IP addresses for the USA, Canada, Caribbean and North Atlantic islands.
ISP (Internet Service Providers): ISPs reach out to ARIN and register blocks of IP addresses (i.e. class A, B and C). In addition to ISPs, large corporations may reach out to ARIN to register blocks of IP address for their corporate use.
RIR (Regional Internet Registry): Much like the ARIN for managing IP address for North American region, RIR manages IP addresses for rest of the world.

As ARIN and RIR manages IP addresses for the region, they allocate and deallocate IP addresses for countries, ISPs and corporations. A larger blocks of IP addresses are assigned to countries, the accuracy of IP location for country level is approximately 95% - 98% depending on the provider.

Once one or more blocks of IP addresses are assigned to an ISP or Corporation, the organization assigns the IP address to its customers. When you purchase the Internet Service from an ISP, you have an option to obtain static (non-changing) or dynamic (changing) IP Address(es). Most home users obtain a dynamic IP address, and small businesses may obtain static IP addresses. The IP addresses obtained from an ISP are "public" IP addresses which are a globally unique number within the Internet.

Once the IP address is obtained by your router from your ISP, you have an option to create a private network by assigning private IP addresses to your devices that are not globally unique, but unique within your private network.

IP addresses are governed by ICANN, and ARIN and RIR are responsible for allocating IP addresses to ISPs and Corporations within its regions. IANA manages DNS for translating domain names to IP addresses. The IP addresses are then assigned to individuals or small businesses either statically or dynamically via DHCP, and every computing devices on the Internet must have an IP address to communicate with each other.

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How To Assign IP Address

How-To Guides
Tech Setup & Troubleshooting

Introduction

Assigning IP addresses is an essential task in computer networking that allows devices to connect and communicate within a network. An IP address serves as a unique identifier for each device connected to a network, enabling the exchange of data packets between them. Whether it’s a home network or a large corporate network, the process of assigning IP addresses plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth and efficient communication.

In this article, we will delve into the fundamentals of IP addresses, the different types of IP addresses available, and explore the methods for assigning them. Whether you’re a network administrator, a curious computer enthusiast, or simply want to understand how IP address assignment works, this article aims to provide you with the necessary knowledge.

Understanding IP addresses is the first step towards comprehending their assignment. IP addresses are numerical labels assigned to devices connected to a network. They consist of four sets of numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.0.1. This addressing scheme provides a way for devices within a network to locate and communicate with one another.

There are two main types of IP addresses: IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) and IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6). IPv4 addresses, consisting of 32 bits, have been the standard for many years. However, with the rapid growth of internet-connected devices, the need for more addresses arose, leading to the development of IPv6 addresses, which consist of 128 bits and provide a virtually limitless pool of addresses.

IP addresses can be assigned in two ways: manual (static) assignment or automatic (dynamic) assignment. Manual assignment involves manually configuring the IP address on each device, ensuring that each one has a unique address within the network. Automatic assignment, on the other hand, involves a central server dynamically allocating IP addresses to devices using protocol-level mechanisms.

In the next sections, we will explore both manual and automatic IP address assignment methods, including the use of the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) for automatic assignment. We will also look at how to assign IP addresses on different operating systems such as Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Additionally, we will touch on common issues that may arise during IP address assignment and provide troubleshooting tips to help resolve them. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of IP address assignment and be equipped to assign IP addresses to devices within your network efficiently.

Understanding IP Addresses

IP addresses are crucial elements in computer networking, serving as unique identifiers for devices connected to a network. They enable devices to communicate and exchange data packets with one another. To understand IP addresses, let’s dive into their structure and functionality.

An IP address is a numerical label assigned to each device within a network. It consists of four sets of numbers, separated by periods, such as 192.168.0.1. Each set, known as an octet, represents a binary value ranging from 0 to 255. This addressing scheme provides a standardized way for devices to locate and communicate with each other on a network.

The most widely used IP version is IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4), which utilizes 32-bit addresses. This means there are approximately 4.3 billion unique IPv4 addresses available. However, with the exponential growth of internet-connected devices, the pool of available IPv4 addresses is depleting. To overcome this limitation, IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) was introduced, which uses 128-bit addresses. This allows for an astronomically large number of unique addresses, ensuring the continued expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and other networked devices.

IP addresses are hierarchical, with different classes and ranges reserved for specific purposes. The most common classification is based on the range of IP addresses allocated to private networks and public networks.

Private IP addresses are used within local networks to facilitate internal communication among devices. They are reserved and cannot be routed over the internet. The most commonly used private IP address ranges are:

Class A: 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255
Class B: 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255
Class C: 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255

Public IP addresses, on the other hand, are globally unique and can be accessed over the internet. Internet service providers (ISPs) allocate public IP addresses to devices connected to their networks. These addresses allow devices to communicate with other devices and servers across the internet.

In summary, IP addresses serve as unique identifiers that enable devices to communicate within networks. Whether it’s a small home network or a large corporate network, understanding IP addresses and their structure is vital when it comes to assigning and managing them effectively.

Types of IP Addresses

IP addresses can be classified into different types based on their purpose and usage. Understanding these types is essential to effectively manage and assign IP addresses in a network. Let’s explore the various types of IP addresses:

1. Public IP Addresses

A public IP address is a globally unique address assigned to a device connected to the internet. This address allows the device to communicate with other devices and servers across the internet. Public IP addresses are obtained from internet service providers (ISPs) and are routable over the internet. Each public IP address can only be assigned to one device at a time, ensuring uniqueness and facilitating direct communication over the internet.

2. Private IP Addresses

Private IP addresses are used within local networks and are not routable over the internet. They provide a means for devices within a network to communicate with each other. Private IP addresses are typically assigned to devices on a home network, office network, or any other private network. These addresses are reserved and do not conflict with public IP addresses. The most commonly used private IP address ranges are Class A (10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255), Class B (172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255), and Class C (192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255).

3. Static IP Addresses

A static IP address is a fixed IP address manually assigned to a device. It remains constant and does not change over time. Static IP addresses are typically used for servers, network devices, and devices requiring consistent network identification. It can be beneficial for certain applications that require a permanent IP address to ensure uninterrupted access and connectivity.

4. Dynamic IP Addresses

Dynamic IP addresses are automatically assigned to devices within a network. These addresses are temporary and subject to change. Dynamic IP address assignment is commonly used by internet service providers (ISPs) to manage their pool of IP addresses efficiently. Dynamic IP addresses are allocated using protocols like the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which ensures that devices within a network receive a unique IP address dynamically when connected to the network.

5. Loopback IP Address

The loopback IP address (127.0.0.1) is a special IP address reserved for testing and communication within the local device itself. It allows applications running on a device to communicate with each other using the network protocol stack without the need for an external network connection. The loopback address is commonly used for troubleshooting network-related issues on a local device.

Understanding the different types of IP addresses is crucial for managing and assigning IP addresses effectively in a network. Whether it’s public, private, static, dynamic, or loopback addresses, each type serves a specific purpose in facilitating communication and connectivity within networks.

How IP Addresses are Assigned

IP addresses play a crucial role in facilitating communication between devices within a network. Understanding how IP addresses are assigned is essential to ensure efficient and organized connectivity. In this section, we will explore the two main methods of IP address assignment: manual and automatic.

Manual IP Address Assignment

In manual IP address assignment, each device within a network is individually configured with a specific IP address. This method requires manual intervention to assign a unique IP address to each device. Manual IP address assignment is commonly used in situations where a specific device requires a static IP address, such as servers or network devices that need to maintain a consistent network identity.

To manually assign an IP address, an administrator typically accesses the device’s network settings or control panel and provides an IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information. These parameters ensure that the device has the necessary network configuration to communicate within the network.

Automatic IP Address Assignment

Automatic IP address assignment eliminates the need for manual intervention by dynamically allocating IP addresses to devices within a network. This method is efficient, as it streamlines the process of network configuration and avoids potential conflicts that may arise from manual assignment.

The most commonly used protocol for automatic IP address assignment is the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). DHCP allows a central server, known as a DHCP server, to dynamically assign IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server information to devices within the network.

When a device connects to a network configured with DHCP, it sends a DHCP discovery message, requesting an IP address from the DHCP server. The DHCP server responds with an offer, providing an available IP address. The device then sends a request to confirm its intention to use the offered IP address, and once acknowledged by the DHCP server, the device is assigned the IP address for the duration of its connection to the network.

This dynamic allocation of IP addresses ensures that devices within the network receive unique addresses and minimizes the chance of conflicting IP assignments. It also allows for efficient management and reusing of IP addresses as devices connect and disconnect from the network.

Whether it’s manual or automatic IP address assignment, the method chosen depends on the specific requirements and network configuration. In scenarios where static IP addresses are necessary or desired, manual assignment provides full control over IP address allocation. However, for most networks, automatic assignment through DHCP offers a streamlined and efficient approach to IP address management.

Manual IP address assignment is a method of configuring individual devices within a network with specific IP addresses. This approach is used when devices require static IP addresses, meaning the assigned IP address remains constant and does not change over time. Manual IP address assignment provides network administrators with full control over IP allocation and allows for precise management of network resources.

Assigning IP addresses manually involves configuring the network settings on each device. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to manually assign an IP address:

Step 1: Determine the IP Address Range

Before assigning IP addresses, it is important to determine the IP address range that will be used in the network. This range should be consistent with the network’s addressing scheme and should not conflict with any existing IP addresses.

Step 2: Access Network Settings

On each device, access the network settings or control panel. This can usually be done through the device’s operating system settings.

Step 3: Select Manual IP Assignment

Within the network settings, look for the option to manually configure the IP address. This option may be labeled as “Static IP,” “Manual IP,” or similar. Select this option to proceed with manual IP address assignment.

Step 4: Enter the IP Address

Enter the desired IP address in the designated field. Make sure the IP address falls within the determined IP address range. Avoid duplicate IP addresses to prevent conflicts within the network.

Step 5: Set the Subnet Mask

Alongside the IP address, set the subnet mask for the device. The subnet mask determines the network portion of the IP address and helps identify other devices within the same network.

Step 6: Define the Default Gateway

Specify the default gateway IP address. The default gateway serves as the access point for devices to connect to other networks or the internet. It is typically the IP address of the router or gateway device within the network.

Step 7: Configure DNS Server Information

Enter the IP addresses of the DNS servers in the respective fields. DNS servers resolve domain names into their corresponding IP addresses, enabling devices to access websites and services on the internet.

Step 8: Apply the Changes

After entering all the necessary information, apply the changes to finalize the manual IP address assignment. The device will now use the specified IP address for its network connectivity.

Manual IP address assignment provides greater control and stability, especially for devices that require persistent configurations. However, it also requires careful administration to ensure IP address conflicts are avoided and the network remains organized.

Now that you have a clear understanding of manual IP address assignment, you can confidently configure devices with specific IP addresses that suit your network’s needs.

Automatic IP address assignment is a method of dynamically allocating IP addresses to devices within a network. It eliminates the need for manual configuration and provides a streamlined approach to IP address management. Automatic assignment is commonly used in networks where devices do not require specific static IP addresses and can adapt to changing network conditions.

The primary mechanism for automatic IP address assignment is the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). DHCP allows a central server, known as a DHCP server, to allocate IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and other network configuration parameters to devices that connect to the network.

Here is an overview of how automatic IP address assignment through DHCP works:

Step 1: DHCP Discovery

When a device connects to a network with DHCP enabled, it broadcasts a DHCP discovery message. This message is sent to discover available DHCP servers within the network.

Step 2: DHCP Offer

Upon receiving the DHCP discovery message, one or more DHCP servers respond with a DHCP offer. The offer includes an available IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, DNS server information, and other network configuration parameters.

Step 3: DHCP Request

The device selects one DHCP offer and sends a DHCP request message to the chosen DHCP server. The request confirms the intention to use the offered IP address and requests that the DHCP server reserve it for the device.

Step 4: DHCP Acknowledgment

Upon receiving the DHCP request, the DHCP server acknowledges the request with a DHCP acknowledgment message. This message confirms the reservation of the IP address for the device, along with any additional network configuration parameters.

Step 5: IP Address Lease

The DHCP server assigns an IP address lease duration to the device. This lease determines the duration for which the device can use the assigned IP address. The lease period can be configured on the DHCP server and typically ranges from hours to several days.

Step 6: IP Address Renewal

As the lease period approaches expiration, the device sends a DHCP renewal request to the DHCP server. The server can either renew the lease for the same IP address or assign a new IP address, depending on the availability and configuration.

By using DHCP for automatic IP address assignment, network administrators benefit from simplified network management and resource optimization. DHCP eliminates the manual effort of configuring IP addresses on individual devices and ensures that IP addresses are assigned dynamically, avoiding conflicts and efficiently utilizing available addresses.

Automatic IP address assignment through DHCP is widely supported in various operating systems and network devices. It provides flexibility and scalability, making it an essential component of modern networks.

Now that you have a clear understanding of automatic IP address assignment through DHCP, you can implement this method to efficiently manage IP addresses within your network.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network protocol that enables automatic and centralized IP address assignment within a network. With DHCP, devices can dynamically obtain IP addresses, as well as other network configuration information, such as subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server addresses. This protocol simplifies network administration by reducing the amount of manual configuration required and ensuring efficient utilization of IP addresses.

Here are the key components and functionalities of DHCP:

DHCP Server

The DHCP server is a central component in the network responsible for managing IP address assignment. It holds a pool of available IP addresses and leases them to devices on the network. The DHCP server also maintains information about lease durations, configuration parameters, and other network-specific settings.

DHCP Client

A DHCP client is a device that requests IP address assignment from a DHCP server. Clients typically send DHCP discovery messages on the network to locate available DHCP servers and initiate the IP address assignment process. Once a DHCP offer is received, the client sends a DHCP request to confirm and secure the offered IP address.

A DHCP lease refers to the duration for which a DHCP client is allowed to use an assigned IP address. Lease durations are determined by the DHCP server and can be configured to different time intervals, typically ranging from a few hours to several days. Before the lease expires, the client can attempt to renew the lease to maintain its IP address assignment.

IP Address Pool

The IP address pool is a range of available IP addresses that a DHCP server can assign to clients. The pool is configured on the DHCP server and defines the range from which IP addresses are dynamically allocated. The server ensures that each IP address is allocated only once to avoid conflicts within the network.

Address Reservation

In addition to dynamic IP address assignment, DHCP also allows for address reservation. Address reservation associates a specific IP address with a particular device’s unique identifier, such as its Media Access Control (MAC) address. With address reservation, a device is always assigned the same IP address whenever it connects to the network, ensuring consistent configuration and accessibility.

DHCP significantly simplifies network administration by automating IP address assignment and related configuration tasks. It provides scalability, flexibility, and efficient management of IP address resources within a network. DHCP is widely supported by operating systems and network devices, making it an integral part of modern networks.

By leveraging DHCP, network administrators can streamline the process of IP address assignment, reduce manual errors, and adapt to changing network conditions more efficiently. DHCP plays an essential role in maintaining the connectivity and overall performance of networks of all sizes.

Assigning IP Addresses on Windows

Assigning IP addresses on Windows is a straightforward process that can be done through the network settings in the operating system. Windows provides several methods for IP address assignment, including manual (static) assignment and dynamic assignment through the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

Here is how you can manually assign an IP address on Windows:

Open the Start menu and go to Settings. Select “Network & Internet.”
In the Network & Internet settings, click on “Ethernet” or “Wi-Fi,” depending on which network connection you want to configure.
Click on “Change adapter options.”
Right-click on the network adapter you want to configure and select “Properties.”
In the Properties window, scroll down and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” or “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), depending on your network setup. Click on “Properties.”
In the IPv4 or IPv6 properties, select the option to use the IP address manually. Enter the desired IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information.
Click “OK” to save the changes. The IP address will be assigned to the network adapter.

Dynamic IP Address Assignment via DHCP

If you want Windows to automatically assign an IP address through DHCP, follow these steps:

Go to Settings and select “Network & Internet.”
Select “Ethernet” or “Wi-Fi” depending on the network connection you want to configure.
Right-click on the network adapter and select “Properties.”
In the Properties window, scroll down and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” or “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6),” depending on your network setup. Click on “Properties.”
In the IPv4 or IPv6 properties, select the option to obtain an IP address automatically. Ensure that both “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” are selected.
Click “OK” to save the changes. Windows will now assign the IP address automatically through DHCP when the device connects to the network.

These steps apply to Windows 10, but the process is similar on other versions of Windows, such as Windows 8 and Windows 7. By manually assigning IP addresses or configuring Windows to obtain IP addresses dynamically through DHCP, you can effectively manage and connect your Windows devices to the network.

Assigning IP Addresses on Mac

Assigning IP addresses on a Mac is a straightforward process that can be done through the network settings in the operating system. Mac computers provide an easy interface for manual (static) IP address assignment as well as dynamic IP address assignment through the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

To manually assign an IP address on a Mac, follow these steps:

Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select “System Preferences.”
In the System Preferences window, click on “Network.”
Select the network connection you want to configure from the list on the left (e.g., Wi-Fi, Ethernet).
Click on the “Advanced” button.
In the Advanced settings, go to the “TCP/IP” tab.
In the “Configure IPv4” or “Configure IPv6” dropdown menu, select “Manually.”
Enter the desired IP address, subnet mask, router (default gateway) address, and DNS server addresses.
Click “OK” to save the changes and close the network settings.

To configure a Mac to obtain an IP address automatically through DHCP, follow these steps:

Open the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
In System Preferences, click on “Network.”
Choose the network connection you want to configure from the left-side panel.
From the “Configure IPv4” or “Configure IPv6” dropdown menu, select “Using DHCP.”
Optional: You can also configure additional DHCP options by clicking on the “DHCP” tab.

It’s important to note that these steps may slightly vary depending on the version of macOS you are using. However, the general process remains the same across different versions.

By manually assigning IP addresses or configuring your Mac to obtain IP addresses automatically through DHCP, you can manage your network connections efficiently and ensure seamless communication between your Mac and other devices on the network.

Assigning IP Addresses on Linux

Assigning IP addresses on a Linux system can be done through the command-line interface or using the network configuration tools available on different Linux distributions. Linux provides flexibility and various methods for both manual (static) IP address assignment and dynamic IP address assignment through the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

To manually assign an IP address on Linux, you can follow these general steps:

Open a terminal or command-line interface on your Linux machine.
Check the network configuration file for your network interface. This file is typically found in /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ and is named based on the interface (e.g., ifcfg-eth0 for Ethernet interface).
Edit the network configuration file using a text editor like vi or nano .
Find the line that starts with BOOTPROTO and change the value to static .
Set the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information by modifying the corresponding lines in the configuration file.
Save the changes and exit the text editor.
Restart the networking service or reboot the machine for the changes to take effect.

Configuring DHCP for dynamic IP address assignment on Linux involves similar steps:

Check the network configuration file for your network interface ( /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ directory).
Edit the network configuration file using a text editor.
Find the line that starts with BOOTPROTO and change the value to dhcp .
Restart the networking service or reboot the machine to activate the DHCP client and obtain an IP address from the DHCP server.

Please note that these steps are general guidelines, and the actual process may vary depending on the Linux distribution you are using. The configuration files and locations might differ slightly, so it’s recommended to consult the documentation or online resources specific to your Linux distribution.

By manually assigning IP addresses or configuring DHCP for dynamic IP address assignment on Linux, you can effectively manage your network connections and ensure seamless communication between your Linux system and other devices on the network.

Troubleshooting IP Address Assignment Issues

IP address assignment issues can sometimes arise when configuring or managing a network. Understanding common problems and troubleshooting techniques can help ensure smooth network connectivity. Here are a few troubleshooting steps to consider when encountering IP address assignment issues:

1. Check DHCP Server Availability

If DHCP is used for IP address assignment, ensure that the DHCP server is operational and accessible. Make sure the DHCP server is configured correctly and has available IP addresses in its address pool.

2. Verify Network Connection

Ensure that the device experiencing IP address assignment issues is properly connected to the network. Check cables, Wi-Fi connections, or any other means of connectivity. Additionally, make sure the network interface on the device is enabled and functioning correctly.

3. Check for IP Address Conflicts

IP address conflicts occur when two devices within the same network have been assigned the same IP address. This can cause connectivity issues. To resolve this, ensure that each device within the network has a unique IP address. Check if any devices have been manually assigned the same IP address or if there are any DHCP configuration errors causing address conflicts.

4. Reset the DHCP Client

If a DHCP client is not acquiring an IP address correctly, try resetting the client’s network settings. This can be done by releasing and renewing the IP address lease. In a command-line interface, use the commands specific to your operating system to release the IP address lease and then renew it (e.g., ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew in Windows, or dhclient -r and dhclient in Linux).

5. Restart Networking Services

If IP address assignment issues persist, try restarting the networking services on the device. This can help refresh network configurations and potentially resolve any misconfigurations or issues with the network stack. Restarting the network services can vary depending on the operating system or distribution, so refer to the appropriate documentation or online resources.

6. Check Firewall and Security Settings

Firewall or security settings can sometimes interfere with IP address assignment. Ensure that your firewall or security software is not blocking the DHCP traffic or preventing the device from obtaining an IP address from the DHCP server. Adjust the firewall or security settings accordingly to allow DHCP communication.

These troubleshooting steps should address common IP address assignment issues. If the problem persists, consult the documentation specific to your network equipment, operating system, or seek assistance from a network administrator or IT professional for further troubleshooting and support.

Assigning IP addresses is a fundamental aspect of network administration and plays a critical role in establishing connectivity and communication between devices. Whether it’s manual (static) assignment or dynamic assignment using DHCP, the ability to assign and manage IP addresses efficiently is essential for maintaining an organized and functional network.

In this article, we explored the basics of IP addresses, understanding their structure, and the different types available. We also discussed the two primary methods of IP address assignment: manual and automatic. Manual assignment provides control and stability for devices that require static IP addresses, while automatic assignment through DHCP offers convenience and efficient utilization of IP address resources.

We also covered how to assign IP addresses on different operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. Each operating system provides tools and interfaces to configure network settings and assign IP addresses, whether through a manual process or by utilizing DHCP.

In addition, we touched on troubleshooting techniques for addressing common IP address assignment issues. Verifying DHCP server availability, checking for IP address conflicts, and resetting network configurations are some of the troubleshooting steps discussed to ensure smooth IP address assignment.

Overall, IP address assignment is a fundamental component of network management. By understanding the different methods and addressing any issues that arise, network administrators and users can maintain reliable and efficient connectivity among devices within a network.

Whether you are setting up a small home network or managing a large enterprise network, the knowledge and techniques shared in this article provide a foundation for successful IP address assignment and network operation.

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How to Assign Static IP Address to Your Devices

By default, your router assigns dynamic IP Address to every device that connects to it. This is called DHCP (short for Dynamic Host Control Protocol). But sometimes, we need our devices to have the same IP address (i.e. Static IP) every time it connects to the network. Reason being,

Access your computer from the Internet.
Share data between two devices on the same network.
Quickly access your Network Printer or NAS.
Use your computer as a media server.
Or your work WiFi requires you to use Static IP address.

What IP address should you choose?

If two devices on the network have the same IP address, then there will be conflicts. The Internet won’t work on one of them or both, depending on your router. So, it’s important to assign a unique IP address to your computer. There are a couple of ways to pick an unused IP address.

For instance– first find your device’s IP address , say it’s 192.168.1.7 ; then keep the first three values (i.e. 192.168.1) as it’s and replace the last digit with some far number like 192.168.1.222 . Though make sure the last digit should be between a 0-255 range.

Assigning Static IP address to most devices is easy, just go to its network settings, look for DHCP option and turn it OFF. Once you do that, you’ll see a text area to enter Static IP address. Enter the new IP address there, save changes and that’s it.

So let’s see how to Assign Static IP address to various Operating Systems

1. Assign IP Address on Windows 10/8/7

You can do this quickly through the command line. You will need to first find your subnet mask, default gateway, and network adapter name. In my case, I’m on a Wi-Fi network, so the adapter name is Wi-Fi. To find yours just type the following command.

Once you get the output, find for the Network Adapter which has IP listed under it. The adapter name is a one-word name suffixed to the end of the Network Title. You will also need the Subnet mask and the Default Gateway Address.

Once you have the adapter name, Subnet Mask and Default Gateway, run the following command.

Wherein, Wi-Fi should be replaced by your adapter name and the IP, subnet mask and gateway address according to your configuration.

This will change your IP address from DHCP to manual with the static IP address you have specified.

In case you find it too confusing, you are not alone. You can do the same via GUI which is much more intuitive. You’ll need the Subnet Mask and Default Gateway Address . You can refer to the above step on how to find these details. Once you have noted down the address, click on Start Menu and type in Network and Sharing Center. Click once you see the Network and Sharing Center Icon.

Alternatively, if you are in Windows 10 then you can right-click on the Start menu and click on “ Network Connections “.

A new window will open, click on Change Adapter Options.

Right Click on your Current Network Adapter ( like WiFi) and choose Properties.

When the new window pops up, select Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.

Once you get the pop-up window, select “ Enter the IP address you want ” and fil the IP Address, For Subnet Mask , and Default Gateway Address enter the values that you have noted down previously. Next, click on OK to save changes.

To switch to dynamic IP, click on Obtain the IP address automatically. Once this is enabled, your system will start picking an IP address dynamically from the router.

2. How to setup static IP on Ubuntu

On Ubuntu, you can set a static IP Address via the terminal or GUI. Firstly, let’s start with the command line. Right-click anywhere on the desktop to open the terminal.

Once the terminal window opens, we need to run a command. We need the subnet mask and network adapter name in order to set a static IP and to get that, run the following command on the terminal.

Once you have the subnet mask noted down, in my case, it’s 255.255.255.0, we can proceed further.

It is pretty simple and straight forward. We need to open the Network Adapter settings. To do that, click on the Network Icon at the top right corner of the desktop.

Now, navigate on the active network and click on the expand button for more options. Click on Wired Settings to open the Network menu.

Once you get the Wired Settings dialogue, make sure you are on the Network page. Click on the Settings icon beside the active network to open the adapter properties.

When you get the pop-up, navigate to the IPv4 tab to change the IP settings.

On the IPv4 tab, select the radio button which says “ Manual “. Some text fields will appear, you need to enter the IP address, Netmask and Gateway accordingly. Once it is validated, you can click on the Apply button to register the changes.

Again you need to restart the network for the changes to take effect. You can do it manually via command line or just switch off and switch on the Network adapter. Once done, run ifconfig on the terminal to check the IP address. It should be the same IP address which you have specified earlier.

3. How to setup static IP on Mac

If you are on macOS, setting static IP is quite similar to that of Ubuntu. But, here you don’t need the subnet mask or Default Gateway Address. Right click on the apple icon at the top left corner of the desktop. Click on System Preferences from the dropdown list.

Once the System Preferences dialogue box displays, navigate to Network and click on it to open the Network Settings

Alternatively, you can also hit Cmd+Space to trigger the Spotlight search. Type “ Network ” in the search bar and click on the icon once it appears. This will directly navigate you to the Network Settings.

From the pop-up window, select an active network interface. For example, I am connected to a WiFi network so my active network is Wi-Fi. Make sure you are on the active network tab and then click on Advanced .

A new window will open the configuration settings for that adapter. Move over to the IP settings by clicking on the TCP/IP tab .

From the Configure IPv4 menu, choose Using DHCP with manual address. Enter a static IP address in the IPv4 Address and leave the Subnet Mask and Router field as default. Click Ok to save the changes.

Now when you do an ifconfig, the system should be using the static IP you have defined in the previous times. If the IP’s have not changed, try restarting the Wi-Fi and it should fix it.

To switch back to dynamic IP, move back to “ Using DHCP ” from the Configure IPv4 menu.

4. How to setup static IP on Android

The network which you are connected to should be on top of the list. Tap on the settings icon beside the Wi-Fi network name.

Once the pop-up opens, you will see IP settings at the bottom of the menu. The default option is “DHCP”. Tap on it to change the IP configuration.

Select “ Static ” from the presented drop-down menu. Enter the desired IP address and leave the other options as default. Make sure that other devices are not using the same IP. You can see the IP address of the other devices in your network by using a small utility called Fing . For a detailed process, check our article on how to find the IP Address of any Device on your network . Once you have entered the IP, click on Save to register the change. Now, your Android phone should start using the desired IP Address.

In almost all the Android version, you get the option to set static IP Address. For some rare older Android versions, you can use a third-party app like WiFi Static . It’s free and it doesn’t require ROOT.

To switch back to dynamic IP, repeat the same procedure and select “DHCP” from the IP settings instead.

5. How to setup static IP on iPhone and iPad

If you are using an iPhone or iPad, then you can set static IP Address natively. You would need the Subnet Mask of your network. This can be obtained from the Wi-Fi settings and we would see to it in the further steps. To get started, click on the Settings icon in the dock to get to the Settings menu.

Now on the Settings menu page, tap on Wi-Fi to get to the Wi-Fi settings.

On the Wi-Fi page, you should see your connected Wi-Fi network at the top. Click on the “i” button beside it. This will open the Wi-Fi configuration window.

Once the Wi-Fi settings page appears, you will see an option called “ Configure IP “. By Default, this would be set to automatic. Just below this option, you will see “ Subnet Mask “, note it down as we will need it in the further steps. In order to set static IP, we need to change Configure IP it to Manual. Tap on it and it will open the IPv4 settings page.

There should be 3 options available on the “Configure IPv4” page. Select “ Manual ” from it. As soon as Manual IP is enabled, you will get extra text fields at the bottom to enter the IP Address, Subnet Mask, Router. We need to fill in the IP Address of our choice and Subnet Mask which we noted down in the previous step. Now, after you fill both the fields, the save button at the top right corner will be enabled. Click on it to save the static IP configuration.

Now, when you return to the Wi-Fi settings page, you will see your device is using the Static IP address. This should be the same IP address we have set in the IP configuration menu.

This static IP address will be applicable only to that particular Wi-Fi network. In case, you connect to some other Wi-Fi network the IP will change accordingly.

6. How to setup static IP to any Device from Router

Other network devices like your Wireless Printer, PS4, NAS, IP Camera, Raspberry Pi , etc. do not have an Interface. Hence, in order to configure the network, either you have to connect remotely or use the router. If you have access to the router, setting Static IP for network devices is the easiest and convenient way. I would recommend this method over any other.

So, to assign a Static IP Address to any network device, you need to login to the web portal of the router. The web portal address, username, and password are mostly printed behind the router. In case you don’t have physical access to the router, the web portal URL is mostly the PC’s gateway address. To find that, open command prompt and type the following command.

Once you have the web portal loaded, log in with the credentials. Now every router has a different web UI, but the overall structure is the same. Basically, you will have to link the IP Address to the Mac Address and Hostname of the device. So, we need to find the MAC address & Hostname of the network device. To do that, look for DHCP client list which should look something like the following screenshot.

You can get your MAC Address & Hostname under DHCP Client list. Once, you have the MAC address & Hostname noted down, we can proceed further. On most of the routers, you will have the option to set a Static IP under the section IP Mac binding or DHCP Static IP option. In case you are on a custom ROM like dd-wrt, head over to Services tab and you will have DHCP Server . Under DHCP Server, add an entry for Static Leases by clicking on the Add button.

Clicking on the Add button will create a new row. You have to enter the MAC Address, Hostname, desired Static IP and Lease time . Lease time is a unit in minutes after which your IP will be renewed. Since we are adding only 1 entry for the particular host the IP will be the same even after the renewal. Once, done click on Save changes .

Once you have configured successfully on the router, just restart the Wi-Fi on the device. When it connects it should start using the static IP. In case of issues, make sure that you have the correct MAC Address and Hostname. To check, just run the command ipconfig or look back again in the router’s DHCP client list.

These changes are written to the ROM so restarting the router won’t make changes to the static IP configuration. In order to get back to Dynamic IP, just remove the entry from the IP leases.

What’s next

Once you have started configuring the IPs on Router and network devices, you are good to go configure telnet and SSH. Have a look at our brief article on How to Enable Telnet Server in Windows 10 , Best SSH clients for iOS To Manages Remote Servers and 6 Best FTP Clients For Android . A word of caution would be to note down the static IPs assigned to devices as assigning the same IP to two network devices would render them useless.

Also Read: How To Change DNS on Windows|Mac|Android|iOS

Mrinal Saha

Mrinal is a tech geek who spends half of his day reading and writing about tech. While the nights are spent on shooting or editing YouTube videos. Feel free to geek out with him on-

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How are IP addresses actually assigned?

I'm having a hard time understanding how a governing body assigns IP addresses, companies use BGP to advertise those IPs, and how the internet works. Then, where the hell does DNS come in?

Can anyone suggest a good read of how this stuff actually works? I suppose I have several questions. The first is, does ARIN (or any other governing body) actually matter? If they weren't around, would there be chaos? When they assign a block, they don't LITERALLY assign it? You have to use BGP to advertise, correct? I have always been used to a closed hosting environment (dedicated/shared) where you have routed IPs.

Then, how does DNS come in to play? With my registrar I am able to register a DNS server (eNom) - what does that actually mean? I've installed Bind and made all of that work, and I run my own DNS servers, but who are they registering that DNS server with? I just don't get it.

I feel like this is something I should know and I don't, and I'm getting really frustrated. It's like.. simple.. how does the internet work? From assigning IPs, to companies routing them, and DNS.

I guess I have an example - I have this IP space let's say 158.124.0.0/16 (example). The company has 158.124.0.0/17 internet facing. (First of all, why do companies get blocks of IPs assigned and then not use them? Why don't they use use reserved internal space 10.x and 192.x?). So, that's where I'm at. What would I do to actually get these IPs on the Internet and available? Let's say I have a data center in Chicago and one in New York. I'm not able to upload a picture, but I can link one here: http://begolli.com/wp-content/gallery/tech/internetworkings.png

I'm just trying to understand how from when the IP block is assigned, to a company using BGP (attaining a public AS #?), and then how DNS comes in to play?

What would something look like from my picture? I've tried to put together a scenario, not sure if I did a good job.

domain-name-system

6 As a professional system administrator, or someone working in a related field, we are expected to know these things. For any bits that may be a little unclear vast numbers of books and Internet articles have already been published. This is also not the kind of question, or set of questions, that can be properly addressed by a Q&A site like SF. – John Gardeniers Commented May 31, 2011 at 22:48
2 I don't really have a problem with this question - I look at it the same way as the "Subnetting 101" question & answer: It's something every sysadmin should know, but some may have slipped through without the requisite knowledge. We can't cover it as exhaustively as subnetting, but I think having it as a quick-and-dirty primer is a Good Thing. – voretaq7 Commented Jun 1, 2011 at 15:50
1 @John - I think there are many different levels. Like I stated, I grew up learning in a static environment as far as networks went. I never really dealt with ISPs, border routers, and configuring blocks of IPs. I have had the pleasure of having many dedicated servers, configuring linux distributions, securing them, running web applications, and being able to manage those boxes. There are different sides to the spectrum, and I don't think we are expected to know these things. We are expected to know specialized tasks. Some people know networking engineering real well.. others do not. – Vegim Commented Jun 2, 2011 at 16:08

4 Answers 4

Leased ip blocks.

IPs are assigned in blocks by IANA to the Regional Internet Registries (RIR). See this ( list and map ) of the RIRs. The RIRs then lease out smaller blocks IPs to individual companies (usually ISPs). There are requirements (including fees and proof of use) for getting a distribution and failing to maintain these means a loss of lease.

Once a company has leased one or more blocks from the RIR, they need some way of telling the rest of the world where to find a particular IP (or set thereof: subnets). This is where BGP comes into play. BGP uses a large network concept called an Autonomous System (AS). The AS knows how to route within itself. When routing to another network it only knows about AS Gateways and where the "next hop" toward those external addresses. AS numbers are managed by IANA as well.

Within an AS, even one as large as an ISP, they might use several routing protocols (RIP, OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, and ISIS come to mind) to route traffic internally. It's also possible to use Static Routing Tables, but entirely impractical in most applications. Internal routing protocols are a huge topic, so I'll simplify by saying there are other questions on Server Fault that can do those topics more justice than I can here.

Humans don't remember numbers well, so we invented host names. Skipping the history, we use the Domain Naming System (DNS) to keep track of what hostname points to what IP address. There is a central registry for these, also managed by IANA, and they determine what Top Level Domains (TLD) (eg ".com" or ".net") go in the Root Zone, which is served by the Root Servers. IANA delegates administration of the "root zone", this administrator only accepts updates from qualified Registrars.

You can use a Registrar to "purchase" a domain name, which is a subdomain of a TLD. This registration essentially creates that subdomain and assigns you control over it's Name Server (NS) and Glue (A) records. You point these to a DNS server that hosts your domain . When a client wants to resolve your IP from a domain name, the client contacts their DNS server which does a recursive lookup, starting with the root server, finding your DNS server and eventually getting the relevant information.

Everyone Agrees

As for the "governing bodies": everyone just agrees to use them. There are no (or very few) laws requiring anyone to cooperate at all. The Internet works because people choose to cooperate . The governing bodies provide a means of easy cooperation. All the various RFCs, "Standards", and such - nobody is being forced to use them. But we understand that society is built on cooperation, and it's in our own self interests to do so.

The efficiency bred by cooperation is the same reason BGP is popular, everyone basically agrees to use it. In the days of ArpaNet they started with hand configured route tables; then gradually progressed to a more comprehensive system as the Internet grew in complexity, but everyone just "agreed" to use whatever new standard. Similarly name resolution stated with host files that networks would distribute, and eventually grew into the DNS system we know today. ("Agreed" in quotes because many times a minority set a requirement for a new standard and nobody else had a better alternative, so it was accepted).

This level of cooperation requires trusting IANA, a lot. As you've seen they manage most of the various systems' cores. IANA is currently a US Government sponsored Non-Profit corporation (similar to the US Post Office), it is not part of the government, though only barely removed. In past years there was concern that the US Goernment might exercise some control over IANA as a "weapon" against other world governments or civilians (particularly through laws like SOPA and PIPA, which were not passed, but may be the basis for future laws).

Currently IANA has taken it upon themselves to raise funding (despite being a non-profit company) through the creation of new TLDs. The "xxx" TLD was viewed by some as an extortionist-style fundraising campaign, as a large percentage of registrants were "defending" their name. IANA has also taken applications for privately owned TLDs (at $180,000 each; they have suspended the application process after being inundated with applications, nearly half being from Amazon alone. Many of these applications resulted in new gTLDs .

No problem! Good answer - this will be good to have to point to for people needing the overview. – Shane Madden Commented Jun 1, 2011 at 1:05
Do you think you could elaborate on the delegations for reverse DNS? This is a great answer that touches on the related subjects already, so adding that info would close the loop on the whole thing. – Andrew B Commented Feb 28, 2015 at 20:59

All advertisements to the public internet, the DFZ (Default-Free Zone), is done via BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), how ISP's do internal routing varies a lot. Most would use BGP internally as well both between their own routers (BGP is often used in conjunction with an IGP such as OSPF) and also with clients, if you don't have your own AS number you can use a private AS to peer with your ISP and when they announce your address space to the DFZ they simply remove the private AS from the as-path. For smaller non-redundant links you can use static routing as well on the PE. The actual "assignment" is just in the database of your registrar, the whois database, RIPE/ARIN etc run their own databases for this purpose.

Try running the command whois 158.124.0.0/16 on a Linux box.

Same goes with DNS, the reverse DNS server is specified in whois records.

This is a very old question, but I had many of the same questions in figuring out how the Internet works . Like the other answers, the networking books give an overview of BGP and DNS but still left me confused. For example, a.root-servers.net through m.root-servers.net are given as the root servers, but how does a DNS service know where to find those servers if they can't use DNS themselves.

The basics of IP, subnetting, DNS, etc. are assumed to be known by this answer. I am addressing "gaps" I, and probably the questioner, have on how the Internet works. By no means am I an expert, but this is my understanding of the gaps.

IP Addresses

The first thing to note is that when the Internet started out as ARPANET, everybody knew everybody and routing tables for IP addresses were handcoded. I assume the assignment process for IP's was done over the phone. As the Internet became too big, BGP was used by multiple networks (AS's) to advertise they had public IP's or could get to a public IP through their AS to another AS. The trust was there that an AS wouldn't advertise an IP they didn't have.

Today, there's not as much trust. Instead, ISP's can download and authenticate the IP allocations to each AS from IANA and the regional authorities. These downloads are now authenticated through public key cryptography. So when IANA "assigns an IP address," they are changing their record (or really the regional authority changes their record). All other AS's can download and authenticate their records.

These records are important because ISP's can't take the word of other ISP's that they have the IP addresses. The ISP's can compare the BGP advertisement with the authenticated IP records. If any BGP advertisement shows the last AS as an AS other than what's in IANA's and RIR's authenticated record, the BGP advertisement does not change their own routing.

More commonly, a rogue ISP or AS can advertise they have a route through their AS they don't have. AS1 has an IP registered and AS5 currently uses AS5 -> AS4 -> AS3 -> AS1 -> IP. AS2 advertises to AS5 a route of AS5 -> AS2 -> AS1 -> IP. Except AS2 doesn't actually have a connection with AS1. It can just lose the packets, maybe to frustrate AS1's hosting customers. Or AS2 could be a small company network with a multihomed arrangement with AS5 and AS1. Their router is misconfigured and advertises a path through a small company network. Nearly all ISP's throw away such advertisements of their BGP customers and only pass on terminating BGP advertisements.

More likely, you have the case of Pakistan trying to shut off Youtube in Pakistan through such IP hijacking, and shutting off Youtube outside of Pakistan too since AS's outside of Pakistan assumed their BGP advertisements were correct.

In the end, there isn't a perfect defense against such IP hijacking. In most countries like the US, such abuse of BGP can be punished as breach of contract and other ISP's will shut off peering connections with that AS if they have to. An ISP could also disregard the whole IANA and RIR apparatus and redirect the IP addresses to their own servers. That won't work for any https sites though, assuming the ISP doesn't have the private keys for any CA's. There is very little to gain from it economically. It only happens with authoritarian governments, such as Egypt recently shutting off all BGP advertisements to their ISP's from outside the country.

DNS Servers

DNS is somewhat simpler once the IP tables are correct. The root servers are all hardcorded IP addresses in the DNS server code. a.root-servers.net is 198.41.0.4 and the IP address is anycast within one AS. In the case of a.root-servers.net, the AS is Verisign and there are five different sites. In the US, the two sites are New York and LA. Anycasting is like if you had an address of 123 Main Street and you said "It doesn't matter what town you are in, go to 123 Main Street and you'll find one of my businesses." Both 123 Main Street in NY and LA will give the same answer for all top-level domains. The AS, in this case Verisign, figures out internally which server has the fewest hops through OSPF, internal BGP, and other routing protocols. So a router in Denver may go to LA while a router in Chicago goes to New York. The same routing process can be used for Anycast hosts because the hosts don't offer to route traffic.

One of the root servers gives which IP address for the com top-level domain. Then that domain gives the domain for yoursite.com. The registrars really have a contract with whoever runs the top-level domain. So if the top-level domain currently doesn't have a record for yoursite.com, it has access to add a record with their who-is server. Then, with the access the registrar gave you to yoursite.com's DNS records, you change the records in their DNS server to go to your IP address.

Because DNS all depends on multiple IP addresses going to the right place, you have the same issue as before with AS's authenticating the IP registry and then the BGP assignments. That is the key piece for an http website. Https has the added protection of certificates. So, an ISP can't reroute requests for their own root servers and top-level domain servers to give their own IP for, say, citibank.com. If they did, the IP address given to the user will be a different IP address, but their server won't have Citibank's private key.

and no, I'm not kidding(I got started with this book 15 years ago, but it's still very relevant): http://www.amazon.com/Internet-Dummies-John-R-Levine/dp/0764506749

Then, come back here with the BGP questions =)

2 It looks like the first part of your answer go chopped off somehow. – John Gardeniers Commented Jun 1, 2011 at 1:34

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When to Use a Static IP Address

Are static IP addresses better than dynamic addresses?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of Illinois

Static IP Address Uses

Static vs. Dynamic
When Not to Use a Static IP

Static IP Address Assignment on Home Networks

Getting a Static Public IP Address

A static IP address, or fixed IP address , is an IP address that never changes. Not everyone needs a static IP address, but knowing how they differ from dynamic IP addresses can help you understand whether you should use a static IP address.

Here are some example situations for when you might need a static IP address:

Setting up a home file server .
Adding a second router to a network.
Enabling access to a computer when away from home or work.
Forwarding ports to certain devices.
Sharing a printer over a network.
Connecting to an IP camera when away from home.

Static & Dynamic: What They Mean

The terms static and dynamic are simple to understand. At the core, the only real change you'll notice between static versus dynamic IP addresses is that the former never changes, while the latter does.

Most people don't care if their IP address changes. If you never know what your IP address is and never have a reason to keep it the same, then dynamic addresses are fine for you.

However, if your network or computer is set up in a specific way where some devices would work easier and set up would be smoother for you as the admin if an IP address always stayed the same, then static addressing is what you want.

Static IP addresses are assigned manually by an administrator. In other words, the device receiving the static IP is given a specific address (such as 192.168.1.2 ), and from then on, the address never changes.

Dynamic IP addresses are not assigned manually. They are assigned automatically by DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).

When Static IP Addresses Are Used

Static IP addresses are necessary for devices that need constant access.

For example, a static IP address is necessary if your computer is configured as a server, such as an FTP server or web server. If you want to ensure that people can always access your computer to download files, force the computer to use a static, never-changing IP address.

If the server was assigned a dynamic IP address, it would change occasionally, preventing your router from knowing which computer on the network is the server.

If you want to access your home computer while you're on a trip or your work computer when you're at home, setting up the computer to use a static IP address lets you reach that computer at any time without fearing that the address will change and block your access to it.

A shared printer is another example of when to use a static IP address. If you have a printer that everyone in your house or office needs to share, give it an IP address that won't change no matter what. That way, when every computer is set up to connect to that printer, those connections remain indefinitely because the address never changes.

Here are some other reasons to use static IPs:

They provide slightly better protection against network security problems than DHCP address assignment provides.
Some network devices don't support DHCP.
They help avoid potential IP address conflicts where DHCP might supply an address already assigned elsewhere.
They provide geolocation that's more accurate than a dynamic IP address.

When Not to Use a Static IP Address

Because a static IP address is assigned manually, it's less efficient for a network admin to give it out, especially in mobile situations. Someone must visit the device in person to give it an IP address instead of letting DHCP assign the address automatically.

For example, you wouldn't set a static IP address on a smartphone because the moment it reaches another Wi-Fi network, the address might not be supported on that network, meaning that it won't be able to access the internet.

Dynamic addressing is more convenient in this situation because it's easy for administrators to set up. DHCP works automatically with minimal intervention needed, allowing mobile devices to move between different networks seamlessly.

Businesses are more likely to use static IP addresses than home networks. Implementing static IP addresses isn't easy and frequently requires a knowledgeable technician.

However, you can have a static IP address for your home network. When making static IP assignments for local devices on home and other private networks, the address numbers should be chosen from the private IP address ranges defined by the Internet Protocol standard:

10.0.0.0–10.255.255.255
172.16.0.0–172.31.255.255
192.168.0.0–192.168.255.255

These ranges support thousands of IP addresses. It's common for people to assume they can choose any number in the range and that the specific choice doesn't matter much. This is untrue.

To choose and set specific static IP addresses suitable for your network, follow these guidelines:

Do not choose any addresses that end with .0 or .255 . These addresses are usually reserved for use by network protocols .
Do not choose the addresses at the beginning of a private range. Addresses like 10.0.0.1 , 192.168.0.1 , and 192.168.0.100 are commonly used by network routers and other consumer devices. These are the first addresses hackers attack when trying to break into a private computer network.
Don't choose an IP address that falls outside the range of your local network. For example, to support all addresses in the 10.x.x.x private range, the subnet mask on all devices must be set to 255.0.0.0. If they aren't, some static IP addresses in this range don't work.

How to Get a Static Public IP Address

Internet service providers (ISP) traditionally assign all their IP addresses to customers dynamically, due to historical shortages of available IP numbers.

Contact your service provider if you prefer a static IP address. You can't get a static public IP address without requesting it from your ISP. Customers can sometimes obtain a static IP by subscribing to a special service plan and paying extra fees.

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What Is a Static IP Address?
What Is an IP Address Conflict?
How to Change Your IP Address
What Is DHCP? (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
How to Set Up Port Forwarding
How to Work With IP Address 192.168.100.1
How to Obtain a Fixed IP Address
What Is a Dynamic IP Address?
How to Work With the 10.1.1.1 IP Address
What Is the 10.0.0.1 IP Address?
Understanding the 192.168.1.100 IP Address
What Is a Public IP Address? (and How to Find Yours)
How to Fix a 169 IP Address Error
How to Use an IP Address to Find a MAC Address
How Is 192.168.1.2 Used?
Computer Networking Tutorial - Internet Protocol

A Short Guide to IP Addressing

How are ip addresses managed and distributed.

IP addresses are managed by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), which has overall responsibility for the Internet Protocol (IP) address pool, and by the Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) to which IANA distributes large blocks of addresses.

The RIRs manage, distribute, and publicly register IP addresses and related Internet number resources, such as Autonomous System Numbers (ASN) and reverse Domain Name System (DNS ) delegations within their respective regions. They do this according to policies which are developed within their respective regional communities, through open and bottom-up processes.

There are currently five RIRs:

AfriNIC – African region
APNIC – Asia Pacific region
ARIN – North America and several Caribbean and North Atlantic islands
LACNIC – Latin America and the Caribbean
RIPE NCC – Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Central Asia

The five RIRs together also form the Number Resource Organization (NRO), which carries out joint activities of the RIRs, including joint technical projects, liaison activities, and policy co-ordination. For more background on IP address management visit:

IANA’s Overview of IP Address Services
Development of the Regional Internet Registry System , an article published in Cisco’s Internet Protocol Journal

How are IPv6 addresses allocated?

Both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses are allocated to those who show that they need addresses for their networks.

Shouldn’t addresses be allocated on a geographical basis to ensure that distribution is equitable?

For technical reasons the allocation of IP addresses has to follow the topology of the network and not geography or national borders.

Therefore, the addresses are allocated for use in specific networks, as they are required. RIRs allocate IP addresses using community-developed policies that are designed to ensure that distribution is fair and equitable.

In the early days of the Internet, the method for distributing IP addresses was less formal, resulting in some organisations receiving disproportionately large address ranges.

The RIRs were formed to provide a better way of distributing addresses. They have been successful at developing fair and equitable distribution policies. They have also helped to provide stability of the address pool and routing tables throughout a long period of rapid growth.

What happens when IPv4 addresses run out?

The Internet, in its current form, already has. According to the Number Resource Organization, the world officially ran out of IPv4 addresses in February 2011 .

The only option now is to divide the allocated properties into smaller portions or to start trading what’s already been assigned – both moves could complicate and compromise your privacy.

Did you find this resource helpful? By donating any amount, you help fund more research and content like this.

Related resources, ipv6 security for ipv4 engineers.

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IPv6 Security Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Executive Summary The Internet Society recognises that global deployment of the IPv6 protocol is paramount to accommodate the present...

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Number Resources

We are responsible for global coordination of the Internet Protocol addressing systems, as well as the Autonomous System Numbers used for routing Internet traffic.

Currently there are two types of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in active use: IP version 4 (IPv4) and IP version 6 (IPv6). IPv4 was initially deployed on 1 January 1983 and is still the most commonly used version. IPv4 addresses are 32-bit numbers often expressed as 4 octets in “dotted decimal” notation (for example, 192.0.2.53 ). Deployment of the IPv6 protocol began in 1999. IPv6 addresses are 128-bit numbers and are conventionally expressed using hexadecimal strings (for example, 2001:0db8:582:ae33::29 ).

Both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses are generally assigned in a hierarchical manner. Users are assigned IP addresses by Internet service providers (ISPs). ISPs obtain allocations of IP addresses from a local Internet registry (LIR) or National Internet Registry (NIR), or from their appropriate Regional Internet Registry (RIR):

Registry	Area Covered
	Africa Region
	Asia/Pacific Region
	Canada, USA, and some Caribbean Islands
	Latin America and some Caribbean Islands
	Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia

Our primary role for IP addresses is to allocate pools of unallocated addresses to the RIRs according to their needs as described by global policy and to document protocol assignments made by the IETF . When an RIR requires more IP addresses for allocation or assignment within its region, we make an additional allocation to the RIR. We do not make allocations directly to ISPs or end users except in specific circumstances, such as allocations of multicast addresses or other protocol specific needs.

IP Address Allocations

Internet protocol version 4 (ipv4).

IPv4 Address Space
IPv4 Multicast Address Assignments
IPv4 Special Purpose Address Registry
IPv4 Recovered Address Space Registry
Bootstrap Service Registry for IPv4 Address Space

Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)

IPv6 Address Space
IPv6 Global Unicast Allocations
IPv6 Parameters (Parameters described for IPv6, including header types, action codes, etc.)
IPv6 Anycast Address Allocations
IPv6 Multicast Address Allocations
IPv6 Sub-TLA Assignments (DEPRECATED)
IANA IPv6 Special Registry
Bootstrap Service Registry for IPv6 Address Space
Announcement of Worldwide Deployment of IPv6 (14 July 1999)
RIR Comparative Policy Overview

Autonomous System Number Allocations

Autonomous System Numbers
Special-Purpose AS Number Assignments
Bootstrap Service Registry for AS Number Space
Internet Number Resource Request Procedure

Regional Internet Registry Creation

Criteria for Establishment of New Regional Internet Registries (ICP-2) (4 June 2001)
IANA Report on Recognition of LACNIC as a Regional Internet Registry (7 November 2002)
IANA Report on Recognition of AfriNIC as a Regional Internet Registry (8 April 2005)

Technical Documentation

RFC 4632 — Classless Inter-domain Routing (CIDR): The Internet Address Assignment and Aggregation Plan
RFC 1918 — Address Allocation for Private Internets
RFC 5737 — IPv4 Address Blocks Reserved for Documentation
RFC 4291 — Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) Addressing Architecture
RFC 3587 — IPv6 Global Unicast Address Format
RFC 6177 — IPv6 Address Assignment to End Sites
RFC 6890 — Special-Purpose IP Address Registries
RFC 7020 — The Internet Numbers Registry System
RFC 7249 — Internet Numbers Registries
Locally Served DNS Zones

Ipconfig Configure Static IP Address in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up a static IP address on your Windows 11 computer is like giving your device a permanent home address on the internet. This can be useful if you want to set up a server, remote access, or just ensure a consistent connection. To do this, you’ll dive into the network settings, enter some numbers, and save your changes.

Step by Step Tutorial to Configure Static IP Address in Windows 11

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick primer on what you’ll be doing: you’ll access the network settings, select your connection, and manually input IP information to replace the automatic settings.

Step 1: Open Network Settings

Open your Windows 11 settings and go to the network section.

Network settings are the control center for all things internet on your computer. By accessing these settings, you’re taking the first step towards customizing how your device connects to the world wide web.

Step 2: Edit IP Assignment

Find and click on the ‘Edit’ button under IP assignment.

This is where you’ll switch from having your IP address automatically assigned (usually by your router) to entering your own fixed numbers.

Step 3: Select Manual

In the edit network screen, select ‘Manual’ from the dropdown menu.

By selecting manual, you’re telling your computer that you’re the boss and you’ll be providing the IP address details.

Step 4: Enter IP Information

Enter the static IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway information.

This is the most technical part. You’ll need to know the right numbers to put here. They’ll typically come from your internet service provider or network administrator.

Step 5: Save Changes

Save your changes and exit the settings.

Once you’ve entered all the right numbers and double-checked them, hit save, and you’ve successfully set up a static IP address!

After you complete these steps, your Windows 11 machine will use the static IP address you’ve set. This means that every time your device connects to the network, it will use the same IP address, which can help in various networking scenarios.

Tips for Configuring Static IP Address in Windows 11

Ensure you have the correct IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information before starting.
Always double-check the numbers you enter to avoid connectivity issues.
If you’re not sure what numbers to use, consult your internet service provider or network administrator.
Remember that setting a static IP address might cause conflicts if other devices are using the same address; make sure it’s unique within your network.
If you encounter connectivity problems after setting a static IP address, you can always switch back to automatic IP assignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a static ip address.

A static IP address is a fixed address assigned to your computer that doesn’t change over time.

Why would I want to set a static IP address?

You might want a static IP if you’re setting up a server, need remote access, or want a consistent connection without the risk of your IP changing.

Will setting a static IP address make my internet faster?

Not necessarily. It’s more about consistency and control than speed.

Can I set a static IP address on a Wi-Fi connection?

Yes, you can set it on any type of network connection, including Wi-Fi.

What if I set the wrong static IP address?

If you enter incorrect information, you might lose your internet connection. Double-check your numbers or revert to automatic assignment to fix this.

Open Network Settings
Edit IP Assignment
Select Manual
Enter IP Information
Save Changes

Configuring a static IP address in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can bring several benefits to your network management. Whether you’re a gamer wanting to host uninterrupted gaming sessions, a professional needing stable remote access, or just someone keen on organizing their network, a static IP address is a way to go. Remember to always have the right information on hand before you start, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re unsure about the numbers you need to input. With the steps provided, you’re well on your way to a more stable and predictable network experience. Keep in mind that while static IP addresses have many advantages, they may not be necessary for everyone. Assess your needs, do your homework, and if it all adds up, take the plunge and give your Windows 11 device that permanent spot on the digital map.

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

How to configure a static IP on Windows 10 or 11

Do you need to switch from a dynamic to a static IP address configuration on Windows 11 or 10? Here's how.

Windows 11 static IP
Windows 10 static IP

On Windows, the router's Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server is (usually) responsible for assigning a dynamic Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) configuration to every device in the network, including to your computer running Windows 11 or Windows 10.

Although a dynamic IP address is the recommended configuration for most situations, you may need to change to a static IP address if you're thinking about setting up a printer or file sharing, or you have to configure port forwarding on the router to your computer.

The reason is that a dynamic network configuration can change at any time after the lease from the DHCP expires and if the address changes, network resources you may have configured will stop working. Setting a static IP address will always stay the same on the computer, allowing a more reliable experience sharing resources in the network or forwarding ports.

Whatever the reason, on Windows 10 and 11, you have many ways to configure a static TCP/IP address, including using the Settings app and Command Prompt.

This guide will walk you through the different ways to configure a static network configuration on Windows 11 and 10.

How to set a static TCP/IP network configuration on Windows 11

On Windows 11, you can change your computer's dynamic IP configuration to static in at least two ways through the Settings app or commands.

Configure IP from Settings app

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To assign a permanent TCP/IP configuration on Windows 11, use these steps:

Open Settings .
Click on Network & internet .
(Optional) Click on Advanced network settings .
Under the "More settings" section, click on Hardware and connection properties.
Note the current IPv4 , Subnet mask , Default Gateway , and DNS server addresses to determine the new configuration, as it has to be in the same network scope.
Click the Ethernet or Wi-Fi page on the right side from the "Network & internet." page.

Quick note: If you select the Wi-Fi page, you need to click on the connection properties to access the network settings.
Click on the Edit button for the "IP assignment" setting.

Select the Manual option from the drop-down menu.
Turn on the IPv4 toggle switch.
Confirm the IP address for the computer – for example, 10.1.4.90.
Confirm the subnet mask for the configuration – for example, 255.255.255.0.
Confirm the default gateway address (usually your router's IP) – for example, 10.1.4.1.
Confirm the preferred DNS address – for example, 10.1.4.1.

Quick note: In a home network, you may also be able to use the router's IP address for the DNS configuration. You can also use third-party DNS services like Google Public DNS, Cloudflare, Cisco's OpenDNS, and others.
(Optional) Select the "On (automatic template)" option for the "DNS over HTTPS" setting and leave the "Fallback to plaintext" option disabled unless you want to encrypted as well as unencrypted traffic or you're troubleshooting connectivity.
Quick note: DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a feature that encrypts the DNS queries over the HTTPS protocol to improve security and privacy on the internet. You only want to enable this feature if the DNS server supports this feature.
Confirm the alternate DNS address (if applicable).
(Optional) Select the "On (automatic template)" option for the "DNS over HTTPS" setting and leave the "Fallback to plaintext" option disabled.
Click the Save button.

Once you complete the steps, the computer will start using the static network configuration. If everything has been configured correctly, you should be able to open the web browser to access the internet.

If you entered an address (such as the DNS address) and then changed it, you probably won't be able to save the settings. If this is the case, cancel the configuration, start over, enter the correct configuration, and then try to save the settings.

Configure IP from Command Prompt

To set a static TCP/IP configuration on Windows 11, use these steps:

Open Start .
Search for Command Prompt , right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
Type the following command to see your current networking configuration and press Enter : ipconfig /all
Confirm the name of the adapter and the networking configuration, including the IPv4 , Subnet mask , Default Gateway , and DNS Servers .

Type the following command to configure a static TCP/IP address and press Enter : netsh interface ip set address name= "ADAPTER-NAME" static IP-ADDRESS SUBNET-ADDRESS DEFAULT-GATEWAY-ADDRESS

In the above command, replace ADAPTER-NAME with the name of your network adapter. Change IP-ADDRESS SUBNET-ADDRESS DEFAULT-GATEWAY-ADDRESS with the device IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway addresses you want. For example, this command sets the 10.1.4.90, 255.255.255.0, 10.1.4.1 configuration: netsh interface ip set address name="Ethernet 10Gb" static 10.1.4.90 255.255.255.0 10.1.4.1

Type the following command to set a DNS server address and press Enter : netsh interface ip set dns name="ADAPTER-NAME" static DNS-ADDRESS

In the command, change ADAPTER-NAME with your adapter's name and DNS-ADDRESS with the DNS server address of the network. For example, this command sets the local router as the DNS server: netsh interface ip set dns name="Ethernet 10Gb" static 10.1.4.1

Type the following command to set an alternate DNS server address and press Enter : netsh interface ip add dns name="ADAPTER-NAME" DNS-ADDRESS index=2

In the command, change ADAPTER-NAME with the adapter's name and DNS-ADDRESS with an alternate DNS server address. For example, netsh interface ip add dns name="Ethernet 10Gb" 1.1.1.1 index=2

After you complete the steps, the commands will set a static network configuration on Windows 11.

How to set a static TCP/IP network configuration on Windows 10

On Windows 10, you can also use the Settings app and Command Prompt to set up a static IP network configuration.

To assign a permanent TCP/IP configuration on Windows 10, use these steps:

Click on Ethernet or Wi-Fi .
Click on the active connection on the right side.

Click the Edit button for the "IP assignment" setting.

Select the Manual option.
Confirm the subnet prefix length (subnet mask) for the configuration – for example, 24 to specify the 255.255.255.0 subnet mask.

Quick tip: It's important to use the number that represents the network instead of the subnet mask. Otherwise, the configuration won't save. If you don't know the subnet prefix length for your subnet mask, you can use any online subnet calculator to find out.

Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will start using the static IP configuration. If you lose network connectivity, restart the computer to regain access to the local network and internet.

To change from dynamic to static IP address with commands on Windows 10, use these steps:

In the command, change ADAPTER-NAME with the adapter's name and DNS-ADDRESS with an alternate DNS server address. For example, netsh interface ip add dns name="Ethernet0" 1.1.1.1 index=2

After you complete the steps, the network configuration will switch from dynamic to static on Windows 10.

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.

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What is IPv4 Autoconfiguration and why it overwrites static IP

I have to connect to a router with a static IP and subnet (machine automation, not internet). In ipconfig, subnet mask shows the subnet address I inputed but the IP is assigned a different one from the address I inputted. The previous computer connects properly and the only difference I notice in ipconfig is the new computer has "Autoconfiguration IPv4".

What is IPv4 Autoconfiguration? IP should be assigned from the router's DHCP, and if there is a IP-MAC conflict I should receive an error message. Why is IPv4 Autoconfiguration appear in PC's command prompt instead of the usual IPv4 in this case?

Googling yield a solution but that require modification of the registry to disable Autoconfiguration. I had already had the latest driver update. I suspect there is an alternative solution.

wireless-networking

Please provide a screenshot of the network connection’s IPv4 properties, where you entered your desired IP address etc. – Daniel B Commented Aug 22, 2017 at 6:09
Picture uploaded. As you see I set IP to be 100.0.0.255/255.255.0.0 but ipconfig shows Autoconfiguration IPv4 169.254.196.218/255.255.0.0 – KMC Commented Aug 22, 2017 at 6:55
It might be that Windows incorrectly assumes that .255 is an incorrect IP, but it is valid with that subnet mask. Did you try any other IP addresses? – Paul Commented Aug 22, 2017 at 6:59
Unfortunately I cannot since the device is fixed sending message only to 255. Why would OS autoconfiguration IPv4? Shouldn't that be the job of the router's DHCP? – KMC Commented Aug 22, 2017 at 7:11
Just making sure: You’re positive you set up the correct network adapter? – Daniel B Commented Aug 22, 2017 at 7:19

6 Answers 6

The screenshot shows an IPv4 address that start with 169.254.

This is from the "link local" range (e.g., RFC 3927 page 31 discusses what Windows XP using these addresses). Some people call these addresses "APIPA" addresses, named after Windows XP's process called Automatic Private IP Assignment (APIPA).

It seems that as technology has advanced, there are now two causes that commonly resulting in an address in this range.

Windows will use this if it is set to use DHCP, and it tries to get an address from a DHCP server, and fails.
"Duplicate Address Detection" ("DAD") has resulted in noticing an IP address conflict. From the comments that have been made, it seems that the feature of "Duplicate Address Detection" detection may also result in automatically assigning a different IP address, even if an IP address is statically configured.

The potential fixes to having such an address can be:

check the logs to see if there is anything mentioned about a duplicate IP address. If so, try to determine what other device had that address, and why it did. If it got that address by DHCP, try to determine which DHCP server was used by each address that got that address, and troubleshoot the DHCP server(s). (Note that accidentally having an unknown extra DHCP server might be a common cause for this.)
get DHCP communication functioning successfully,
or to go to the NIC properties and specify an "Alternate Configuration" process that uses a specified "User configuration", or to use a static IP address.

Why DHCP isn't working is a separate question. This is the correct answer for specifically what you asked, which is: "What is IPv4 Autoconfiguration".

As for why DCHP overwrites static IP: DHCP usually doesn't. If you see an Autoconfiguration address in Microsoft Windows, then you're not using a "static IP" assignment. (Instead, you're configured to be trying to use DHCP, or DAD is taking effect.)

According to one comment (which was made via a proposed suggested edit), newer versions of Microsoft Windows may silently set an autoconfig IP (instead of showing a message on the screen). This is likely caused by DAD.

Trying to disable DAD might not be a great way to fix the problem, as that may cause the computer to start working on the desired IP address, but not address the issue that another device is trying to use the same IP address (which may cause problems immediately, or later when the other device starts being more active again).

It's worth noting that in the time since this answer was written, RFC 3927 has been rejected . – Brett Holman Commented Jun 6, 2022 at 14:11
4 @BrettHolman I don't see that being the case. Having reviewed this (because I understand an RFC may be deprecated/obsoleted, but never heard of an RFC being "rejected"), I've determined that Errata ID 6293 has been rejected. Errata ID 6293 seems to be a proposed complaint/correction/update about RFC 3927, and this Errata was probably rejected due to a procedural concern: the rejector seems to indicate that if that text is going to be properly updated than that should happen by drafting a new RFC, not making an Errata on the old RFC. (So the RFC itself was never "rejected" that I can see.) – TOOGAM Commented Jun 15, 2022 at 18:43
Thank you for the clarification, I mistook the attached Errata rejection for rejection of the RFC. I really appreciate the response :) – Brett Holman Commented Jun 16, 2022 at 14:38
To disable DAD , I needed to add my user to the "Network Configuration Operators" group on the lusrmgr.msc app (following learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/536989/… ), then run Set-NetIPInterface -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet" -AddressFamily IPv4 -DadTransmits 0 on powershell (run as admin). Then when I ran netsh interface ip set address name="Ethernet" static $DESIRED_IP_ADDRESS $NETMASK , it updates in ipconfig correctly. – Ben Butterworth Commented Sep 4 at 12:38

As the alternative to editing registry you can try this solution:

open command line
check id of network connection - it will be in the 1st column: netsh interface ipv4 show inter
run this command replacing <id> with id of your network connection: netsh interface ipv4 set interface <id> dadtransmits=0 store=persistent
open services.msc and disable dhcp client
disconnect network cable, restart computer, start dhcp client service and plug in network cable

source: http://the-it-wonders.blogspot.com/2013/04/autoconfiguration-ipv4-address-196254xx.html

Since I can't add comment to TOOGAM's answer: autoconfiguration apparently can overwrite static ip configuration. Today I had a laptop (with Windows 10, version 1709) that couldn't access network and had both static ip and autoconfiguration ip visible in ipconfig output even though I put static ip in network card configuration.

Thanks jacob_w. This happened to us today too for no apparent reason, and your fix made it work. We've done many machines the same way and this is the first time we've seen this, so go figure. If anyone works out the actual reason this happens, please post. – radsdau Commented Jun 12, 2018 at 6:11
I feel pretty certain that steps 4 and 5 could be replaced by this: run IPConfig /release and then run IPConfig /renew . That may take a while, but would be faster (and easier) than the steps 4 and 5 provided, and would fully accomplish the critical steps that would happen by performing the longer steps 4 and 5 listed here. The basic reason either approach (either version of steps 4 and 5) would work is simply re-attempting a DHCP Discover or DHCP Request communication. – TOOGAM Commented Dec 15, 2019 at 14:24
1 If that works, the typical real problem is unreliability with the DHCP process. That could happen due to bad networking (bad center of cables, loose connection in the connectors of cables, wireless signal interference, filled DHCP scope which may randomly have an available address based on other devices)... maybe too many possible causes to list them all here, but not caused by a bad registry setting. – TOOGAM Commented Dec 15, 2019 at 14:28

I had the same issue and in my case i had a static IP

So the Comment by another person "As for why it overwrites static IP: It doesn't. -- Is Incorrect

In my scenario it was one of the VMs and there was another VM with the same IP. Instead of throwing the error about duplicate IP in my case it performed Auto Configuration

1 this was my issue. i'm working with a printer that has a static ip of 192.168.123.100. I connected this printer to my laptop through ethernet, and also set the NIC ip to be 192.168.123.100, but because it conflicted with the printer's ip, the NIC defaulted back to 169.254. – Simon Commented Sep 12, 2019 at 18:22
On professionally-run networks I've encountered, we didn't typically have encounter duplicate addresses, so "duplicate address detection" wasn't actively affecting things. The " Obtain an IP address automatically " option basically boiled down to attempting DHCP, and if that failed, using the Alternate Configuration tab (which was usually unconfigured, resulting in APIPA assigning an IPv4 (169.254.*) link-local address. The " Use the following address " option resulted in a static IP, not causing DHCP or Link-Local to work. – TOOGAM Commented Dec 15, 2019 at 14:41
I suspect that if Duplicate Address Detection (DAD) is being particularly useful, that may be because of some sort of issue with DHCP (e.g., server doesn't exist on the LAN being used, which may be quite likely with some "virtual machine" setups... or a filled DHCP scope, which may be remedied with an increased scope size or figuring out what is using up the addresses in an existing scope). My inclination would be to figure out why DHCP is not being a working, reliable solution, and trying to address that as a problem. (Of course, that works for me, who knows how to set up/troubleshoot DHCP) – TOOGAM Commented Dec 15, 2019 at 14:44
2 Question is about static IP – SeanClt Commented Dec 15, 2019 at 15:21

I had the same issue. I read that this is because the NIC card is not working properly, even though the Ethernet card said it was working properly. I have an HP desktop computer. I went to HP support, downloaded and reinstalled the Realtek Ethernet Controller Drivers for it and it fixed the card problem. No more autoconfiguration ipv4 address. Hope this help others.

2 You say "No more autoconfiguration ipv4 address." But that's wrong, based on the output you quote, as the output says " Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes ". What is true is that you didn't get an Autoconfiguration address from the "Link-local" (IPv4 169.254.*) range. Instead, your Autoconfiguration successfully got an address from the DHCP server, which is identified in your output on the line that says " DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 172.16.0.1 ". So whatever device is at 172.16.0.1 (which is also your Default Gateway, so is some type of router) served you well, with DHCP. – TOOGAM Commented Dec 15, 2019 at 14:32

Its caused by a conflicting IP address. (Someone else on the same network has the same IP).

Changing the static IP helped me, but i am aware its not always practical. For me it worked because i connect to this computer alone.

1 Your answer could be improved with additional supporting information. Please edit to add further details, such as citations or documentation, so that others can confirm that your answer is correct. You can find more information on how to write good answers in the help center . – Community Bot Commented May 4, 2023 at 12:06

I had the same issue.

I had a hyper-v instance with several network adapters, all set with static IP addresses.

One instance was set up with 8 network adapters, all static IP. One adapter would have an auto configured ipv4 169 address, eventhough I set it with a static IP. Very frustrating, and after trying many other things I figured it out. It had been set with a static IP address that was already taken by another device. Simply changing the static IP address fixed the autoconfigured 169 issue.

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How-To Geek

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What is an ip address, what's the difference between ipv4 and ipv6, how does a device get its ip address.

Every device connected to a network---computer, tablet, camera, whatever---needs a unique identifier so that other devices know how to reach it. In the world of TCP/IP networking, that identifier is the Internet Protocol (IP) address.

If you've worked with computers for any amount of time, you've likely been exposed to IP addresses---those numerical sequences that look something like 192.168.0.15. Most of the time, we don't have to deal with them directly, since our devices and networks take care of that stuff behind the scenes. When we do have to deal with them, we often just follow instructions about what numbers to put where. But, if you've ever wanted to dive a little deeper into what those numbers mean, this article is for you.

Related: 8 Common Network Utilities Explained

Why should you care? Well, understanding how IP addresses work is vital if you ever want to troubleshoot why your network isn't working right , or why a particular device isn't connecting the way you'd expect it to. And, if you ever need to set up something a little more advanced---like hosting a game server or media server to which friends from the internet can connect---you'll need to know something about IP addressing. Plus, it's kind of fascinating.

Note: We're going to be covering the basics of IP addressing in this article, the kind of stuff that people who use IP addresses, but never really thought much about them, might want to know. We're not going to be covering some of the more advanced, or professional, level stuff, like IP classes, classless routing, and custom subnetting...but we will point to some sources for further reading as we go along.

An IP address uniquely identifies a device on a network. You've seen these addresses before; they look something like 192.168.1.34.

An IP address is always a set of four numbers like that. Each number can range from 0 to 255. So, the full IP addressing range goes from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255.

The reason each number can only reach up to 255 is that each of the numbers is really an eight digit binary number (sometimes called an octet). In an octet, the number zero would be 00000000, while the number 255 would be 11111111, the maximum number the octet can reach. That IP address we mentioned before (192.168.1.34) in binary would look like this: 11000000.10101000.00000001.00100010.

Computers work with the binary format, but we humans find it much easier to work with the decimal format. Still, knowing that the addresses are actually binary numbers will help us understand why some things surrounding IP addresses work the way they do.

Don't worry, though! We're not going to be throwing a lot of binary or math at you in this article, so just bear with us a bit longer.

The Two Parts of An IP Address

A device's IP address actually consists of two separate parts:

Network ID: The network ID is a part of the IP address starting from the left that identifies the specific network on which the device is located. On a typical home network, where a device has the IP address 192.168.1.34, the 192.168.1 part of the address will be the network ID. It's custom to fill in the missing final part with a zero, so we might say that the network ID of the device is 192.168.1.0.
Host ID: The host ID is the part of the IP address not taken up by the network ID. It identifies a specific device (in the TCP/IP world, we call devices "hosts") on that network. Continuing our example of the IP address 192.168.1.34, the host ID would be 34---the host's unique ID on the 192.168.1.0 network.

On your home network, then, you might see several devices with IP address like 192.168.1.1, 192.168.1.2, 192.168.1 30, and 192.168.1.34. All of these are unique devices (with host IDs 1, 2, 30, and 34 in this case) on the same network (with the network ID 192.168.1.0).

To picture all this a little better, let's turn to an analogy. It's pretty similar to how street addresses work within a city. Take an address like 2013 Paradise Street. The street name is like the network ID, and the house number is like the host ID. Within a city, no two streets will be named the same, just like no two network IDs on the same network will be named the same. On a particular street, every house number is unique, just like all host iDs within a particular network ID are unique.

The Subnet Mask

So, how does your device determine which part of the IP address is the network ID and which part the host ID? For that, they use a second number that you'll always see in association with an IP address. That number is called the subnet mask.

On most simple networks (like the ones in homes or small businesses), you'll see subnet masks like 255.255.255.0, where all four numbers are either 255 or 0. The position of the changes from 255 to 0 indicate the division between the network and host ID. The 255s "mask out" the network ID from the equation.

Note: The basic subnet masks we're describing here are known as default subnet masks. Things get more complicated than this on bigger networks. People often use custom subnet masks (where the position of the break between zeros and ones shifts within an octet) to create multiple subnets on the same network. That's a little beyond the scope of this article, but if you're interested, Cisco has a pretty good guide on subnetting .

The Default Gateway Address

Related: Understanding Routers, Switches, and Network Hardware

In addition to the IP address itself and the associated subnet mask, you'll also see a default gateway address listed along with IP addressing information. Depending on the platform you're using, this address might be called something different. It's sometimes called the "router," "router address," default route," or just "gateway." These are all the same thing. It's the default IP address to which a device sends network data when that data is intended to go to a different network (one with a different network ID) than the one the device is on.

The simplest example of this is found in a typical home network.

If you have a home network with multiple devices, you likely have a router that's connected to the internet through a modem. That router might be a separate device, or it might be part of a modem/router combo unit supplied by your internet provider. The router sits between the computers and devices on your network and the more public-facing devices on the internet, passing (or routing) traffic back and forth.

Say you fire up your browser and head to www.howtogeek.com. Your computer sends a request to our site's IP address. Since our servers are on the internet rather than on your home network, that traffic is sent from your PC to your router (the gateway), and your router forwards the request on to our server. The server sends the right information back to your router, which then routes the information back to the device that requested it, and you see our site pop up in your browser.

Typically, routers are configured by default to have their private IP address (their address on the local network) as the first host ID. So, for example, on a home network that uses 192.168.1.0 for a network ID, the router is usually going to be 192.168.1.1. Of course, like most things, you can configure that to be something different if you want.

Related: How to Find Your Router's IP Address on Any Computer, Smartphone, or Tablet

DNS Servers

There's one final piece of information you'll see assigned alongside a device's IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway address: the addresses of one or two default Domain Name System (DNS) servers. We humans work much better with names than numerical addresses. Typing www.howtogeek.com into your browser's address bar is much easier than remembering and typing our site's IP address.

DNS works kind of like a phone book, looking up human-readable things like website names, and converting those to IP addresses. DNS does this by storing all that information on a system of linked DNS servers across the internet. Your devices need to know the addresses of DNS servers to which to send their queries.

Related: What Is DNS, and Should I Use Another DNS Server?

On a typical small or home network, the DNS server IP addresses are often the same as the default gateway address. Devices send their DNS queries to your router, which then forwards the requests on to whatever DNS servers the router is configured to use. By default, these are usually whatever DNS servers your ISP provides, but you can change those to use different DNS servers if you want. Sometimes, you might have better success using DNS servers provided by third parties , like Google or OpenDNS.

You also may have noticed while browsing through settings a different type of IP address, called an IPv6 address. The types of IP addresses we've talked about so far are addresses used by IP version 4 (IPv4)---a protocol developed in the late 70s. They use the 32 binary bits we talked about (in four octets) to provide a total of 4.29 billion possible unique addresses. While that sounds like a lot, all the publicly available addresses were long ago assigned to businesses. Many of them are unused, but they are assigned and unavailable for general use.

In the mid-90s, worried about the potential shortage of IP addresses, the internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) designed IPv6. IPv6 uses a 128-bit address instead of the 32-bit address of IPv4, so the total number of unique addresses is measured in the undecillions---a number big enough that it's unlikely to ever run out.

Unlike the dotted decimal notation used in IPv4, IPv6 addresses are expressed as eight number groups, divided by colons. Each group has four hexadecimal digits that represents 16 binary digits (so, it's referred to as a hextet). A typical IPv6 address might look something like this:

2601:7c1:100:ef69:b5ed:ed57:dbc0:2c1e

The thing is, the shortage of IPv4 addresses that caused all the concern ended up being mitigated to a large extent by the increased use of private IP addresses behind routers. More and more people created their own private networks, using those private IP addresses that aren't exposed publicly.

So, even though IPv6 is still a major player and that transition will still happen, it never happened as fully as predicted---at least not yet. If you're interested in learning more, check out this history and timeline of IPv6 .

Now that you know the basics of how IP addresses work, let's talk about how devices get their IP addresses in the first place. There are really two types of IP assignments: dynamic and static.

Related: How to Find Any Device's IP Address, MAC Address, and Other Network Connection Details

A dynamic IP address is assigned automatically when a device connects to a network. The vast majority of networks today (including your home network) use something called Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to make this happen. DHCP is built into your router. When a device connects to the network, it sends out a broadcast message requesting an IP address. DHCP intercepts this message, and then assigns an IP address to that device from a pool of available IP addresses.

There are certain private IP address ranges routers will use for this purpose. Which is used depends on who made your router, or how you have set things up yourself. Those private IP ranges include:

10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255: If you're a Comcast/Xfinity customer, the router provided by your ISP assigns addresses in this range. Some other ISPs also use these addresses on their routers, as does Apple on their AirPort routers.
192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255: Most commercial routers are set up to assign IP addresses in this range. For example, most Linksys routers use the 192.168.1.0 network, while D-Link and Netgear both use the 198.168.0.0 range
172.16.0.0 - 172.16.255.255: This range is rarely used by any commercial vendors by default.
169.254.0.0 - 169.254.255.255: This is a special range used by a protocol named Automatic Private IP Addressing. If your computer (or other device) is set up to retrieve its IP address automatically, but cannot find a DHCP server, it assigns itself an address in this range. If you see one of these addresses, it tells you that your device could not reach the DHCP server when it came time to get an IP address, and you may have a networking issue or trouble with your router.

The thing about dynamic addresses is that they can sometimes change. DHCP servers lease IP addresses to devices, and when those leases are up, the devices must renew the lease. Sometimes, devices will get a different IP address from the pool of addresses the server can assign.

Most of the time, this is not a big deal, and everything will "just work". Occasionally, however, you might want to give a device an IP address that does not change. For example, maybe you have a device that you need to access manually, and you find it easier to remember an IP address than a name. Or maybe you have certain apps that can only connect to network devices using their IP address.

In those cases, you can assign a static IP address to those devices. There are a couple of ways to do this. You can manually configure the device with a static IP address yourself, although this can sometimes be janky. The other, more elegant solution is to configure your router to assign static IP addresses to certain devices during what would normally be dynamic assignment by the DHCP server. That way, the IP address never changes, but you don't interrupt the DHCP process that keeps everything working smoothly.

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You are here, explained: how is my ip assigned / determined (ipv4).

Infopackets Reader Izzy M. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I am trying to figure out how IP addresses are assigned using IPv4 (IP addressing version 4), but can't seem to find a straight answer online. My question: is there a certain number that my IP address has to be? Is there any correlation between my IP address, subnet mask and default gateway? How is my IP address assigned or determined? Thank you in advance! "

My response:

I think the reason you can't find an answer to this question is because this is an extremely broad question. To put this as simple as possible: the answer to your question depends on your network class (A, B, C, D). The network class then determines whether you are referring to a public IP address which is assigned to your modem by your Internet provider, or a private IP address which is typically assigned by your router on a home network.

Related: How Do I Change my IP Address (IP Banned) ?

Your IP address (with respect to IPv4) is derived from three main things:

1. Your network class (A, B, C, D) - this defines whether you're using a public IP address (from your Internet provider) or a private IP address (typically assigned by your router, on your home network). For the record you can review a list of public IPs (IPv4) here .

2. The subnet , which defines how many IPs are assigned to the network class range

3. Whether the IP is leased or permanent ( static or dynamic )

How an IP is Assigned on a Home Network (IPv4)

Let's look at a typical example for a home user.

Internet access is provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) ; data travels from the Internet to a modem inside your home (usually). A router connects to the modem and allows your home network to communicate to the outside world (to the Internet).

The router usually has DHCP (dynamic host control protocol) enabled by default. The purpose of DHCP is to automatically assign any device on your network an IPv4 address. This allows you to share the Internet across multiple devices in your home (or office), and even communicate with other devices across your entire private network.

Here's where things get a bit more technical.

The subnet mask is used to define a subnet range on the network. As a typical example, most routers are assigned a class C range. Class C is defined as having IPs 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255 , which yields a total of 2,097,150 usable IP addresses . This is far too large for most home networks; as such, a subnet mask is applied to yield a smaller range of usable IPs on the network.

Thus, a typical network class C range (for use at home) would be 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.2.254 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 , yielding 254 usable IP addresses. There is a mathematical way to derive how IPs are subnetted , which I will not get into - but you read read up on, if you want.

Of that IP range, certain IPs are reserved for special cases. For example:

192.168.0.1 is usually the default gateway (also used for the router administration page)
192.168.0.2 - 192.168.0.100 are usually reserved for dynamic addresses , controlled by DHCP ; these IPs are leased and expire over time, thus DHCP IPs are not always the same
129.168.0.101 - 192.168.0.254 are usually reserved for static IPs
192.168.0.255 is the broadcast IP

Assigning an IPv4 Address: Using DHCP or Static IPs

On a typical home network, an IPv4 address is assigned depending on how the router and your machine are configured.

By default, DHCP (dynamic host control protocol) is enabled on the router. This means that the router will automatically assign an IP address to any device on the network automatically according to the DHCP IP range . The DHCP range is defined in the router administration page. Using the example above, the range would be 192.168.0.2 to 192.168.0.100.

If you prefer to set a static IP rather than one through DHCP, this would be done by adjusting your network adapter settings in the operating system. For example, if you have a ' server ' or ' media pc ' machine in the home and you want to use the same IP address for that device all the time (instead of a random IP address), then a static IP address makes more sense.

I hope this answers your question.

Keep in mind that this is an extremely broad question with many variables involved. That said, in the case of 'home networking' this answer should fit. In the case of how an IP is assigned using an Internet Provider : the same ideas apply, except DHCP is controlled by the Internet Provider and IPs are leased for a certain duration of time (especially if your modem or router loses power).

Got a Computer Question or Problem? Ask Dennis!

About the author : Dennis Faas is the owner and operator of Infopackets.com. With over 30 years of computing experience, Dennis' areas of expertise are a broad range and include PC hardware, Microsoft Windows, Linux, network administration, and virtualization. Dennis holds a Bachelors degree in Computer Science (1999) and has authored 6 books on the topics of MS Windows and PC Security. If you like the advice you received on this page, please up-vote / Like this page and share it with friends. For technical support inquiries, Dennis can be reached via Live chat online this site using the Zopim Chat service (currently located at the bottom left of the screen); optionally, you can contact Dennis through the website contact form .

DHCP (dynamic host control

DHCP (dynamic host control protocol)

I know you will get some more comments on this so I am giving you a heads up. DHCP is most commonly referred to as Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). It appears that it can be called Dynamic Host Control Protocol as referenced on the below noted Cisco page but its technical name is Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. The header in the Cisco page uses the word control but the rest of the page references it as configuration. It may be a country related variation that I am not aware of and if so ignore my post please.

(https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/ios-nx-os-software/dynamic-host-control-protocol-dhcp-domain-name-system-dns/index.html)

Used interchangeably

Dynamic Host Control Protocol and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol are used interchangeably but refer to the exact same thing. Thanks for pointing it out. Old school users like myself refer to it as Dynamic Host Control Protocol.

IP assignment

It would be good to point out that every IPv4 address has 4 numerical values separated by a period. Each of these values range between 0-255. Every ISP has a range of public IPs they assign to their customers. These IPs are given to your home gateway or router. This allows your router to communicate with your ISP's system. All residential/consumer accounts have a dynamic IP assignment, which means that the IP changes every so often. The normal standard is 7 days, and does not always change when the router reboots. However this is normally something you would not see within your home network.

Like Dennis said, most home routers will have a config/gateway IP address of 192.168.x.x. Those x's are either 0's or 1's, depending on what the manufacturer sets. With router DHCP configurations, some default to start IP assignments in the 192.168.x.100 range. If you decide that you want to set static IP assignments for your devices within your home network, note that they all have to match the first 3 fields in the IP address and cannot be the same as the gateway IP. (Unless you change your subnet mask, which then complicates things.) So if your router is configured with a gateway IP of 192.168.1.0, then your devices can have any IP address that falls within the range of 192.168.1.(1-255).

DHCP normally assigns IP addresses in sequential order starting with the first device it connects with. So if the gateway is 192.168.1.0 and it's set to start from the 100 range, the first device will be assigned 192.168.1.100, the next will be 192.168.1.101, and so forth.

For your public IP assigned to you by your ISP they have bigger routers that essentially do the same thing, for your neighborhood, only they can be confogured with a wider range of IP addresses.

I hope this digs a bit deeper, but doesn't get confusing for those who are wanting to learn a bit more. The IP classes & subnet masks are more for high-level corporate networks where they need to separate networks or merge location networks for purposes of maintaining an intranet or VPN connection, which then goes beyond the scope of my own knowledge.

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Static vs Dynamic IP Addresses: Everything You Need to Know

Static IP, featured image, illustration.

Every computer that’s connected to the internet has an Internet Protocol (IP) address . However, not all IP addresses look or behave the same way.

Understanding the difference between dynamic and static IPs is vital if you’re working with computer networks or servers. By learning more about each protocol, you can choose the most appropriate solution for your needs.

In this article, we’ll discuss the difference between static vs dynamic IPs. We’ll also help you figure out your IP address and explain how to assign it a fixed number (if that’s what you prefer).

Let’s get to work!

An Introduction to Static IP and Dynamic IP Addresses

As we mentioned before, every internet-enabled device has an IP address. It can be a unique numeric or alphanumeric string of characters, depending on which protocol you use. Most devices use IPv4 addresses, which look similar to this: 151.164.152.92.

Although IP addresses may appear random at first, they include a lot of information about your current network. Here’s what each segment in the above example represents:

151.164.xx.xx — This first half of the IP address identifies your network. It can refer to an internet provider or even a broader set of devices, depending on your location.
xx.xx.152.92 — The second half of the IP address identifies your host and each machine in your network. Not all devices on your local network will share the same IP address.

Keep in mind that this is just one example of an IP address. When we talk about “static” addresses, we’re referring to a series of numbers that identify your device and never change.

If you have a dynamic IP address, the numeric identifier will change periodically. Usually, this adjustment is made by your internet service provider (ISP), often without you even realizing it (since it usually doesn’t affect the browsing experience).

Determining What Your IP Is

Finding your IP address works differently depending on which operating system (OS) you’re using. Let’s go over the process for both Windows and macOS devices.

How to Find Your IP Address in Windows

The easiest way to find your IP address in Windows is to open the start menu, type “cmd” and launch the command prompt. Once the command prompt opens, type “ipconfig /all” and hit the Enter key.

The command prompt will return information about all of your network adapters, so you’ll need to identify which one you’re using:

Looking up your IP address using the Windows command prompt.

That’s a lot of information to sort through, but there are only two elements that are important right now:

IPv4 Address: This is your IP address, and in this case, we’re using the IPv4 protocol.
DHCP Enabled: If the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is enabled, it means you don’t have a static IP address.

We’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of dynamic vs static IPs in a moment. For now, let’s go over how to find your IP address if you’re using macOS.

How to Find Your IP Address in macOS

If you’re using macOS, the quickest way to find your IP address is to open the Network Preferences menu and select the network you’re using. Click on the relevant Advanced button, and then select the TCP/IP tab:

Your IP address will show up next to either the IPv4 Address or IPv6 Address, depending on which protocol your network uses. We’ll talk about the difference between these protocols in a later section. For now, check to see if the Using DHCP option is enabled under either section.

If DHCP is enabled, you have a dynamic IP address. You already know the difference between dynamic and static IP addresses, but now it’s time to talk about which option you should be using.

Static vs Dynamic IP Addresses (4 Key Considerations)

There are pros and cons to using either static or dynamic IP addresses. In the following sections, we’ll break down four significant considerations to keep in mind when choosing these types.

1. When You Should Use a Static IP Address

The two kinds of devices most often assigned static IPs are servers and peripherals. If you’re using your device to browse the web, then it technically doesn’t matter if your IP address changes all the time.

However, static IP addresses are a necessity in some situations, including:

Connecting to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) with allowlisted IP addresses
Accessing website admin sections with allowlisted IP addresses
Accessing your devices remotely

Many web hosts and email providers offer static IP addresses as extras or perks on specific plans. However, you don’t necessarily need a static IP address for running a website.

If you work remotely and you need to connect to a VPN to access work files, the chances are that your employer will ask you to set up a static IP address. Allowlisting IP addresses enables employers and other network administrators to decide who has access to the system, which is critical for security purposes.

Having a static IP address in either of those scenarios also means you’re the only person using it. With a shared IP address, you might get penalized if another user sends spam or sets up a website that’s deemed unsafe.

However, in practice, any reputable web host or email provider will ensure that you don’t run into any problems, even if you’re using a shared IP . At Kinsta, for example, we use a range of shared IP addresses provided by Cloudflare , and your website won’t suffer any downsides from it.

2. When You Should Use a Dynamic IP Address

In most cases, it doesn’t matter if your IP address changes regularly. If you don’t have to access private networks often or no one needs remote access to your device, you can do without a static IP address.

It’s important to note that there are a finite number of IP addresses — even if they change dynamically, some IP addresses end up repeating or getting shared. In the past, shared IP addresses posed severe concerns for websites and personal use. However, these days there are almost no downsides to not having a static IP address.

3. Static vs Dynamic IP Addresses for Home Networks: Which One to Use

Your internet provider will determine whether you use a dynamic or a static IP address in most cases. However, there are always workarounds to set up a static IP address, even if your provider offers dynamic IPs by default.

If you need to connect to a VPN or a website with an allowlist of IP addresses, you will need a static IP. However, if you only require access to your home network devices remotely, most modern tools enable you to connect to them without inputting IP addresses.

Google Chrome Remote Desktop , for example, asks you for a unique access code instead of an IP address:

Connecting to a remote device using Google Chrome Remote Support.

The availability of such tools means that you’ll rarely need a static IP address versus a dynamic one for your home network.

4. Dynamic IP vs Static IP: Safety Considerations

If someone knows your server or personal device’s IP address, they can try to connect to it. Even if your home devices or servers don’t contain any precious information, malicious actors might try to break in. If you have a static IP address, that means those hackers always know where to reach you.

Dynamic IP addresses are the safer option out of the box. However, it’s important to note that even if attackers know where to find you, that doesn’t necessarily mean they will get in. With proper security measures , a static IP address can be just as safe a choice as a dynamic one.

The Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6 Addresses

So far, we’ve only focused on IPv4 addresses. However, that’s not the only protocol available. IPv6 is another option , which at some point will likely become the norm for IP addresses.

There are several differences between these protocols. The primary reason the world is slowly transitioning to IPv6 is that IPv4 can only support around four billion IP addresses due to how it’s configured.

Since it’s becoming all too common for people to have multiple internet-enabled devices, four billion IP addresses are not enough, even with the help of DHCP. The IPv6 protocol solves that problem by using alphanumeric addresses, in contrast to IPv4’s numbers-only approach.

Here’s an example of what an IPv6 address looks like:

2001:0db8:0000:0000:0000:ff00:0042:7879

The increased length and the mix of letters and numbers mean that the IPv6 address can support 340 trillion addresses. With such a vast number, we shouldn’t run out for a very long time.

Right now, only about 35% of all devices in the world are using IPv6 addresses. Like IPv4, the IPv6 protocol supports both static and dynamic addresses. That means all of the considerations we’ve talked about so far also apply to this newer protocol.

How to Get a Static IP Address

If you need a static IP address, there are several ways you can get one, depending on what your situation is. In this section, we’ll cover all of them, whether you want to set or change a static IP for a web server or a local network device (wired or wireless).

How to Set a Static IP for a Web or Email Server

If you want to set up a static (non-shared) IP for a web or email server that you don’t host yourself, you’ll need to ask your provider for one. In many cases, web hosting or email providers will offer static IPs as extras if you’re using a VPS or a cloud hosting plan.

Keep in mind that paying for a dedicated server doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get a static IP. Dynamic IPs are the norm in most cases, so you may still need to pay for an extra one even if you sign up for a dedicated plan.

How to Assign a Static IP Address to a Local Device

Many people recommend contacting your internet provider if you have a dynamic IP address and want a static one. However, in our experience, most internet providers cannot assign static IP addresses to residential customers.

Your best option is to configure a static IP yourself through your OS or router if that includes you. If you need a static IP to connect to another network with an allowlisted address, you can also use a VPN that offers fixed addresses .

How to Assign a Static IP to Windows Devices

As you might recall, IPv4 addresses include both network and host identifiers. In most cases, you can configure your devices to use static IPs without fear of conflict with other addresses.

If you’re using Windows, you can do this by accessing the Network & Internet section under your OS settings, and then selecting Change adapter options :

Changing your network adapter options in Windows.

You’ll see an overview of all of your available network connections. Right-click on your active network connection and select Properties . Next, click on the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option in the window that pops up, followed by the Properties button:

Accessing your IPv4 settings in Windows.

A new window will open, enabling you to select the Use the following IP address setting. Click on that option, and then set the static IP address you want to use:

Keep in mind that you can’t just enter any values that you want. Here’s some guidance for filling out each field so that you won’t run into any errors:

IP address: The static IP you set should copy the first three segments of your current address. If your address right now is “XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX”, the new one should be “XXX.XXX.XXX.YYY”. That’s because those first segments identify both your network and your host.
Subnet mask: If you’re using a residential network, your subnet mask should be “255.255.255.0”, which means your network uses 24 bits for its identifier.
Default gateway: This should be your router’s IP address, which you can find by opening the command prompt and typing “ipconfig /all.”

Once you fill out every field, click on OK . If your settings are correct, you’ll have a new static IP.

How to Assign a Static IP to macOS Devices

Assigning a static IP address on a macOS device works in a very similar way. You also have to enter an IP address, a subnet mask, and your default gateway (which you can read about in the previous section).

The only difference is that getting to those settings requires a different route. Here are the three steps to access the Configure IPv4 menu for your active network in macOS:

Open the Apple menu, click on System Preferences , and then select the Network option.
Click on Ethernet in the left-hand panel.
Select the Manually option under the Configure IPv4 menu settings.

Once you complete those steps, you’ll need to fill out the following fields, including your new static IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway:

Setting up a static IP address on macOS.

Save the changes to your network configuration, and you’re good to go. Now your IP address will remain static as long as you don’t revert the changes to your network.

Most internet and web hosting providers will assign you dynamic IP addresses. Typically, that’s not a bad thing. However, there are some situations where having a static IP is necessary, such as if you need to access a work VPN with allowlisted addresses.

If you’re running a website, however, you probably don’t need a static IP. At Kinsta, we offer shared IP addresses provided by Cloudflare to all our customers. Even without a dedicated IP, most of our customers see significant improvements in their sites’ performance .

Host your Static site for free with Kinsta’s Static site hosting and deploy your website directly to the edge.

Do you have any questions about static vs dynamic IP addresses? Let us know in the comments section below!

Salman Ravoof is a self-taught web developer, writer, creator, and a huge admirer of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). Besides tech, he's excited by science, philosophy, photography, arts, cats, and food. Learn more about him on his website , and connect with Salman on Twitter .

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IP Assignment and Licensing

IP rights have essentially transformed intangibles (knowledge, creativity) into valuable assets that you can put to strategic use in your business. You can do this by directly integrating the IP in the production or marketing of your products and services, thereby strengthening their competitiveness. With IP assignement and IP licensing, IP owners can also use your IP rights to create additional revenue streams by selling them out, giving others a permission to use them, and establishing joint ventures or other collaboration agreements with others who have complementary assets.

Expert tip: Assignment, license and franchising agreements are flexible documents that can be adapted to the needs of the parties. Nevertheless, most countries establish specific requirements for these agreements, e.g. written form, registration with a national IP office or other authority, etc. For more information, consult your IP office .

IP rights assignment

You can sell your IP asset to another person or legal entity.

When all the exclusive rights to a patented invention, registered trademark, design or copyrighted work are transferred by the owner to another person or legal entity, it is said that an assignment of such rights has taken place.

Assignment is the sale of an IP asset. It means that you transfer ownership of an IP asset to another person or legal entity.

IP for Business Guides

Learn more about the commercialization of patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright.

Read IP for Business Guides

IP licensing

You can authorize someone else to use your IP, while maintaining your ownership, by granting a license in exchange for something of value, such as a monetary lump sum, recurrent payments (royalties), or a combination of these.

Licensing provides you with the valuable opportunity to expand into new markets, add revenue streams through royalties, develop partnerships etc.

If you own a patent, know-how, or other IP assets, but cannot or do not want to be involved in all the commercialization activities (e.g. technology development, manufacturing, market expansion, etc.) you can benefit from the licensing of your IP assets by relying on the capacity, know-how, and management expertise of your partner.

Expert tip: Licensing can generally be sole, exclusive or non-exclusive, depending on whether the IP owner retains some rights, or on whether the IP rights can be licensed to one or multiple parties.

Technology licensing agreements

Trademark licensing agreements, copyright licensing agreements, franchising agreements, merchande licensing, joint venture agreements, find out more.

Learn more about Technology Transfer .

Change TCP/IP settings

TCP/IP defines how your PC communicates with other PCs.

To make it easier to manage TCP/IP settings, we recommend using automated Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). DHCP automatically assigns Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to the computers on your network if your network supports it. If you use DHCP, then you don't have to change your TCP/IP settings if you move your PC to another location, and DHCP doesn't require you to manually configure TCP/IP settings, such as Domain Name System (DNS) and Windows Internet Name Service (WINS).

To enable DHCP or change other TCP/IP settings

Select Start , then type settings . Select Settings > Network & internet .

Do one of the following:

For a Wi-Fi network, select Wi-Fi > Manage known networks . Choose the network for which you want to change the settings.

For an Ethernet network, select Ethernet , then select the Ethernet network you’re connected to.

Next to IP assignment , select Edit .

Under Edit network IP settings or Edit IP settings , select Automatic (DHCP) or Manual .

To specify IPv4 settings manually

Under Edit network IP settings or Edit IP settings , choose Manual , then turn on IPv4 .

To specify an IP address, in the IP address, Subnet mask , and Gateway boxes, type the IP address settings.

To specify a DNS server address, in the Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS boxes, type the addresses of the primary and secondary DNS servers.

To specify if you want to use an encrypted (DNS over HTTPS) or unencrypted connection to the DNS server or servers you specify, for DNS over HTTPS , choose the setting you want:

Off : All DNS queries will be sent to the DNS server unencrypted in plaintext over HTTP.

On (automatic template) : DNS queries will be encrypted and sent to the DNS server over HTTPS. DNS queries will use the default settings for the automatic template or try to discover them automatically.

On (manual template) : DNS queries will be encrypted and sent to the DNS server over HTTPS. They’ll use the settings you enter in the DNS over HTTPS template box.

If you use DNS over HTTPS (automatic or manual template), turn Fallback to plaintext on or off:

When it’s turned on, a DNS query will be sent unencrypted if it can’t be sent over HTTPS.

When it’s turned off, a DNS query won’t be sent if it can’t be sent over HTTPS.

To specify IPv6 settings manually

Under Edit network IP settings or Edit IP settings , choose Manual , then turn on IPv6 .

To specify an IP address, in the IP address , Subnet prefix length , and Gateway boxes, type the IP address settings.

When you select Automatic (DHCP) , the IP address settings and DNS server address setting are set automatically by your router or other access point (recommended).

When you select Manual , you can manually set your IP address settings and DNS server address.

When you’re done, select Save .

Note: To install IPv4, run Command Prompt as an administrator, type netsh interface ipv4 install , and then press Enter .

Select Start , then select Settings > Network & Internet .

For a Wi-Fi network, select Wi-Fi > Manage known networks . Choose the network you want to change the settings for, then select Properties.

For an Ethernet network, select Ethernet , then select the Ethernet network you’re connected to.

Under IP assignment , select Edit .

Under Edit IP settings , select Automatic (DHCP) or Manual .

Under Edit IP settings , choose Manual , then turn on IPv4 .

To specify an IP address, in the IP address, Subnet prefix length , and Gateway boxes, type the IP address settings.

To specify a DNS server address, in the Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS boxes, type the addresses of the primary and secondary DNS servers.

Under Edit IP settings , choose Manual , then turn on IPv6 .

When you select Automatic (DHCP) , the IP address settings and DNS server address setting are set automatically by your router or other access point (recommended).

When you select Manual , you can manually set your IP address settings and DNS server address.

When you’re done, select Save .

In Windows 8.1, select the Start button, start typing View network connections , and then select View network connections in the list.

In Windows 7, open Network Connections by selecting the Start button, and then selecting Control Panel . In the search box, type adapter , and then, under Network and Sharing Center , select View network connections .

Right-click the connection that you want to change, and then select Properties . If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Select the Networking tab. Under This connection uses the following items , select either Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) , and then select Properties .

To specify IPv4 IP address settings, do one of the following:

To get IP settings automatically using DHCP, select Obtain an IP address automatically , and then select OK .

To specify an IP address, select Use the following IP address , and then, in the IP address, Subnet mask , and Default gateway boxes, type the IP address settings.

To specify IPv6 IP address settings, do one of the following:

To get IP settings automatically using DHCP, select Obtain an IPv6 address automatically , and then select OK .

To specify an IP address, select Use the following IPv6 address , and then, in the IPv6 address, Subnet prefix length , and Default gateway boxes, type the IP address settings.

To specify DNS server address settings, do one of the following:

To get a DNS server address automatically using DHCP, select Obtain DNS server address automatically , and then select OK .

To specify a DNS server address, select Use the following DNS server addresses , and then, in the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server boxes, type the addresses of the primary and secondary DNS servers.

To change advanced DNS, WINS, and IP settings, select Advanced .

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How to set static IP address on Windows 10

You can assign a static IP address manually on your computer in more than one way, and in this guide, I'll show you four ways on Windows 10.

To set a static IP address on Windows 10, open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet ), click the connection, click “Edit,” select “Manual,” turn on “IPv4,” and set the static IP address.
To manually configure a static network configuration from Control Panel, open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings , open the network adapter properties, check the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4),” click “Properties,” and set the static IP address.
Alternatively, you can manually set a static IP address from Command Prompt and PowerShell.

On Windows 10, setting a static IP address on your computer may be necessary for various reasons. For example, if you plan to share files in the network , set up a shared printer , enable and use Remote Desktop , or configure port forwarding on the router, you may need to do this.

If you don’t assign a static IP address, services or a port forwarding configuration will eventually stop working. The reason is that devices use dynamic IP addresses assigned by the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server (usually the router) by default, which can change anytime, as soon as you restart the machine or after the dynamically assigned configuration lease expires. On the other hand, a static configuration is permanent, and it’ll remain the same until you change it.

Whatever the reason it might be, Windows 10 offers multiple ways to configure a static network configuration through the Settings app, the legacy Control Panel, and the command line using Command Prompt and PowerShell.

In this guide , I will teach you how to set a static IP address to a Windows 10 computer. (You can also use these instructions to configure a static address on Windows 11 .)

Set a static IP address on Windows 10 from Settings

Set a static ip address on windows 10 from control panel.

Set a static IP address on Windows 10 from Command Prompt
Set a static IP address on Windows 10 from PowerShell

To set a static IP address manually on Windows 10, use these steps:

Open Settings on Windows 10.

Click on Network & Internet .

Click on “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet.”

Click on the current network connection.

Click the Edit button under the “IP settings” section.

Select the Manual option from the drop-down menu.

Turn on the “IPv4” toggle switch.

Set a static IP address for use on the Windows 10 computer.

Specify a “Subnet prefix length” (subnet mask). If your network’s subnet mask is 255.255.255.0 , then you should use the subnet prefix length “24.”

Specify a “Default Gateway” address.

Specify a “Preferred DNS” address.

Specify an “Alternate DNS address” (if applicable).

Click the Save button.

After you complete the steps, you can test your settings using your web browser to open a website.

Check if the IP address is static or dynamic

To check if you configured the settings correctly or to tell if your device is using static or dynamic settings, use these steps:

Open Settings .

Click on Wi-Fi or Ethernet .

Select the network connection.

Check whether the computer is using static (manual) or dynamic (automatic) IP address configuration under the “IP settings” section.

Once you complete the steps, you will know if your computer has been configured correctly.

To configure a static IP from the Control Panel, use these steps:

Open Control Panel .

Click on Network and Internet .

Click on Network and Sharing Center .

Click the Change adapter settings option on the left navigation pane.

Control Panel's Network and Sharing Center

Right-click the Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and select the Properties option.

Select the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” option.

Click the Properties button.

Control Panel's network adapter properties

Select the “Use the following IP address” option.

Set the static IP address for the adapter – for example, 10.1.2.220 .

Specify a Subnet mask for the network, such as 255.255.255.0 .

Specify a Default gateway (which is usually the router’s IP address).

Confirm the “Preferred DNS server” address under the “Use the following DNS server addresses set Preferred DNS server” section. (It is Usually your router’s IP address or the server IP address that provides the DNS resolution.)

(Optional) Specify an Alternative DNS server. (The computer will use this address if it cannot reach the preferred DNS server.)

Click the OK button.

Windows 10 network adapter TCP/IPv4 properties

Click the Close button again.

Once you complete the steps, you can open your web browser and load a website to see if the configuration works.

Set a static IP address on Windows 10 from Command Prompt

To set a static IP address manually from Command Prompt, use these steps:

Open Start .

Search for Command Prompt , right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

Type the following command to see your current networking configuration and press Enter :

Under the network adapter, note the name of the adapter as well as the following information in these fields:

Subnet mask
Default Gateway
DNS Servers

Type the following command to assign a static IP address on Windows 10 and press Enter :

In the above command, replace “Ethernet0” with the name of your network adapter. Change “10.1.4.220 255.255.255.0 10.1.4.1” with the device IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway address corresponding to your network configuration.

Type the following command to set a DNS server address and press Enter :

In the command, make sure to change “Ethernet0” with your adapter’s name and “10.1.4.1” with the DNS server address of the network.

Type the following command to set an alternate DNS server address and press Enter :

In the command, replace “Ethernet0” with your adapter’s name and “8.8.8.8” with an alternate DNS server address.

Windows 10 netsh command to set static IP address

(Optional) Type the following command, and if the “DHCP Enabled” is set to “No,” then the static configuration has been applied and press Enter :

After you complete the steps, you can test the new configuration using the ping command (for example ping google.com ) to see if the internet is working. Alternatively, you can open a website to see if the configuration works.

Set a static IP address on Windows 10 from PowerShell

Windows 10 also includes the PowerShell command line console that allows you to use the “NetTCPIP” module to manage networking settings, including the ability to change your computer’s IP address settings. Microsoft recommends using this command-line method instead of netsh .

To set a static IP address on Windows 10 from PowerShell, use these steps:

Search for PowerShell , right-click the result, and select the Run as administrator option.

Type the following command to view your current network configuration and press Enter :

After running the command, note the following information:

InterfaceIndex
IPv4Address
IPv4DefaultGateway

PowerShell's Get-NetIPConfiguration command

Type the following command to set a static IP address and press Enter :

In the command, replace the “InterfaceIndex” number (5) with the corresponding number of your adapter. Change “IPAddress” with the static IP address you want to assign to your device. If necessary, change PrefixLength (subnet mask) with the correct bit number. Typically, on a home network, the setting is “24.” Also, change the “DefaultGateway” option with the network’s default gateway address.

Type the following command to assign a DNS server address and press Enter :

PowerShell's Set-DNSClientServerAddress command

If you need to set a secondary DNS server address, use a comma to use the same command with another address. For example:

In the command, replace the “InterfaceIndex” number (5) with your network adapter’s corresponding number. Also, change “ServerAddresses” with the DNS IP address.

(Optional) Type the following command, and if the “PrefixOrigin” and “SuffixOrigin” are set to “Manual” in the output, then the static configuration has been applied, and press Enter :

After you complete the steps, you can test the new configuration by opening your web browser and navigating a website.

Whatever method you use, assigning an IP address within the network range and outside of the DHCP server scope is recommended to allow proper connectivity and prevent address conflicts. If multiple devices share the same address, this will cause a networking conflict, preventing connection to the internet.

Although there are two main standards in use today, including IPv4 and IPv6 , version 4 is still the most widely used, especially in local networks, and for this reason, this guide focuses on setting up IPv4.

Update July 4, 2024: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter) , YouTube , LinkedIn and About.me . Email him at [email protected] .

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How to find and manually assign an IP address on Windows 10

Step 1: Open the Control Panel

You can also type control panel in the search bar at the lower left of the screen and press Enter to open the control panel.

Step 2: Go to Network Connections

Go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center .

Select Change adapter settings on the left.

Step 3: Find the IP address

Right click the Ethernet icon and select Status from the context menu.

Then click Details... to view all detailed information of network connection.

Step 4: Set the IP address

Right Click Local Area Connection and select Properties .

Then double click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) .

Select Use the Following IP address: and type in the IP address , Subnet mask and Default gateway . Click OK to apply the settings.

Note : If you need to set a static DNS server, select Use the following DNS server address : and input the address of DNS server. By default, the computer obtains the address automatically.

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COMMENTS

Understanding IP Address Assignment: A Complete Guide
IP address assignment is a crucial aspect of network management and plays a vital role in ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient data transfer. There are primarily two methods of assigning IP addresses in a network: dynamic IP address assignment using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and static IP address assignment.
How to Assign a Static IP Address in Windows 10 or Windows 11
Key Takeaways To set a static IP address in Windows 10 or 11, open Settings -> Network & Internet and click Properties for your active network. Choose the "Edit" button next to IP assignment and change the type to Manual. Flip the IPv4 switch to "On", fill out your static IP details, and click Save.
How are IP addresses assigned?
How are IP addresses allocated? Before we can discuss IP assignment, we need to understand how IP addresses are allocated. There are two versions of IP addresses: IPv4 (version 4) and IPv6 (version 6). There are numerical differences, but they essentially serves the same purpose by uniquely identifying a device on the Internet.
How To Assign IP Address
Learn how to assign an IP address to devices on your network. Understand the process and steps involved in assigning IP addresses for seamless connectivity.
How to Assign Static IP Address to Your Devices
Want to How to Assign Static IP Address to Your Devices? Here is a step by step guide for windows, Mac, Android, iOS and routers.
How to Set Up a Static IP Address
What Is a Static IP Address? Instead of letting your router assign whatever IP address is free at any given time, you can assign specific IP addresses to the devices you access frequently.
internet
IP addresses are assigned by ICANN, so that won't happen. But there's also a more fundamental reason. IP addresses are used for routing. When a packet comes into a router, it compares the IP address against entries in its routing table, and sends the packet on through the appropriate outgoing line.
How are IP addresses actually assigned?
IPs are assigned in blocks by IANA to the Regional Internet Registries (RIR). See this (list and map) of the RIRs. The RIRs then lease out smaller blocks IPs to individual companies (usually ISPs). There are requirements (including fees and proof of use) for getting a distribution and failing to maintain these means a loss of lease.
When to Use a Static IP Address
While most IP networks use DHCP for address assignment, sometimes a static IP address makes more sense. Here's more on when to use static IP addresses.
A Short Guide to IP Addressing
Learn the basics of IP addressing, how it works, and why it matters for the Internet. A concise and informative guide from the Internet Society.
What Is DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)?
The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is integral to networks and controls what IP addresses devices receive so they can communicate with the internet. Usually, IP assignment is automated, but if you need static IPs, familiarity with DHCP is essential.
Number Resources
Number Resources. We are responsible for global coordination of the Internet Protocol addressing systems, as well as the Autonomous System Numbers used for routing Internet traffic. Currently there are two types of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in active use: IP version 4 (IPv4) and IP version 6 (IPv6).
Ipconfig Configure Static IP Address in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step
Learn how to set up a static IP address on Windows 11 with our easy-to-follow guide using Ipconfig. Perfect for network stability!
How to configure a static IP on Windows 10 or 11
In this guide, we'll show you the different ways to configure a static IP address using the Settings app and commands on Windows 11 and 10.
What is IPv4 Autoconfiguration and why it overwrites static IP
This is the correct answer for specifically what you asked, which is: "What is IPv4 Autoconfiguration". As for why DCHP overwrites static IP: DHCP usually doesn't. If you see an Autoconfiguration address in Microsoft Windows, then you're not using a "static IP" assignment.
How Do IP Addresses Work?
The other, more elegant solution is to configure your router to assign static IP addresses to certain devices during what would normally be dynamic assignment by the DHCP server.
Explained: How is My IP Assigned / Determined (IPv4)?
On a typical home network, an IPv4 address is assigned depending on how the router and your machine are configured. By default, DHCP (dynamic host control protocol) is enabled on the router. This means that the router will automatically assign an IP address to any device on the network automatically according to the DHCP IP range.
Static vs Dynamic IP Addresses: Everything You Need to Know
Explore static vs dynamic IP addresses in detail. We'll also help you find your IP address and how to assign it a fixed number (if you want).
IP Assignment and Licensing
IP assignment and IP licensing are ways for IP owners to generate additional revenues. Find out more about how to assign or license IP.
IP address
IP address. An Internet Protocol address (IP address) is a numerical label such as 192.0.2.1 that is assigned to a device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. [ 1 ][ 2 ] IP addresses serve two main functions: network interface identification, and location addressing.
Change TCP/IP settings
To make it easier to manage TCP/IP settings, we recommend using automated Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). DHCP automatically assigns Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to the computers on your network if your network supports it. If you use DHCP, then you don't have to change your TCP/IP settings if you move your PC to another location, and DHCP doesn't require you to manually ...
How to set static IP address on Windows 10
You can set a static IP address on Windows 10 using Command Prompt, PowerShell, Control Panel, and even the Settings app. Here's how.
How to find and manually assign an IP address on Windows 10
How to find and manually assign an IP address on Windows 10. Step 1: Open the Control Panel. Press " Windows + R ", then a Run box comes out. Input control panel and press Enter to open the control panel. You can also type control panel in the search bar at the lower left of the screen and press Enter to open the control panel.
Putin warns West over letting Kyiv use long-range missiles in Russia
If Ukraine is allowed to use long-range Western-provided missiles against targets inside Russia, it would mean the direct participation of Nato countries in the conflict, Vladimir Putin said on ...

Understanding IP Address Assignment: A Complete Guide

Considerations for Efficient IP Address Allocation

IP Address Assignment in the Same Network

Basics of IP Addresses

Methods of IP Address Assignment

Dynamic IP Address Assignment using DHCP

Static IP Address Assignment

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How are IP addresses allocated?

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How To Assign IP Address

Introduction

Understanding IP Addresses

Types of IP Addresses

1. Public IP Addresses

2. Private IP Addresses

3. Static IP Addresses

4. Dynamic IP Addresses

5. Loopback IP Address

How IP Addresses are Assigned

Manual IP Address Assignment

Automatic IP Address Assignment

Step 1: Determine the IP Address Range

Step 2: Access Network Settings

Step 3: Select Manual IP Assignment

Step 4: Enter the IP Address

Step 5: Set the Subnet Mask

Step 6: Define the Default Gateway

Step 7: Configure DNS Server Information

Step 8: Apply the Changes

Step 1: DHCP Discovery

Step 2: DHCP Offer

Step 3: DHCP Request

Step 4: DHCP Acknowledgment

Step 5: IP Address Lease

Step 6: IP Address Renewal

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

DHCP Server

DHCP Client

IP Address Pool

Address Reservation

Assigning IP Addresses on Windows

Dynamic IP Address Assignment via DHCP

Assigning IP Addresses on Mac

Assigning IP Addresses on Linux

Troubleshooting IP Address Assignment Issues

1. Check DHCP Server Availability

2. Verify Network Connection

3. Check for IP Address Conflicts

4. Reset the DHCP Client

5. Restart Networking Services

6. Check Firewall and Security Settings

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