Static and dynamic IP addressing in NiagaraAX

Static and dynamic IP addressing in NiagaraAX

Once the administrator has decided exactly what IP addressing scheme to implement, there are a number of methods to actually get the IP address (and subnet mask and default gateway information) onto the host. The simplest method is to configure this information manually on each machine, using the software provided by the operating system. However, this is quite time consuming in a network of more than a few hosts.

Most larger networks are made up of two types of devices: those that need a static (non-changing) IP address because they are accessed frequently by other devices, and most other hosts, which are rarely accessed by others. Hosts that are accessed frequently (like servers and printers) are typically configured manually with a static IP address. The remaining hosts are configured to receive a dynamic address using a protocol such as Boot Protocol (BOOTP) or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). Servers are set up with a pool of addresses to randomly distribute to clients (the host). They can also provide subnet mask, default gateway information, and DNS server information. The host is configured to request this information from the server using BOOTP or DHCP. When the host boots, it sends a broadcast message requesting an IP address, and a server responds with one of the numbers from the pool (and the remaining information). However, since the host is not necessarily guaranteed to receive the same IP address every time it boots, if a static IP is required, DHCP servers can be configured to provide a static IP address to a particular host.

You should provide a stable IP address for your NiagaraAX hosts. You can do this by making the address “static” (permanent) or by reserving the address on a DHCP server using the MAC address of the NiagaraAX host.