Networking / Beginners

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Configuring Dynamic IP Addresses and Alternate IP Addressing

Although static IP addresses can be used with workstations, most workstations use dynamic or alternative IP addressing, or both. You configure dynamic and alternative addressing by completing the following steps:

1. Click Start and then click Network. In Network Explorer, click Network And Sharing Center on the toolbar.
2. In Network And Sharing Center, click Manage Network Connections.
3. In Network Connections, right-click the connection you want to work with and then select Properties.
4. In the Local Area Connection Status dialog box, click Properties. This displays the Local Area Connection Properties dialog box.
   Note In the Local Area Connection Status dialog box, one LAN connection is shown for each network adapter installed. These connections are created automatically. If you don't see a LAN connection for an installed adapter, check the driver for the adapter. It might be installed incorrectly.
5. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) or Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) as appropriate for the type of IP address you are configuring.
6. Select Obtain An IPv6 Address Automatically or Obtain An IP Address Automatically as appropriate for the type of IP address you are configuring. If desired, select Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically. Or select Use The Following DNS Server Addresses and then type a preferred and alternate DNS server address in the text boxes provided.
7. When you use dynamic IPv4 addressing with desktop computers, you should configure an automatic alternative address. To use this configuration, on the Alternate Configuration tab, select Automatic Private IP Address. Click OK twice, click Close, and then skip the remaining steps.
8. When you use dynamic IPv4 addressing with mobile computers, you'll usually want to configure the alternative address manually. To use this configuration, on the Alternate Configuration tab, select User Configured. Then in the IP Address text box, type the IP address you want to use. The IP address that you assign to the computer should be a private IP address, as shown in Table and it must not be in use anywhere else when the settings are applied.
9. With dynamic IPv4 addressing, complete the alternate configuration by entering a subnet mask, default gateway, DNS, and WINS settings. When you're finished, click OK twice and then click Close.