Haslett, Andrew
andrew.haslett at ilc.gov.au
Wed Jul 14 09:25:36 CDT 2004
You'll generally find two options available under TCP/IP options of your network card: 1. 'Obtain IP Address Automatically' or 2. 'Use the following IP Address' When using the first option, the card sends out a 'broadcast' on its connected LAN to try and find a DHCP server, during startup. If it finds one and all goes well, it's given an IP address / subnet / gateway from the DHCP server according to the DHCP Server's settings (and optionally its DNS details - this option is underneath the IP settings in that dialog window). If it doesn't find one, it gives itself an IP address in the reserved range 169.254.x.x. So if two machines on a network are both set to 'Obtain IP Address Automatically' and there is no DHCP server, then they should still be able to speak to each other as they both retrieve an IP address in that range (subnet). Using the second option, you have to supply those details yourself (IP address / subnet etc) and ensure that any machines on your network that you want to speak to each other, are on the same subnet. (Machines on different subnets *can* speak to each other which is where the gateway comes in, however it's not overly common on home networks). Obviously the second option can be a little more work if you have a number of machines. Additionally, if you travel with a laptop then while at work you're likely to have to use DHCP, meaning you will need to change these settings whenever you bring your laptop home. Therefore DHCP is generally always preferred except when a static IP is especially required (such as for server's etc). It should function without many issues both at work and home if configured correctly. This article is quite long but offers some extra reading if you like: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=220874 Cheers, Andrew -----Original Message----- From: Steven W. Erbach [mailto:serbach at new.rr.com] Sent: Wednesday, 14 July 2004 11:07 PM To: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues Subject: RE: [dba-Tech] Windows XP Home vs Pro Andrew, >> I can go into more detail on how IP addresses are assigned if you wish.. << I think Drew did something like that some time ago, but I believe that repetition from a fresh perspective helps me solidify my knowledge. If you're so inclined I wouldn't mind a refresher on IP addresses. Regards, Steve Erbach Scientific Marketing Neenah, WI "You must be an intellectual. No normal person would say a thing like that." - George Orwell _______________________________________________ dba-Tech mailing list dba-Tech at databaseadvisors.com http://databaseadvisors.com/mailman/listinfo/dba-tech Website: http://www.databaseadvisors.com IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ ******************** This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and may contain information protected by law from disclosure. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this email from your system. No warranty is given that this email or files, if attached to this email, are free from computer viruses or other defects. They are provided on the basis the user assumes all responsibility for loss, damage or consequence resulting directly or indirectly from their use, whether caused by the negligence of the sender or not.