Dell V515W manual What is TCP/IP?, How do I locate IP addresses?, How are IP addresses assigned?

What is TCP/IP?

Networks are able to function because computers, printers, and other devices are able to send data to each other, either through cables or by using wireless signals. This transfer of data is made possible by sets of data transmission rules called protocols. A protocol can be thought of as a language, and like a language, it has rules allowing participants to communicate with each other.

Different types of networks use different protocols, but Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the most popular. TCP/IP is used to send data over the Internet as well as over most corporate and home networks.

Because computers do not understand words and instead rely upon numbers for communication, TCP/IP requires that every device on a network using TCP/IP to communicate must have an IP address. IP addresses are essentially unique computer names in a numeric format, used to transfer data around a network. IP addresses allow TCP/IP to confirm requests for and receipt of data by various devices on the network.

How do I locate IP addresses?

1Click , or click Start and then click Run.

2In the Start Search or Run box, type cmd.

3Press Enter, or click OK.

The Command Prompt window opens.

4Type ipconfig, and then press Enter.

The IP address appears as four sets of numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.0.100.

How to locate a printer IP address

•You can locate the printer IP address by viewing the printer network setup page.

How are IP addresses assigned?

An IP address may be assigned automatically by the network using DHCP. Once the printer is set up on a computer, the computer sends all print jobs across the network to the printer using this address.

If the IP address is not automatically assigned, you will be asked during wireless setup to manually enter an address and other network information after selecting your printer from the available list.

What is a key index?

A wireless access point (wireless router) can be configured with as many as four WEP keys. Only one key is used on the network at a time, however. The keys are numbered, and the number of a key is referred to as its key index. All devices on the wireless network must be configured to use the same key index when multiple WEP keys are configured on the wireless access point.

Select the same key index on your printer as you are using on your wireless access point.

Networking

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