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Earlier chapters describe how to assign a static IP address using DeviceInstaller, 
Web Manager, and Setup Mode (through a Telnet or serial connection). This section 
covers other methods for assigning an IP address over the network. 
DHCP 
The unit ships with a default IP address of 0.0.0.0, which automatically enables 
DHCP. If a DHCP server exists on the network, it provides the unit with an  
IP address, gateway address, and subnet mask when the unit boots up. 
You can use the DeviceInstaller software to search the network for the DHCP-
assigned IP address and add it to the list of devices retrieved.  
Note: This DHCP address does not appear in the unit’s Setup Mode or in 
Web Manager. You can determine your unit’s DHCP-assigned IP address in 
Monitor Mode. When you enter Monitor Mode from the serial port with 
network connection enabled and issue the NC (Network Communication) 
command, you see the unit’s IP configuration. 
AutoIP  
The unit ships with a default IP address of 0.0.0.0, which automatically enables  
Auto IP within the unit. AutoIP is an alternative to DHCP that allows hosts to obtain 
an IP address automatically in smaller networks that may not have a DHCP server. A 
range of IP addresses (from 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.255.1) has been explicitly 
reserved for AutoIP-enabled devices. Do not use this range of Auto IP addresses 
over the Internet.  
 If your unit cannot find a DHCP server, and you have not manually assigned an 
IP address to it, the unit automatically selects an address from the AutoIP 
reserved range. Then, your unit sends out a (ARP) request to other nodes on 
the same network to see whether the selected address is being used. 
 If the selected address is not in use, then the unit uses it for local subnet 
communication. 
 If another device is using the selected IP address, the unit selects another 
address from the AutoIP range and reboots. After reboot, the unit sends out 
another ARP request to see if the selected address is in use, and so on.  
AutoIP does not replace DHCP. The unit continues to look for a DHCP server on the 
network. If it finds a DHCP server, the unit switches to the DHCP server-provided 
address and reboots.  
Note: If a DHCP server is found, but it denies the request for an IP address, 
the unit does not attach to the network, but waits and retries.  
AutoIP can be disabled by setting the unit’s IP address to 0.0.1.0. This setting 
enables DHCP but disables AutoIP. 
UDS2100 User Guide  78