Lantronix XPress DR+ manual Appendix C Alternative Methods of Assigning an IP Address, AutoIP

Appendix C: Alternative Methods of Assigning an IP Address

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 (if applicable) 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, 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.

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