Configuring Your External Network

method to distribute IP addresses is to use Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). When you connect your computer to the network, a DHCP server at your ISP automatically assigns it a network IP address. This eliminates the ISP from having to manually assign and manage IP addresses.

IP address assignments can be either dynamic or static. With dynamic, your ISP assigns your computer a new address every time you connect. When you power down, you release the address, and it may be reassigned. An IP address that is static, on the other hand, belongs to your computer at all times whether or not you are currently using it. No other computer anywhere on the network shares the same address.

Athird way of assigning addresses is called PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet). PPPoE combines some of the advantages of Ethernet and PPP by simulating a standard Dial-Up connection. It is popular among many ISPs because it enables them to use existing Dial-Up infrastructure such as billing, authentication, and security for DSL and cable modems.

Determining whether your ISP uses dynamic or static addressing

Most ISPs support both dynamic and static addressing. To determine if your connection to the Internet is dynamic or static:

1Click Start => Settings => Control Panel.

The Control Panel window appears.

2Double-click the Network icon.

The Network dialog box appears.

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WatchGuard Technologies SOHO manual Double-click the Network icon