In a network with a small number of hosts, it is easy to manually configure each device with the proper IP address. A network administrator who understands IP addressing should assign the addresses and should know how to choose a valid address for a particular network. The IP address that is assigned is unique for each host within the same network or subnet. This is known as static IP addressing.
To configure a static IP address on a host, go to the TCP/IPv4 Properties window of the NIC, as shown in Figure 1. The NIC enables a computer to connect to a network using a MAC address. Whereas the IP address is a logical address that is defined by the network administrator, a MAC address, shown in Figure 2, is permanently programmed (or burned in) into the NIC when it is manufactured. The IP address of a NIC can be changed, but the MAC address never changes.
You can assign the following IP address configuration information to a host:
- IP address - identifies the computer on the network
- Subnet mask - is used to identify the network on which the computer is connected
- Default gateway - identifies the device that the computer uses to access the Internet or another network
- Optional values - such as the preferred Domain Name System (DNS) server address and the alternate DNS server address
In Windows 7, use the following path:
Start > Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter setting > right-click Local Area Connection > Properties > TCP/IPv4 > Properties > Use the following IP address > Use the following DNS server addresses > OK > OK
In Windows Vista, use the following path:
Start > Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Manage network connections > right-click Local Area Connection > Properties > TCP/IPv4 > Properties > Use the following IP address > Use the following DNS server addresses > OK > OK
In Windows XP, use the following path:
Start > Control Panel > Network Connections > right-click Local Area Connection > Properties > TCP/IP > Properties > Use the following IP address > Use the following DNS server addresses > OK > OK