Wednesday, January 5, 2005

Alternate Configuration makes it easy to move between networks

Use the “Alternate IP” feature in Windows XP Pro or Server 2003 when you need to move a computer between a network using static IP addressing and one using dynamic IP addressing. Configure the alternate IP address in the IP properties sheet. Right-click on My Network Places and select Properties. Right-click on the connection you wish to configure (perhaps your wireless NIC or another local area connection) and select Properties. In the windows displaying the various items used by the connection, double-click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). If you are presently using a static IP address, select the radio button labeled Obtain an IP address automatically. Notice at the top of the Internet Protocol properties window the tab labeled Alternate Configuration. When you select that tab, you’re given the option to use an APIPA address or to configure a custom address which will be used when a DHCP server is not available. (APIPA is an acronym for “Automatic Private IP Addressing”, the technology that creates IP addresses in the 169.254.0.0 network when DHCP servers aren’t available and alternate configuration hasn’t been set.)

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