IP Address Assignment
Client systems (PC workstations) obtain their IP addresses via the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) process. If necessary, devices—typically servers—can also be assigned static IP addresses.
IP address = A globally unique address on the Internet
In order for computers to be active on the Internet, they need a globally unique address under which they can send and receive data. These addresses are usually expressed in the form a.b.c.d, where a, b, c, d = {0, 1, ..., 255}. Institutions such as the University of Bamberg are allocated address ranges that they manage independently (141.13.xxx.xxx).
At the same time, computers can be assigned symbolic names that are uniquely linked to an Internet address. So-called name servers provide the Internet address associated with a symbolic name.
Furthermore, for load-balancing reasons, it is necessary to structure a complex data network spread across many locations, which results in certain address ranges being permanently assigned to university campuses (such as 141.13.2.x -> F21).
Workstation Computer: Automatic Entry of a Dynamically Assigned Address
Internet (IP) addresses are assigned to workstations through an automated process: When a computer starts up, it requests an IP address from a server (DHCP server). The computer receives this address along with all the additional information needed to access the Internet (gateway, name server). At the same time, the computer is assigned a default name. If the same computer reconnects within 30 days and requests an IP address, it is assigned the address it last used; thus, as a rule, once a computer has obtained an IP address, it retains it permanently. The DHCP server therefore manages only a set number of fixed IP addresses.
If the DHCP server happens to be unavailable, a computer will simply boot up using the last IP address assigned to it by that server, so that users can continue working without interruption even if the DHCP server is down.
The procedure described eliminates the need for error-prone manual entry of IP addresses.
Server: Usually a static IP address
Servers are usually assigned a static IP address from a separate address range and a static name!
If you need a static IP address associated with a specific computer name, please contact us.