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3.1.1. Using a Static IP Address
When using a
Static IP
address, the user must manually specify all the configuration parameters
associated with the IP address of the Pro Series. These include the IP address, the network subnet
mask, the gateway computer and the domain name server computers. This section will look at each of
these in more detail.
Note:
The Pro Series will attempt to locate all this information every time it is turned on.
IP address
A Static IP address acts as a “static” or permanent identification number.
This number is assigned to
a computer to act as its location address on the network. Computers use these IP addresses to
identify and talk to each other on a network. Therefore, it is imperative that the selected IP address be
both unique and valid in a network environment.
Note
: 192.168.1.x will never be assigned by and ISP (Internet Service Provider).
IP addresses using
this form are considered private. Actual applications of the Pro Series may require access to public
network, such as the Internet. If so, a valid public IP address must be assigned to the user’s computer.
A public IP address is usually purchased or leased from a local ISP.
Subnet mask
A subnet represents all the network hosts in one geographic location, such as a building or local area
network (LAN). The Pro Series will use the subnet mask setting to verify the origin of all packets.
If
the desired TCP/IP host specified in the packet is in the same geographic location (on the local
network segment) as defined by the subnet mask, the Pro Series will establish a direct connection. If
the desired TCP/IP host specified in the packet is not identified as belonging on the local network
segment, a connection is established through the given default gateway.
Default gateway
A gateway is a network point that acts as a portal to another network. This point is usually the
computer or computers that control traffic within a network or a local ISP (Internet service provider).
The Pro Series uses the IP address of the default gateway computer to communicate with hosts
outside the local network environment. Refer to the network administrator for a valid gateway IP
address.
Primary and Secondary DNS
The DNS (Domain Name System) server is used to locate and translate the correct IP address for a
requested web site address.
A domain name is the web address (i.e.
www.yahoo.com
) and is
usually easier to remember. The DNS server is the host that can translate such text-based domain
