13 TCP/IP Description
13.1.3 Automatic Configuration (APIPA)
A different type of automatic configuration is used by Windows.
If a station is prepared for
automatic settings, it will search for a DHCP server (see above). But in SOHO networks this
server might not exist.
Windows detects this failure, and the computer self-assigns an IP Address. This address is from
the reserved LINKLOCAL block for such purposes. The IP Address is like 169.254.N.N, where N.N
is from 1.0 to 254.255; the corresponding netmask 255.255.0.0 is mandatory.
The IP Address is selected by random, and checked if already used.
The NetCom
+
Devices do not support this method.
However it is possible to assign a static
IP Address to the NetCom
+
, which matches the network configuration. Try to find an unused
address in your network, starting at 169.254.0.1. Check by PING and ARP, if the address is used.
If not, assign it to the NetCom
+
.
This is only a workaround. The better solution is to install or configure a simple DHCP server
program. Typical SOHO Internet Routers of today already have such a server. Or you may change
your network to static configuration.
13.1.4 Other Configuration
If the configuration of your computer differs from these examples, strong reasons are likely. Ask
your network administrator for proper parameters in this situation.
September 2016
NetCom Plus User Manual
126
