Internals

Configuring DHCP

Configuring DHCP

McKenna Cole

What is DHCP?

Every time you connect your computer to the Internet, it must be assigned a specific IP address before you can get online. There are two ways your computer can be assigned a unique IP:

  • Statically - Each computer is manually configured to have one specific IP. Every time your computer tries to access the internet, it will use this IP address only.
  • Dynamically, or by DHCP - DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. DHCP allows your computer to automatically ask for the first available IP address every time you connect. Once your computer is finished with the connection, it releases that IP back to the server for other devices to use. Since our servers accommodate thousands of residents, DHCP is the easiest way to administer a unique IP to each device. This guide will take you through the steps necessary to make sure that DHCP is turned on for your computer.
Windows 7
  1. Go to the Start menu and open the Control Panel.
  2. Under Network and Internet, select the option View network status and tasks.
  3. On the left-hand side, select Change adapter settings.
  4. Right-click Local Area Connection and select Properties.
  5. Double-click on the Internet Protocol Version 4.
  6. Make sure that the options to Obtain an IP Address Automatically and Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically are checked.
Windows Vista
  1. Go to the Start menu and open the Control Panel.
  2. Under Network and Internet, select the option View network status and tasks.
  3. On the left-hand side, select Manage network connections.
  4. Right-click Local Area Connection and select Properties.
  5. Double-click on the Internet Protocol Version 4.
  6. Make sure that the options to Obtain an IP Address Automatically and Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically are checked.
Windows XP
  1. Go to the Start menu, go to Settings, and then open the Control Panel.
  2. Double-click on the Network Settings icon. Right-click on Local Area Connection and select Properties.
  3. In the new window, scroll to the bottom of the list. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and select Properties.
  4. In the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window, make sure the checkbox buttons next to Obtain an IP Address Automatically and Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically are selected. Be sure that all IP address fields are blank.
Mac OS X
  1. Go to the Apple Menu and select System Preferences.
  2. Select the Network icon.
  3. Verify that the location section says Automatic and the Configure section says Built-in Ethernet.
  4. Make sure that the Configure IPv4 box is selected to Using DHCP. The DNS Server box may be left blank.
  5. Finally, click Apply Now to retain these settings, lock the panel if needed, and exit System Preferences.