Switch Setup Overview 25IP Configuration The switch’s IP configuration is determined automatically using DHCP, ormanually using values you assign.Automatic IP Configuration using DHCPBy default the switch tries to configure its IP Information withoutrequesting user intervention. It tries to obtain an IP address from a DHCPserver on the network.Default IP Address If no DHCP server is detected, the switch will useits default IP information. The default IP address is 169.254.x.y, where xand y are the last two bytes of its MAC address.Note: The switch’s default IP address is listed on a label located on thebottom and top of the switch.If you use automatic IP configuration it is important that the IP address ofthe switch is static, otherwise the DHCP server can change the switch’s IPaddresses and it will be difficult to manage. Most DHCP servers allowstatic IP addresses to be configured so that you know what IP address willbe allocated to the switch. Refer to the documentation that accompaniesyour DHCP server.You should use the Automatic IP configuration method if:■ your network uses DHCP to allocate IP information, or■ flexibility is needed. If the switch is deployed onto a different subnet, itwill automatically reconfigure itself with an appropriate IP address,instead of you having to manually reconfigure the switch.If you use the automatic IP configuration method, you need to discoverthe automatically allocated IP information before you can beginmanagement. Work through the “Viewing IP Information using theConsole Port” on page 28.Manual IP ConfigurationWhen you configure the IP information manually, the switch remembersthe information that you enter until you change it again.You should use the Manual IP configuration method if:■ You do not have a DHCP server on your network, or■ You want to remove the risk of the IP address ever changing, or
