TCP/IP

Each computer in the Local Area Network gets a unique IP address. Windows XP and Windows Vista are set up to Obtain an IP address automatically.

 

In a small home/office LAN, the IP addresses may be handed out by the Router. The Router builds a reference table of which network card gets what IP address. The address is leased for a short time, perhaps three days.

 

Sometimes, a computer needs a static IP address. It is possible to set up a workstation or server with a fixed address, assigned from a pool of reserved IP addresses.