Deep ThoughtsBlog
← Back to all writing

Network+ Exam

Assigning IP Addresses

October 29, 2025

  • #network+

Assigning IP Addresses

static assignemnt: manually typing in the IP address. can be time consuming and prone to error. static assignemts is impractical on large enterprise neteorks.

Dynamic Assignment - Dunamic allocation of i addresses.

most SOHO network devices already run a DHCP server.

IP address, Subnet mask, Default gateway, DNS server

DNS domain name server - converts domain name to IP address.

winswindows intenr naming sevice - identifies netbios names and converts it to a

bootp - Dynamically assigns ip addresses and allwos workstatons to load a copy of the boot image offer the network.

DHCP - Dynamic host configuration protocol 0 assigns an ip address automatically based on a scope. will provide all the needed info .

DHCP is the modern impelemtntation off Boot

Automatic private iPA addressing (Apipa) used with a device does not have a static IP address or cannot reach the DHCP server. these will automatialy set up a network, but cannot reach the internet.

Zero configuratpion (zeroconf) newer tech based on apippa can assign an IPV4 link local address to a cline. resolve computer names to ip addesses with MDNS perform a service diesovery on a newtork. called Bonjour on apple, called LLMNR on windows, on lynix it’s called system D.

IP Address Assignment & Name Resolution (N10-009)

Static Assignment

  • Manual configuration of IP, subnet mask, gateway, DNS.
  • Pros: Full control, predictable.
  • Cons: Time-consuming, error-prone, impractical in large networks.
  • Common for servers, printers, network appliances (devices that need consistent addressing).

Dynamic Assignment

  • Done with DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).
  • Provides:
    • IP address
    • Subnet mask
    • Default gateway
    • DNS server (and more, like lease times).
  • Used in SOHO and enterprise networks.
  • Modern replacement for BOOTP (Bootstrap Protocol).

BOOTP

  • Early protocol for dynamic addressing.
  • Could assign IP + allow loading of a boot image from the network.
  • Predecessor of DHCP.

DHCP

  • Modern, automated IP assignment based on a scope/pool.
  • Reduces admin overhead.
  • Can integrate with DNS for dynamic updates.

APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing)

  • Range: 169.254.0.0 – 169.254.255.255 (/16).
  • Used when:
    • No static IP set.
    • DHCP server unavailable.
  • Allows local communication (link-local) but not Internet access.
  • Exam Tip: If you see 169.254.x.x → DHCP failure.

Zero Configuration (Zeroconf)

  • Builds on APIPA with extra features:
    • Assigns IPV4 link-local address.
    • Resolves names with mDNS (multicast DNS).
    • Service discovery.
  • Implementations:
    • Apple → Bonjour
    • Windows → LLMNR
    • Linux → systemd-resolved

Name Resolution Services

  • DNS (Domain Name System): Converts domain names ↔ IP addresses.
  • WINS (Windows Internet Naming Service): Legacy; resolved NetBIOS names → IP. Deprecated but may appear in older environments.

✅ Exam Must-Knows

  • DHCP = modern BOOTP.
  • APIPA = 169.254.x.x (DHCP failure).
  • Static vs Dynamic = servers vs clients.
  • Zeroconf adds mDNS + service discovery (Bonjour, LLMNR).
  • WINS = NetBIOS to IP (old Windows).

⚡ Flashcard Drill

  • Q: Which protocol replaced BOOTP?

    A: DHCP.

  • Q: What address range indicates DHCP failure?

    A: 169.254.0.0/16 (APIPA).

  • Q: What protocol converts domain names to IPs?

    A: DNS.

  • Q: What replaced WINS in modern Windows environments?

    A: DNS.