Unoverica Message Transport v2.11 Chapter 2: Configuring TCP/IP

Chapter 2: Configuring TCP/IP

2.2.3.1 Choose an IP Address

Each device on a TCP/IP network requires a unique, 32-bit address in order to communicate with other TCP/IP systems on the network. This address consists of four, 8-bit fields separated by dots (such as 192.168.1.10).

The 32-bit address represents two pieces of information. Part of the address indicates the IP network that the device is on (similar to the way that IPX networks are individually numbered). Every device on the same local network should have the same network number. The remainder of the address indicates the specific address of the specific device on that network (similar to the way that IPX devices are individually numbered). For example, 192.168.1.10 represents node "10" on network "192.168.1.0".

By using discrete network and node addresses, IP can route packets across multiple networks. Once a packet reaches the destination network, it is routed to the specific node specified by the device’s address.

WARNING: Different devices may not use the same IP addresses, and different networks may not use the same network addresses. Doing so will prevent packets from getting delivered to the appropriate system.

You may need to discuss this subject with other system administrators, consultants, or service providers in order to determine the correct IP address to use on this system.

The IP address that you choose to assign this device will be determined by several factors:

If you already have TCP/IP installed on other systems on the same network that this server is on, locate an unused address and write it down in the "IP Address for this System" field in the configuration worksheet.
If you do not have TCP/IP installed on other systems on the same network but do have TCP/IP installed on other networks within your organization, then you should allocate a new network number for this particular network segment and assign an unused address from that pool to this server. Write the full address in the "IP Address for this System" field in the configuration worksheet.
If you do not have TCP/IP installed on any systems within your organization, but have (or will soon have) a routed connection to the Internet, then you should request a new network number from your Internet Service Provider and assign an address from that pool to this server. Write the full address in the "IP Address for this System" field in the configuration worksheet.
If you do not have TCP/IP installed on any systems within your organization, and do not plan to have a routed connection to the Internet, then you may use one of the private network addresses listed in section B.3.1.3 Internet-Legal versus Private Addressing. Allocate an address from one of those pools and write the address in the "IP Address for this System" field in the configuration worksheet.

For more information on IP addressing issues, refer to section B.3.1 TCP/IP Addressing.

STEP: To continue to the next step in the configuration process, go to section 2.2.3.2 Choose a Subnet mask.