FAQ Dynamic IP Addressing
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FAQs
What is a dynamically allocated IP address?
A dynamically allocated IP address is an address made available to all registered users upon request. When you are configured to use DHCP, your machine sends a request to the DHCP server for an IP address each time it is booted. If your machine is registered, the DCHP server responds by providing an IP address and other configuration addresses such as Gateway and DNS.
When registering for a dynamic IP address, the address you receive from the DHCP server is taken from a pool of IP addresses. Each time your computer requests an IP address from the DHCP server, it will be allocated an available address from the dynamic address pool. This address may be different each time your computer is started or if you release and renew your current IP address.
If my computer is registered for a dynamic IP address, will I always get an IP address from the DHCP server when I start my computer?
The theory behind dynamics is to register more users within the dynamic IP address pool than there are available IP addresses. The IP addresses are then shared because not all of the addresses are being used at the same time.
Based on utilization data, the dynamic IP address space that wireless machines access has been oversubscribed very conservatively. The percentage of oversubscription will not exceed the largest peak load. Theoretically, it is possible that we could underestimate in the future. We would consider this to be an unacceptable failure of our service and necessary actions would be taken to resolve this failure.
Will I still be able to read my e-mail and use Netscape to browse web pages if my computer has a dynamic IP address?
Yes, e-mail clients do not depend on having the same IP address each time the program is run. This is also true for web browsers such as Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer.
What network services currently offer the use of dynamically allocated IP addresses?
The Andrew Wireless network use dynamic IP addresses. The Carnegie Mellon dial-up modem pool also uses dynamically allocated IP addresses.
Can I choose a hostname for my computer if it is registered to use a dynamic IP address?
Yes. The hostname corresponds to a unique IP address. Computing Services has deployed dynamic DNS (DDNS) on the Andrew wireless network. The new service allows machines to retain a single static hostname while using a dynamic IP address. This means that users who want their machines to use a consistent name on the network have this capability even when using dynamic IP addressing.
How do I register my computer to use a dynamic IP address?
You can register your computer to use a dynamic IP address with the Andrew Network Registration System at http://netreg.net.cmu.edu/. Select Dynamic from the Mode option drop-down list for a registered machine.
Last Updated: 6/2/06
