Dynamically Obtaining an IP Address

All devices on a network have a 4 byte IPv4 address (134.50.165.1) which helps to identify them on the network. There are two types of IP address that a system can have based on how it obtains them.  

1. Static IP: It is configured by your system administrator and the configuration is persistent.

2. Dynamic IP: It is assigned via Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) automatically from a pool of IP addresses when your computer connects to the network.

Sometimes you'll need to switch between a Static or Dynamic IP address. In order to do this, follow the directions below: 

1. Click "System Preferences" from your object dock on the bottom of your desktop. Then click the "Network" options menu.

1b. If you don't have "System Preferences" in your object dock, look to the top right of your desktop. Click "Go" then "Applications". You will find "System Preferences" near the bottom of the window it opens.

2. Click on "Ethernet" (if you are using another network connection type, use that). In the configuration drop down menu, choose "Using DHCP".

3. Click "Apply" and you are done!