What is an IP address?

Your IP address is your computer's unique address on the Internet; it consists of four numeric segments separated by periods (e.g., 64.236.16.116), and it is different from the MAC address of your Ethernet card. For instructions on how to determine your IP address, see How do I determine my computer's IP address?

IP addresses can be static, meaning a permanent number is assigned to your computer (by your network or DNS administrator); or they can be dynamic, meaning a temporary number is assigned each time you connect to the network.

At Indiana University, most computers have dynamic IP addresses assigned by DHCP. At IUB or IUPUI, if you need a static (i.e., permanent) IP address, see At IUB or IUPUI, how do I request a static IP address?

Also see:

• Using the IUB modem pool, can I get a static IP?
• At IUB or IUPUI, whom do I contact to change a Domain Name Services (DNS) entry?
• Ethernet cables at IUPUI
• In IUB or IUPUI campus housing, how do I get connected to the network?