IP (Internet Protocol) Address

This topic is just some additional information about IP addresses and how they are used both in general and specifically in regard to the application. ECI Software Solutions, Inc. provides no support for network or related issues except in the case of hosted environments we maintain. This does not include third party hosting (hosting offered by a company other than ECI Software Solutions, Inc.).

An IP address is used to identify devices on a network. There are two (2) types of addresses: IPV4 and IPV6.

The older, IPV4 addresses, are comprised of four (4) sets (segments) of numbers separated by three (3) decimals or periods. For example, "192.168.1.101" could be a valid IPV4 address. The first (1st) three (3) sets of numbers (left to right) are typically consistent throughout a network. Usually, only the last set is unique to a particular device. This is the type of IP address that people are more familiar with.

The newest format, IPV6, is more complex and provides a must greater number of possible addresses. This uses eight (8) segments instead of four (4). In addition, the segments aren't represented as numbers. Each segment is 16 bits in length usually represented as hexadecimal values (an alpha-numeric code that corresponds to a binary value). Segments are each separated by a colon (:) character. Empty segments (with zero values) are indicated by consecutive colons.

Devices are also typically given a name on the network such as "Fred's PC," for example. Names are mapped to the numeric addresses by a "name" server somewhere on the network (Internet sites also use numbered addresses behind-the-scenes). For example, when you type in a web site's address, it searches a name server (DNS or "Dynamic Name Server") for the site's current IP based address which is used by your browser to connect to the site. Names can be less reliable since a DNS server may not always be available or may not be up-to-date when changes to addresses have occurred.

How are Addresses Assigned?

Within a network, there are a couple of options for how IP addresses are assigned to devices. Sometimes, IP addresses are assigned as devices connect to the network using DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol). These addresses can change if either the device or network equipment is reset. A network would typically have a designated range of IP addresses reserved for DHCP use.

Some devices can be assigned a static or preferred address. This address won't change even if the device or network equipment is reset. A network would typically have a designated range of IP addresses reserved for static use.

Addresses must be unique for all devices sharing the same network. The same IP address should never be assigned to more than one device.

The software application requires the use of either static addresses or another unique identifier. This is necessary because it's important for the software to be able to identify the type of device as well as the physical location of a device easily.

The many different devices on your network must interact with each other in a reliable fashion. For example, a station is typically assigned to a specific printer or set of printers. Should the assigned printer's IP address change, the station's transactions might stop printing entirely or print somewhere else. Using static addresses with printers and signature pads helps prevent these types of problems.

Computers and mobile devices can typically use static addresses, unique identifiers, or a combination of the two (2). There are situations where static IP addresses won't work such as remote apps, for example.