Policy for requesting Static IP addresses:

The Illinois Institute of Technology, Main Campus, has a policy of no longer issuing static IP addresses to users except under the following circumstances:

• A server that requires a static IP and hostname such that users can connect to that server using the given hostname. An example of this would be a public website, or a computational server that is used by classes.
• A printer that requires a static IP and hostname so client PCs can be configured to connect to it.
• A device that cannot be configured for DHCP and must be configured using a static IP.
• A device that is accessed by a software package that requires that the device have a static IP address in order for it's license to function. (License Servers)
• Student organizations that are recognized by the Office of Student Activities and require a registered DNS name for their website

The following are alternatives that must be considered before System Services will consider issuing a static IP address:

• Using a private IP address (192.168.x.x)
  • Using a private IP address on the network device, and adding a private IP address to your computer that is on the same subnet, will allow your host to communicate with the device. This will also help reduce the number of public IP addresses used, and act as a security measure since the device will not be accessible via the Internet.
• Using the OTS DHCP-Lookup Site (once available)
• Using a dynamic-DNS service
  • Dynamic DNS services will allow you to keep track of your IP address by running a small software application that updates a public DNS registry. Free services can be found by searching for “dynamic DNS free” at google.com.

The following are not acceptable reasons for requesting a static IP. This list will be updated as unacceptable reasons are presented to us:

• Remote Desktop connectivity
• Private servers
• Student machines

If you must have a static IP, and none of the above alternatives will work, then you may request a static IP address through the http://dhcp.iit.edu website. Within two business days of placing your request, you should receive notification if your request has been approved or denied. If your request is approved, configure your host for DHCP (if possible) and our DHCP server will then assign you the same IP each time the DHCP request is made. This IP will also have your requested hostname associated with it.

Unauthorized Assignment of Static IP will not be allowed:

Users who enter an IP address on their network device (computer, router, printer, etc) without authorization from OTS may have their device blocked from the network. All network devices must be configured for DHCP (unless otherwise authorized), even if they are receiving a static IP address from our DHCP server.

Should an IP address be found to be in use statically, Network Services would attempt to contact the owner of the device. If they were unable to do so, or have not received a response from the owner within 24 hours of their contact attempt, the device would then be blocked from the network until the owner contacts Network Services through the Office of Technology Services Support Desk.

Back to How To's