Can I create a static IP on our iPad when our network uses DHCP?

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Level 1

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Can I create a static IP on our iPad when our network uses DHCP?

iPad/Touch connectivity was great until Charter upgraded our router to an SMCd3gn yesterday. We like what the router does for all our other Macs but the mobiles are not happy. I've read about the glories of giving them a static IP but I can't figure out how to do it when our network is DHCP. Do I use the IP address currently assigned on the DHCP screen? The other thing is that we have to use OpenDNS numbers on all the computers or the router is extremely slow, unlike the old one so it's definitely the router. Does this complicate things? If I can make the iPad static could someone tell me what goes where? Surprisingly, this is not yet on the web.

iPad Wi-Fi, Mac OS X (10.6.4), Currently in Our Fleet: 3 Macs, 1 iPad, 2 iPod Touches, 2 iPod Classics, 1 Nano

Posted on Sep 11, 2010 7:23 PM

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Answer 1

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Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Sep 11, 2010 7:38 PM in response to Mertonian

Touch Settings, touch General, touch Wi-Fi, touch the blue circled >. You can select DHCP, BootP, or Static. Note your DHCP configuration data before moving to the Static configuration. You need any IP address for the iPad (pick something within your router's range of IP addresses,) the network mask, the router's IP address (also known as the gateway IP address,) and the DNS' IP address. Fill in the information. In the router's configuration see if there's an option for DHCP with Manual addressing. If there is use that instead of DHCP. Most routers can handle both types of setups.

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Answer 2

Mertonian Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 11, 2010 7:48 PM in response to Kappy

Thank you so much for your detailed response. I had tried what you describe, carrying over the IP address presently assigned. I used the OpenDNs number under DNS. The network didn't go anywhere so I'll try one of the DNS numbers assigned. I'll also get into the router config. and try that. It kind of looks as if the iPad does not remember DNS numbers from session to session. Browsing can fly immediately after configuration (with OpenDNS, pre-static attempt) but then when I come back after a sleep session the net will not connect.

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Sep 11, 2010 8:00 PM in response to Mertonian

The configuration should not lose a DNS address. I just tried it on mine and it seems to work just fine. Are you sure you are using the correct IP address for OpenDNS? Be sure to use their primary: 208.67.222.222. I use an AEBS router connected to a BrightHouse cable modem that I think is made by Scientific Atlanta. It's all set to use DHCP.

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Answer 4

Mertonian Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 11, 2010 8:18 PM in response to Kappy

Yeah, all the information I entered in the Static IP panel was gone after the iPad went to sleep for a few minutes. Must I somehow remove it from the DHCP panel and THEN enter it into the Static? Sorry to be so thick.

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Answer 5

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Sep 12, 2010 9:30 AM in response to Mertonian

Did not happen on mine, and I did not remove anything. I just set the input for Static and left it there. I don't know why it would disappear on you.

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Answer 6

JimHdk

Level 7

28,874 points

Sep 12, 2010 10:14 AM in response to Mertonian

Mertonian wrote:
iPad/Touch connectivity was great until Charter upgraded our router to an SMCd3gn yesterday. We like what the router does for all our other Macs but the mobiles are not happy. I've read about the glories of giving them a static IP but I can't figure out how to do it when our network is DHCP. Do I use the IP address currently assigned on the DHCP screen? The other thing is that we have to use OpenDNS numbers on all the computers or the router is extremely slow, unlike the old one so it's definitely the router. Does this complicate things? If I can make the iPad static could someone tell me what goes where? Surprisingly, this is not yet on the web.

If you assign a static IP address to the iPad then you must choose it so that your router will not assign it to another device via DHCP. Check the router configuration to see which addresses are being used for which purpose.

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Answer 7

Mertonian Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 12, 2010 5:25 PM in response to JimHdk

The (SMC) router configuration allows me to assign a "device name" to each connected Mac Address. IP addresses cannot be used as names because there is not enough space in the field given. I tried. I'm assuming it's smart enough to recognize actual device names in lieu of an IP address. It's odd, I know, and there are several complaints about it online. The connection is stable and fast now with the standard router address and an OpenDNS "Search DNS," so I'll leave it alone for now. Thanks everyone for your wonderful help!

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Answer 8

Mertonian Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 12, 2010 8:29 PM in response to Kappy

I'm afraid I spoke too soon, Kappy. I have to turn the network off and then on again on the iPad at the start of each session. Does this give you any clue as to what might be the trouble?

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