DIY Networks - Windows 7 Local Area Network Configuration

Configuring your Local Area Network Connection in Windows 7

If you are using a DHCP server that assigns network addresses automatically to your computers and devices on your network you may never need to specify an IP address manually. The default configuration for windows operating systems for many years has been to obtain an IP address automatically so that many of us will simply plug our computer into the network and it will work. Many broadband routers and ADSL modems have a DHCP server enabled in their default configuration and this ensures that many home networks will never require much effort to get them running. Should you have a small closed off network of perhaps two or three computers with no internet access there may be instances where you may need to specify your IP address. It is also useful when performing more advanced tasks such as port forwarding.

Navigate to Network connections as described in Windows 7 Network Connections. In Network Connections you will see an icon similar to the one to the right of this paragraph for your Local Area Connection. Double click on this icon.



On the local Area Network Status box click on the properties button you can see on the lower left hand corner as pictured above left. The computer will then display the local Area Connection Properties box as pictured above right. You will see in the middle This Connection uses the following items, scroll down until you find Internet Protocol Version 4 TCP/IP and double left click on it. Alternately you may highlight it by clicking on it once and then clicking the properties button.

You should now have the Internet Protocol Version 4 TCP/IP Properties box in front of you and this is where we can set a static IP address (one that doesnt change) or elect to use DHCP. If you intend to use DHCP all you need to do is ensure that the little circles next to Obtain an IP Address Automatically and Obtain DNS Server Addresses Automatically have a little dot in them showing that they are selected. If you have elected to set your IP address then click on Use the Following IP Address and Use the Following DNS Server Addresses (which will put the little spot in the circles next to them) and the IP address and nameserver address fields will become available so you can fill them out. If your not sure what to put in there consider reading our Basic Networking Section .

As with previous versions of Windows you may also specify an alternate configuration if this computer is to be used on more than one network, a very useful tool particularly with laptops that may be moved from home to work as an example. If one location has a DHCP server and the other requires you to specify an IP address leave the General tab settings as Obtain an IP Address Automatically and Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically. On the Alternate Configuration tab specify your IP address, Subnet Mask, Gateway and Nameserver Address manually. This is completely unnecessary if both locations have a DHCP server.

Once your satisfied with your settings click ok on the bottom of the TCP/IP Properties box, click ok on the Local Area Connection Properties box, close off the the Local Area Connection Status box and your Windows 7 local area connection configuration is complete.