Configure Network Settings for Your Laptop

Note: This procedure shows the steps for configuring DHCP on a laptop running macOS X 10.9.x. The steps may be different if you are using another version of macOS. There is also an issue using DHCP IP address settings with some macOS versions. See macOS DHCP issue in the Important Considerations section above. DO NOT use these steps for macOS 10.12.6 and later. Use the Example: Configure Mac TCP / IPV4 Settings (static IP address) procedure instead.

1. In the macOS, select Apple menu > System Preferences > Network.

   

2. Select the Ethernet connection interface.
3. Capture the current selections displayed in the dialog box so you can reset the network connection with these options after configuring the system.

Keep in mind that you will need these settings to reset your laptop to connect to your network.

4. From the list of network connection options available, select the Ethernet connection.
5. If needed, click the lock icon in the lower lefthand corner of the dialog to unlock the network dialog.
6. In the Configure IPv4 list, select Using DHCP (if not already selected).
7. Click Apply.
8. If needed, click the lock icon in the lower lefthand corner of the dialog to lock the network dialog again.

   

9. Wait for the system to apply the above settings (may take a minute or two), and then verify the following:
   • An IP address of 169.254.x.x has been assigned. If this is not correct, set the settings manually. See Configure Network Settings for Your Laptop.
   • When the Ethernet connection is enabled and is active, you will see its icon turn to green. When the ethernet cable is connected to a the laptop, the status on the right side of the dialog will display "Status: Connected".

     

10. Close the Network dialog.

Note: This procedure shows the steps for configuring DHCP on a laptop running Windows 7. The steps will be different if you are using another operating system, or a different version of Windows.

1. Access the Network Connects dialog box.
   Steps

   1. Select the Start Menu.
   2. In the Search programs and files field, enter View Network Connections.
   3. From the displayed return list, select View network connections.
2. From the Network Connections dialog, right-click on the Ethernet port network connection — typically Local Area Connection — and select Properties.

   

3. Capture the current selections displayed in the Local Area Connection Properties dialog box so you can reset the network connection using these options after configuring the system.

   Keep in mind that you will need these settings to reset your laptop to connect to your network.

4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP / IPv4) from the list of connections, and then click Properties.

   

5. From the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties dialog box, do the following:

   1. Select the Obtain an IP address automatically radio button.

   2. Select the Obtain DNS server address automatically radio button.

      

6. Click OK, and then click Close.

Wait at least 2 minutes to ensure the laptop network connection is enabled.

• TCP/IPv4 address - 169.254.21.200
• Subnet mask - 255.255.255.0

Note: This procedure shows the steps for configuring DHCP on a laptop running macOS X 10.9.x. The steps may be different if you are using another version of macOS.

1. In the macOS, select Apple menu > System Preferences > Network.

   

2. Capture the current selections displayed in the dialog box so you can reset the network connection with these options after configuring the system.

Keep in mind that you will need these settings to reset your laptop to connect to your network.

3. From the list of network connection options available, select the Ethernet connection.
4. If needed, click the lock icon in the lower lefthand corner of the dialog to unlock the network dialog.
5. In the Configure IPv4 list, select Manually.
6. Enter the IP address to use for the network connection:
   • TCP/IPv4 address - 169.254.21.200
   • Subnet mask - 255.255.255.0

   

7. Click Apply.
8. Wait for the system to apply the above settings (may take a minute or two), and then verify the following:
   • When the Ethernet connection has been enabled and is active, you will see its icon turn to green. After the network cable is connected, the status on the right side of the dialog will display "Status: Connected", as shown here:

     

9. If desired, click the lock icon in the lower lefthand corner of the dialog to lock the network dialog again.
10. Close the Network dialog.

The Network settings will be set.

Note: This procedure shows the steps for configuring a static network connection on a laptop running Windows 7. The steps will be different if you are using another operating system, or a different version of Windows.

1. Access the Network Connects dialog box.
   Steps

   1. Select the Start Menu.
   2. In the Search programs and files field, enter View Network Connections.
   3. From the displayed return list, select View network connections.
2. From the Network Connections dialog, right-click on the Ethernet port network connection — typically Local Area Connection — and select Properties.

   

3. Capture the current selections displayed in the Local Area Connection Properties dialog box so you can reset the network connection using these options after configuring the system.

   Keep in mind that you will need these settings to reset your laptop to connect to your network.

4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP / IPv4) from the list of connections, and then click Properties.

   

5. From the list of connections, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), and then click Properties to display the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties dialog box.

   We recommend writing down the settings in this dialog box before you change them. You can refer to this information when you set the the settings back to their original values — after you are finished using this local network connection.

6. Click the Use the following IP address radio button, and enter the appropriate IP address and Subnet mask values:
   • TCP/IPv4 address - 169.254.21.200
   • Subnet mask - 255.255.255.0

   

7. Click OK.
8. Click Close.

Wait at least two minutes for the laptop to enable the network connection.