Guidelines for DHCP Registration

There are two options for registering for DHCP service. You can register with a static IP address, or register without a static IP address. There are different advantages to each option. Please go through the list for each option below to determine which is the best choice for the device you are about to register.

Register with a Static IP Address

Choose this option if:

• If this is your primary machine and you need to use it while roaming on campus.
• You don't want to re-register for an IP address on a yearly basis. (If you register without an IP address, you need to re-register annually on July 31.)
• You frequently switch between wired and wireless connections in your own building (e.g., move from your office to a conference room). This means you won't have to renew your Kerberos tickets.

Register without a Static IP Address

Choose this option if:

• You're an MIT student.
• You're an MIT visitor.
• You're registering a secondary device, e.g., a PDA, a laptop you use away from the office.

Note: In order to facilitate roaming and mobile computing on the MIT campus, registering for DHCP service without an IP address is currently complimentary and open to all MIT faculty and staff. MIT recovers costs for its network infrastructure via static IP registrations and private subnets. Registration logs are reviewed periodically and you may be contacted to suggest more appropriate ways to register multiple devices for use on MITnet.