Streamlining IP Address Management on Windows Servers

Managing multiple IP addresses on a Windows server through the graphical interface can be a tedious process, requiring manual entry for each IP address in separate dialog boxes. However, there's a much simpler solution that allows you to add entire subnets in seconds using the command line.

Adding IP Addresses from the Command Line

Windows provides the netsh command, enabling configuration of network connections. To add an IP address, use the following syntax:

netsh interface ipv4 add address "Local Area Connection" 192.168.1.2 255.255.255.0

This command adds the IP address 192.168.1.2 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0 to the connection titled "Local Area Network."

Adding Multiple IP Addresses at Once

By combining the netsh command with a FOR /L loop, you can quickly add multiple IP addresses. The syntax for the loop is:

FOR /L %variable IN (start,step,end) DO command

To add every IP address from an entire subnet, use:

FOR /L %A IN (0,1,255) DO netsh interface ipv4 add address "Local Area Connection" 192.168.1.%A 255.255.255.0

This command efficiently adds all IP addresses from 192.168.1.0 to 192.168.1.255 to the "Local Area Connection" interface.

Quick Demonstration

To illustrate, let's add IP addresses 192.168.1.10 to 192.168.1.20:

FOR /L %A IN (10,1,20) DO netsh interface ipv4 add address "Local Area Connection" 192.168.1.%A 255.255.255.0

After running the command, the IP Configuration of the adapter displays the new addresses.

Additional Commands

Here are some useful additional netsh commands:

• To list IP addresses: netsh int ipv4 show ipaddresses level=verbose
• To delete an IP address: netsh int ipv4 delete address "Local Area Connection 1" 10.114.1.35

Adding IP Addresses to Your Dedicated Windows Server

For Windows Server 2003 and earlier:

1. Log in to Remote Desktop.
2. Navigate to Control Panel -> Network Connections -> Local Area Connection.
3. Right-click Properties -> Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) -> Properties -> Advanced -> Add.

For Windows Server 2008:

1. Log in to Remote Desktop.
2. Open the Start menu and select Network.
3. Double-click Network and Sharing Center.
4. Click Change Adapter Settings -> Right-click server's network card -> Properties.
5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) -> Properties -> Advanced -> Add.