How Do I Choose Network Adapter Addresses?

During Windows EBS installation, you assign a permanent IP address to the internal network adapter on each of your Windows EBS servers:

  • The Management Server
  • The Security Server
  • The Messaging Server

The permanent settings for each internal adapter include a static IPv4 address, the subnet mask, the default gateway, and the addresses of the preferred and alternate DNS servers that you plan to use on your network. The permanent IP address settings replace the temporary settings that you assigned earlier in the Installation Wizard to connect to the Microsoft Update Web site for critical updates. When you assign the permanent address, you have the option of using the recommended settings (which are based on information that you provided earlier in the Installation Wizard) or manually typing new settings that are valid for your network. In most cases, you should use the recommended settings.

In addition, in the Security Server Installation Wizard, you assign an IP address to the external network adapter on that server. The external network adapter connects your Security Server to a gateway device or to the Internet. You can manually type IP address settings that are valid for your network, or you can use the DHCP Server service to assign an address automatically. Your choice depends on several factors, including:

  • Whether you are installing Windows EBS into an existing environment or creating a new environment
  • How your current firewall or other gateway device is configured
  • Whether you are replacing or keeping that device
  • Your choices for configuring DHCP and DNS

For more information about network configurations in Windows EBS, see: