Ethernet IP Address Explorer DHCP and Bootp Server
Quick take
The Ethernet IP Address Explorer DHCP and BOOTP Server is a purpose-built commissioning tool for Ethernet/IP (CIP) devices. Instead of relying on a computer-based BOOTP/DHCP workflow, it can discover compatible equipment, assign IP addresses, and respond to DHCP/BOOTP requests, with support for device info display. The main caveat is fit: the target devices must comply with the Ethernet/IP CIP specification for features like static IP changes and enabling BOOTP/DHCP to work as intended.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built to handle DHCP and BOOTP requests for Ethernet-enabled industrial devices.
- Helps speed commissioning by assigning IP addresses without a laptop-based server setup.
- Supports discovery and displays device information (model, revision, serial number).
- Includes 10/100 full and half duplex with autonegotiation.
Cons
- Feature performance depends on whether your devices support the required Ethernet/IP CIP behavior.
- Review evidence provided is strongly positive, with limited detail on edge cases or long-term reliability.
- Best fit is for PLC/control-device workflows, not general-purpose networking.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is limited in depth but consistently points to a few decision-relevant themes. Several reviewers describe it as straightforward to use for addressing BOOTP or Ethernet/IP nodes, and emphasize time savings during commissioning because it reduces laptop “walkaround” setup. Others highlight that it can help configure multiple devices efficiently, and that reading device IP information is quick. The overall sentiment suggests the workflow is simpler than computer-based DHCP/BOOTP for many PLC-focused tasks, while detailed coverage of failure modes and advanced networking scenarios is less visible in the available excerpts.
What this tool is for
This device is designed for Ethernet/IP commissioning and IP management tasks involving industrial control equipment. If you regularly need to bring new PLCs, PLC communication modules, smart switches, or I/O adapters onto a network, it can act as the intermediary that detects compatible devices and manages IP assignment.
Key features and how they help during commissioning
DHCP and BOOTP services for Ethernet/IP devices
It can provide DHCP and BOOTP functionality so your Ethernet/IP-capable control devices can obtain or be changed to the right addressing. That is especially useful when you want to avoid setting up a dedicated computer-based server for BOOTP/DHCP during install or staging.
IP assignment and static IP changes
The unit supports setting IP addresses and changing static IP addresses. It also supports enabling BOOTP or DHCP to static or dynamic addressing, provided the target device behaves according to the Ethernet/IP CIP expectations.
Discovery and device identification over Ethernet/IP
It includes a way to display device information via Ethernet/IP, including model, revision, and serial number. The goal is to reduce guesswork when multiple nodes are present, or when you need quick confirmation that a device was found and targeted correctly.
Ethernet link support
For physical connectivity, it supports 10/100 full and half duplex with autonegotiation, which helps it integrate with common industrial and office switching setups.
Pros and cons, in plain language
Good fit if you need faster Ethernet/IP network bring-up
This is most valuable when your work involves commissioning, staging, or readdressing Ethernet/IP nodes and you prefer a purpose-built tool over configuring a computer each time.
Be cautious if you are not sure your devices match Ethernet/IP CIP expectations
If your target equipment does not align with the Ethernet/IP CIP specification requirements, the more advanced behaviors like static IP changes and BOOTP/DHCP modes may not work the way you expect. In that case, you may need an alternative approach, such as computer-based BOOTP/DHCP tools or device vendor utilities that match your specific hardware behavior.
Who should buy
- PLC programmers, automation engineers, and commissioning technicians who frequently set or troubleshoot IP addressing for Ethernet/IP control devices.
- Teams that want to streamline bulk commissioning, especially when they have to configure many devices across multiple projects.
- Buyers who prefer a dedicated hardware tool with device discovery and on-device information display.
Who should avoid
- Shoppers looking for a general-purpose networking server for everyday IT tasks.
- Those whose devices may not support the required Ethernet/IP CIP behavior for BOOTP/DHCP workflows and IP changes.
- Buyers who only need occasional, single-device IP configuration and already have a simple workflow that meets their needs.
Verdict
The Ethernet IP Address Explorer DHCP and Bootp Server earns its keep as a commissioning companion for Ethernet/IP environments. The strongest promise is workflow speed: it focuses on discovery, responding to DHCP/BOOTP requests, and assigning IP addresses without forcing you into a laptop-based server routine. If your devices match the Ethernet/IP CIP expectations, it can simplify bring-up and reduce time spent repeatedly configuring networking during installs. If not, you will likely need to align your approach to your specific device support and behavior.
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FAQs
Is the ethernet IP address explorer DHCP and bootp server worth it for PLC commissioning?
It tends to be worth considering when you regularly commission Ethernet/IP devices and want to reduce laptop-based BOOTP/DHCP setup. It is also a good fit if you value quick device discovery and IP information display during configuration.
Does it work with any industrial device?
It is designed to work with Ethernet/IP-compatible industrial control devices, and several of its more advanced behaviors depend on the target device complying with Ethernet/IP CIP expectations.
What does “DHCP and BOOTP server” mean in practice?
In practice, it can respond to DHCP and BOOTP requests and help assign IP addresses to compatible devices, so your network bring-up can be handled through this dedicated tool rather than a computer-based server.
Can it change static IP addresses?
Yes, it supports changing static IP addresses, but the target device must comply with Ethernet/IP CIP specification expectations for this to work as intended.
Does it show device information?
Yes. It can display device information via Ethernet/IP, including model, revision, and serial number.
Specifications
| Product Title | Ethernet IP Address Explorer DHCP and Bootp Server |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Networking Products > Print Servers |
| Manufacturer | The Automation Store |
| Item Weight | 6.1 ounces |
| Package Dimensions | 6.22 x 4.25 x 1.54 inches |
| Item model number | SIM-IPE |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
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