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Networking Fundamentals · Foundational

IP Address Conflict

A condition in which two devices on the same network use the same IP address, causing intermittent connectivity for both.

Definition

Conflicts usually result from static addresses inside a DHCP scope, multiple DHCP servers with overlapping scopes, or cloned virtual machines. Operating systems detect conflicts using gratuitous ARP or ARP probes and display warnings. Resolving them involves finding both MAC addresses via the ARP table and correcting configuration.

Example

Windows reports "Windows has detected an IP address conflict" after a printer is given a pool address.

Exam tip

Look for a static assignment inside the DHCP pool or a rogue DHCP server.

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