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Chapter 9: Assigning Static IPs Using MAC Addresses in a TP-Link Router

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Arun Kumar Kumathalli
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3 min read

Introduction

When setting up a network, assigning static IP addresses ensures that devices always get the same IP even after reboots. Instead of manually setting static IPs on each device, we can configure static DHCP reservations in the TP-Link router using each device’s MAC address.

In this chapter, we will guide you through assigning static IPs for the two Ubuntu servers using the TP-Link router’s web interface. This ensures that each server always receives the same IP over Wi-Fi while simplifying network management.

Why Use MAC-Based Static IPs?

  1. Ensures Consistent IP Assignments

    • No need to configure static IPs on each device manually.

    • IPs remain the same even after system restarts.

  2. Better Network Management

    • Easy to track devices using predictable IP addresses.

    • Prevents IP conflicts that occur with dynamically assigned addresses.

  3. Simplifies Remote Access & Services

    • Useful for SSH, file sharing, and local networking, as servers always have the same IP.

  4. Avoids Conflicts with Manually Assigned Static IPs

    • If static IPs are configured manually on the device but not reserved in the router, conflicts can arise.

Step 1: Find the MAC Addresses of the Ubuntu Servers

To reserve an IP in the router, we need each server’s MAC address for the Wi-Fi interface.

Check MAC Address Using Ubuntu UI

  1. Open Network Settings:

    • Click on the network icon in the top-right corner.

    • Select Settings → Wi-Fi.

  2. View Connection Details:

    • Click on the gear icon next to your Wi-Fi network.

    • Scroll down to find MAC Address (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E).

  3. Note Down the MAC Addresses for Both Servers.

To configure static DHCP reservations, access the TP-Link router’s settings.

  1. Open a Web Browser.

  2. Enter the Router’s IP Address:

    • Default is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.

    • If unsure, check on Ubuntu:

      • Open Network Settings.

      • Look for the Gateway (this is your router’s IP).

  3. Log in with Administrator Credentials:

    • Default credentials:

      • Username: admin

      • Password: admin (or as set by the user).

Step 3: Assign Static IPs to the Servers

Once logged in, follow these steps to set up MAC-based static IP assignments.

  1. Go to the DHCP Settings:

    • Navigate to DHCP → Address Reservation.

  2. Add a New Reservation:

    • Click Add New.

    • Enter the MAC address of Server A.

    • Assign IP: 192.168.0.18.

    • Click Save.

  3. Repeat for Server B:

    • Enter the MAC address of Server B.

    • Assign IP: 192.168.0.20.

    • Click Save.

Apply & Restart

  1. Click Reboot or Apply Changes.

  2. Restart both Ubuntu servers to get their new static IPs from the router.

Step 4: Verify the Static IP Assignment

After rebooting, check that each server received the correct static IP.

On Ubuntu UI:

  1. Open Network Settings.

  2. Click on the gear icon for your Wi-Fi connection.

  3. Check the IP Address – it should match the one assigned in the router.

Alternative: Check from the Router

  1. Go to DHCP Client List in the TP-Link router.

  2. Ensure that:

    • Server A is assigned 192.168.0.18.

    • Server B is assigned 192.168.0.20.

Conclusion

Using MAC-based static IP assignments in a TP-Link router ensures that Ubuntu servers always receive the same IP address. This method is efficient, avoids conflicts, and makes network management easier.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Static DHCP reservations ensure consistent IPs without manual configuration on each device.
✅ MAC addresses uniquely identify devices, allowing reliable IP assignments.
✅ Ubuntu UI provides an easy way to find MAC addresses without commands.
✅ Verifying assigned IPs ensures proper connectivity.

🎯 Next Steps: Your servers now have consistent IPs, making remote access, routing, and local networking much easier! 🚀