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Do you often come across network issues in your local area network? Are you or anybody else in your network facing network outages on a regular basis? You need not worry as it does not necessarily mean you are under a virus attack. It might be that you are facing an IP Address conflict in your network. It can be very irritating, to be honest, but can be easily resolved using some tips we discuss below. 

Before trying to troubleshoot our issue, we need to understand what an IP address conflict is and why does it happen?

In simpler terms, IP conflict is used as a derivative of two or more systems that are in the same network. They both use the same IP address. This results in data and flow of data getting mixed up between hosts and their destiny. As both the systems use the same IP address, it results in confusion over the network, resulting in network outage or non-flow of data. As the network tries to resolve the issue, certain systems get their network connectivity revoked to avoid conflict. 

There are several reasons why IP Addresses may have a conflict. Some of these include:

• DHCP Server Related Issues - It's essential to have a good DHCP server for your system to protect your machines against IP conflicts. Subpar DHCP servers may contain vulnerabilities that induce IP conflicts by assigning IP addresses to network devices erroneously in dynamic IP assignments. 

• Dynamic Allocation Strategies - For systems that have both static and dynamic network allocation often result in IP conflict. This occurs mainly due to both static IP and dynamic IP allocating the same IP address to multiple devices. 

• Static IP Allocation - When a network administrator manually alters IP addresses for hosts and devices, this is known as static IP allocation. It is among the most common reasons for Windows IP address conflict, which can result in the network administrator configuring two devices with about the same IP address. This problem can be caused by inefficient IP address management solutions, such as spreadsheets.

• BYOD Policy - When the outside devices enter the network are statically allocated an IP address, IP conflicts may arise in large businesses that follow bring your own device (BYOD) rules. When a device is statically configured with the IP address 192.168.1.10 in the home network, it uses the same IP address when it is introduced into the organization’s network. The conflict happens when there are other devices in the network which have the same IP Address. 

• Improper Network Configuration - IP conflicts can be caused by human errors including configuration problems when setting up and administering complicated network infrastructures with many routers, adapters, or modems.

• For IP Address Conflict Due To DHCP Server Related Issue - Verify the MAC address to begin resolving an IP address conflict. If the contesting IP address is connected with a particular network or host, surrender its DHCP lease by creating a static IP address. Change the scope of the DHCP servers to eliminate overlap, and afterward set up the device or host to join the network using a dynamically allocated IP address.

• For IP Conflict Between DHCP Server against the IP Allocation - If the contesting IP address is linked with a device or host, relinquish the device's existing IP address. Personally configure it with an accessible IP address. Disable the switch port momentarily if the MAC stated address linked with the incompatible IP address is linked to it. Unlock the switch port, remove the MAC's current IP address, and personally configure the machine with an available IP address.

• For IP Conflicts Between IP Reservation & IP Allocation - If the contesting IP address is associated with the MAC stated address of a network device or host. Release the device's current IP address. Manually configure it with an accessible IP address. Block the switch port briefly if the MAC stated address linked with the incompatible IP address is linked. Unblock the switch port and remove the MAC's current IP address.

• For IP Conflict Between IP Reservation And DHCP Server Logs - Check to see if the clashing MAC has a static IP address. If so, set the MAC to get its IP address out from DHCP servers on a dynamic basis. Examine the DHCP server keeps a log for any type of anomaly. Disable the switch port momentarily if the MAC stated address is linked with the contesting IP address is linked to it. Unlock the switch port, remove the MAC's current IP address, then personally configure the machine with an appropriate IP address.