Configuring network automatically

Automatic configuration means searching for all available computers inside a defined network. It is possible, provided an IP address and a subnet mask has been specified for the network. This information can be specified while creating a new network or editing an existing one.

Computers inside the network will be found only if they are switched on when the search is run. Therefore, to be sure that the readout of network configuration has been completed, you have to scan IP addresses for a selected network periodically. For this purpose, select a network on the network list on Network tab and right click on it, and then select Scan IP Addresses from the displayed context menu, or to select Network Scan IP Addresses from the main menu. The search is performed in the background and it does not block the program. Computers which are subsequently found are added to the network list. A host’s names or IP addresses are assigned as computers’ names. While scanning the network, the icon on the list is “pulsing”, informing you that the operation is in process.

Scanning is finished automatically when all IP addresses which are related to a network address and subnet mask, have been checked. However, it is possible to stop the process earlier. You have to select the network which is being scanned, and right click on it, and then select Stop Scanning from the context menu or Network Stop Scanning from the main menu.

The time of scanning depends on a network address and subnet mask. It also results from the method used to establish possible IP addresses. In the most widespread C network, the mask is equal to 255.255.255.0, which means that at most there are 254 addresses that have to be checked. In a B network with a 255.255.0.0 mask, 65534 addressees are possible. If a mistake occurs and a mask is specified as 255.0.0.0, uplook will scan 16777214 IP addresses.

When scanning IP addresses has been finished, you may edit added users.