Systems joined to a managed network often rely on Static IP Addresses to ensure these assets comply with availability and discoverability requirements of the managing IT group. Unique hardware MAC Addresses are used to identify and manage individual assets on a network, but when a docked laptop or notebook system is configured with a Static IP Address, the dock can create an obstacle for MAC Address pass-through communication. This prevents IT from being able to manage the portable on the network as long as the portable is docked to a docking station with the default DHCP IP Address configuration.
To ensure docked Static IP portables are manageable, the dock must also have a Static IP address assigned and configured to ensure MAC Address pass-through functions properly.