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Understanding MAC Address Pass-through Limitations for Docked Systems

Summary: Uncover the potential limitations of MAC Address pass-through on docked laptop systems.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.

Symptoms

​Systems on a managed network often rely on Static IP Addresses to ensure they comply with the availability and discoverability requirements of the managing IT group. Unique hardware MAC Addresses are used to identify and manage individual assets on a network. When a docked laptop or laptop system is configured with a Static IP Address, the dock can obstruct MAC Address pass-through communication. This prevents IT from being able to manage the laptop on the network as long as the laptop is docked to a docking station with the default DHCP IP Address configuration.

Cause

No cause associated.

Resolution

To ensure that docked Static IP laptops are manageable, the dock must also have a Static IP address assigned and configured to ensure MAC Address pass-through functions properly.

Affected Products

Chromebook, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Mobile Workstations
Article Properties
Article Number: 000147357
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 04 Sept 2024
Version:  5
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